Escaping your RV in the event of a fire

[Graydon]

Escaping your RV in the event of a fire

The moderator may want to post this elsewhere

[JayWalker2009]

Ivylog wrote:
Thanks for posting this as I went out and tried mine. It was a lot harder to open than one would expect when it has not been used. The rubber seal was stuck and it took several times of pushing hard on it to open. I sprayed the rubber seal with silcone spray and now it's no problem to open. Thanks again.

This makes me glad I open mine often just to ventilate the RV just like I do when I open all the other windows. So I am very familiar with pulling that red handle. Never really thought about it getting stuck, but this is good info to have.

As for my exit plan, we will pull that red handle and hurl ourselves thru that window. Luckily we are both small. I have no idea how they expect anyone large to fit thru that hatch in some RV's. It doesn't seem the most well thought of plans on the part of manufacturers.

[Mocoondo]

The best advice I can offer in this thread is if there is ever any concern that a fire may be present, RUN LIKE HELL out of your motorhome. I've seen a number of RV fires and can tell you first hand that a coach will erupt into a major conflagration in a matter of seconds. Trying to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher is probably the most foolish thing you could ever consider doing. You just don't have time. Get out. Get away. And be glad that your insurance company just bought a motorhome.

Additionally, be absolutely familiar and comfortable with the emergency exits of your coach. Most have an escape window, but how many of you have ever attempted egress out the window? How do you plan on getting out? Have you ever tried? Have you ever even opened the emergency exit? You would be surprised how many people have never actually pulled on those red handles, or never actually tried getting out through the opening. Do each of your family members know how to use the emergency exits? How about any guests you may have on board? Everyone should practice at least once a year with the emergency exits. At the very least, it's a good idea to exercise the components so you know that everything works if/when the time comes to use them.

Quick story ... I had a unit for sale on my lot a number of years ago. Apparently there had been a minor water leak at one of windows in the rear bedroom at some point in the past. This window also happened to be an emergency exit. Red handles, appropriate placards, the full enchilada. Well, previous owner decided to "fix" the apparent water leak by sealing it shut with black RTV or similar silicone caulk. No clue how long the unit had been driving around like that, but his seal job effectively rendered the emergency exit useless.

Make sure you know where your exits are. Make sure all your family members know where the exits are and how to use them. Operate the exits regularly. Practice getting out through each of the available exits.

I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but it could save your life one day.

Photo courtesy Mac McCoy.

[Veebyes]

Can't imagine beinng able to get out of the so-called escape window of our 5er. I did buy a second, larger, fire extinquiser to kept by the door. The original is within hands reach from the bed.

[Bama_bluejay]

I feel more safe in our new TT because it has 2 doors. Our 2 previous TT's only had the 1 door. Thanks for the video, reminder as to have a plan and know what to do if something God forbid did happen.

[bass_n_bob]

We attended Mac Mcoy's seminars at the FMCA rally in Indie last month. It should be mandatory seminar for campers. He had several volunteers trying to exit from a motorhome and no one was very fast. He also had an excellent seminar on the use of fire extinguishers that should also be mandatory for all campers. Having a dowl rod, flashlight or head lamp and extra extinguisher by the escape window is a good idea. Also some of the new campers we looked at have very small escape windows - look before you buy.

[Ivylog]

"Another thing to think about is that in some cases the RV door may be the closest exit, but a lot of us latch the bolt lock at night. Some fire situations limit your vision. It is a good idea to practice finding the bolt latch lever, knowing which way to turn it, and opening the door latch all with your eyes closed." and LYING ON THE FLOOR as crawing out is your best bet when it gets really hot.

[fred42]

cm wrote:
What about having a escape type rope ladder stored next to the window?

That is a good idea cm, I see they are not too expensive or bulky:

I like this one.

This one is a little weird because they say you can only use it once. That would mean no practicing?

Another thing to think about is that in some cases the RV door may be the closest exit, but a lot of us latch the bolt lock at night. Some fire situations limit your vision. It is a good idea to practice finding the bolt latch lever, knowing which way to turn it, and opening the door latch all with your eyes closed.

[old_guy]

AS I have always preached on this forum,and to my family "Safety First" that is a must. stuff happens to all of us and if it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. You never know when it will happen so at least talk about it, if you don't practice the escape.

[Jim_Shoe]

I have a Fleetwood 'C'. The escape hatch is the rear window over the bed, but it is NOT hinged. You open the handles and the window falls out, probably for a faster exit. I've heard that they're impossible re-seal. OTOH, if you needed to use the hatch, I don't imagine that there would be a frame left to hold it.
If you have a setup like this, fight the urge to see if it works.

[cm]

It is interesting that there is no mention of the added safety of having a driver's door. A DP like that shown in the video probably only has a door at the front passenger side. Or even a mid coach door.

The comments after the video mention why didn't he demonstrate someone his size using the escape window? Plus he keeps calling it an escape hatch?

What about having a escape type rope ladder stored next to the window?

[Ivylog]

Thanks for posting this as I went out and tried mine. It was a lot harder to open than one would expect when it has not been used. The rubber seal was stuck and it took several times of pushing hard on it to open. I sprayed the rubber seal with silcone spray and now it's no problem to open. Thanks again.

[five_er]

The thought of being in that scenario is frightening.

Blanket is a good tip and I'll try to keep that in mind should the scenario EVER present itself.

For my thoughts on what I saw.. Not sure what the spray is? Jayne was asked what they used to lube the hatch and she just bascially said.. This stuff here in my hand (holding generic spray bottle).

I think if faced with the scenario that required myself or loved ones to leave VIA the emergency escape hatch I'd likely not be taking the time to find a "macadoodle" to hold the window open. My body is likely going to do that as I propell myself through it. I'm sure this would be appreciated by those who are waiting to go out next and any harm or injury as a result will be minor considering the circumstances. I was worried poor jane was going to knock that stick out of the window.

Why don't RV manufacturers put a gas strut on those windows to hold them open? Seems the current standard can be improved upon.

My concern was always my daughter.. My fridge is located central the RV were say it could catch fire.. If I go out one window.. Can't get in the door then how do I gain access to the rear to free my child? I bet she has no clue on how to escape.. I need to show her.. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.. You could have saved a life today!

If nothing else this video has made me realize that getting out or escape routes out and in of the RV should be a major consideration when purchasing an RV. It will be on the top of my list.. NEVER did I consider it before as I'm sure most others as well.

[amandasgramma]

Thank you for this! I had never thought about how to get the window open, how to prop it or getting out ------------ we'll be practicing this today! And I feel for those that have lost their rigs to fire, too.

[Golden_HVAC]

I know a couple that had their carburetor catch fire, and the whole motorhome burned to the ground in a few minutes, the propane tank being especially loud!

Now she sits with her purse in hand, by the front door passenger seat in the replacement motorhome, ready to jump out and detach the towed car. Lucky for them, it has not happened again.

When they showed up at the hotel the first night after the RV caught fire, they had been sifting through the ashes of the RV, looking for their jewelry, or anything that was left, such as keys, it had all melted. So they looked like a couple of bums.

They had no clothes, one credit card, and not much cash. At least everything was replaceable! And they still had the Bronco II they towed behind their motorhome to drive home in.

For anyone that this happens to them, I do feel sorry for you!

Fred.

[pulsar]

Moved from RVing in Mexico and South America.