Fire

[goufgators]

Just read a post on another forum regarding escaping a fire (not an actual fire) in the front of an RV requiring exit through the rear escape window.

I know that my wife and I in the event of a fire would have great difficulty exiting the RV through those so-called escape windows.

Wondering...have you or have you ever heard of anyone having to actually use an escape window?

[accsys]

Since we replaced the Norcold with a residential, we don't worry about it near as much as before.

[Cloud_Dancer]

Our motorhome has a left side emergency exit in the front living room, and a 2nd one in the bedroom. Both are large enough, and have a "platform" in front of them such that you can first get in the face-down prone position in front of the exit. From there it's easy to go out feet first and hang on the window sill, then drop to the ground. Yes, we have fire drills.

[egh33]

Good grief, I have trouble getting out of bed. Sure don't know how we would make it out a window.
Of course going on 83 years old, it sure could be a problem.
I always figure the heater and AC is all back under the bed, so up front is the engine. Maybe we will be just lucky.

[Tripalot]

ncrowley wrote:
We went to a fire class at a FMCA forum and learned a lot about escaping a motor home in the case of fire. If you can attend one, I highly recommend it. Be sure that your escape windows open. Ours had never been opened since it was built and we had a very hard time opening the one in the bedroom. Once we opened it, the seal ripped in the bedroom window so I replaced the seal - not a big deal. But it is important we know it can open both escape windows. We also tested getting out of the bedroom window. We figured out a system to do so. We built a rod made of PVC pipe that we put in the window to keep it open. The window is heavy. We put the bedspread over the window sill. We practiced how to get out the window. You also should have your purse, wallet and clothing near the window and throw them out with you. That way you have car keys, money, clothes, etc, once you are out.

X2 Mac the Fire Guy does an excellent job of this presentation.

[ncrowley]

We went to a fire class at a FMCA forum and learned a lot about escaping a motor home in the case of fire. If you can attend one, I highly recommend it. Be sure that your escape windows open. Ours had never been opened since it was built and we had a very hard time opening the one in the bedroom. Once we opened it, the seal ripped in the bedroom window so I replaced the seal - not a big deal. But it is important we know it can open both escape windows. We also tested getting out of the bedroom window. We figured out a system to do so. We built a rod made of PVC pipe that we put in the window to keep it open. The window is heavy. We put the bedspread over the window sill. We practiced how to get out the window. You also should have your purse, wallet and clothing near the window and throw them out with you. That way you have car keys, money, clothes, etc, once you are out.

[rgatijnet1]

Since our escape windows are right behind the couches, getting out is no problem at all. The six foot drop to the ground may be a factor but I'm sure it would not stop either one of us from jumping out of the coach in the event of a fire.

[Bumpyroad]

sch911 wrote:
We have never had to use the emergency exit either and would also have trouble with it but given the choices when a fire breaks out I suspect we would get out that window without much thought. A broken arm/leg/hip is certainly better than the alternative. Lets all pray it doesn't happen to any of us....

yep, feeling the heat on your back would encourage you to fall face down even.
bumpy

[sch911]

We have never had to use the emergency exit either and would also have trouble with it but given the choices when a fire breaks out I suspect we would get out that window without much thought. A broken arm/leg/hip is certainly better than the alternative. Lets all pray it doesn't happen to any of us....

[Dutch_12078]

My wife and I both exited our previous RV's bedroom escape window unassisted as a practice run, and no, it's not the easiest thing to do. Our current coach has an almost identical layout in the bedroom, so we haven't felt the need to try it again. I did make sure the window is fully operable though. I suspect an actual fire would be a great motivator for making it happen when really needed.

[gbopp]

Fortunately, I've never had to use the emergency escape window and, don't know anyone who did.
Now, I would have no problem, it a couple years it may be a different story.

I don't know the answer, maybe manufacturers should consider an escape door with steps?
Or a small inflatable slide like the airliners use, which wouldn't be cheap and take up space in the RV.

Hopefully someone has a practical idea.