Since I had my experience climbing out the escape window in my coach this last Sunday, It got me thinking, what would I do if we were stuck in the coach, with no one near by to put a ladder near the window. I did a search on foreforum and nothing came up as to what to buy. It is a long way down from the window. Any ideas?
I haven't used it myself but here's an option for you
Amazon.com: Telescopic Ladder, 8.5FT RIKADE Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with... (https://www.amazon.com/Telescopic-RIKADE-Telescoping-Extension-Household/dp/B0B7DR5YRS/ref=sr_1_18?sr=8-18)
I've never attempted it but couldn't you just climb out and hold onto the window sill while you lower yourself down?
Your windows are probably higher off the ground than mine.
You know it's a good idea to think of it now rather than when you need to, a swan dive out the window might hurt
I seem to remember way back a company selling just such escape rope ladders for RVs. Thought it might even be on the forums.
This Kidde brand ladder has lived on the floor beside my bed for almost ten years. Thankfully it has never had to be used. It is stamped with "Kidde Model KL-2S." It was apparently made in February 2002. It was a gift from an RV friend so I don't know where it was purchased.
Richard
I added a SS mast step below both my bedroom windows. It's on the forum somewhere.
I did try it after installing. It was not easy but I did get out without hurting myself.
I mounted it into one of the structural frames which happened to be centered on the window. It would be easier to get out if it was mounted under the center of the window opening.
Rich
I am going to measure in the morning but I think it is around 8ft. to the bottom. The window is hinged at the top and got no idea how I could do that.
I see Home Depot sells these and stocks in the store. I am concerned about the steps destroying the paint job with the metal steps. I saw a picture where they throw out a blanket to protect the way(maybe one of those Harbor Freight furniture blankets.) and then the stairs. Maybe cut off the tabs
I also like the idea of the ladder that Kiwitex suggested. I can see extending part of it before dropping out the window or just drop out the window and hope it extends.
The extending ladder takes awhile to set up. OK for locked in but not for an emergency.
I'm thinking that if a fire starts and flames stand between me and a door, I'm going out the window as fast as I can, no time to look for the ladder and deploy it.
I have seen many videos of RV's on fire and how fast the fire and dense smoke engulf the RV. I don't want to learn as I go in this event.
My Coach was involved in a fridge fire before I bought it. Seeing how the fire traveled and the results of the heat and smoke inside the coach tells me GET OUT ASAP!
Locked inside with no emergency other than being locked in, could benefit from a ladder, but NOT a rope ladder.
The only way I could get Lynda out of the bedroom would be to throw her out the window and hope for the best. My plan is to throw this on her and walk her out the front.
Amazon.com: DIBBATU Fireproof Cloak, Fireproof Cape, Fireproof Hooded Cloak,... (https://www.amazon.com/DIBBATU-Fireproof-Emergency-Protection-Insulation/dp/B09BB1QSRW?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AD78RNJS9UPCS)
Jack. Wouldn't your paint be the least of your concerns if the coach was on fire. Since there's gonna be an insurance claim anyway??
Forget about insurance claim, If coach is on fire, all I would care about is getting everyone out at any cost.
If the door has the air latches engaged and not releasing, and I can not get out through the door, like last Sunday, or any other reason the door will not open, then I don't want to tear up a paint job to get out of the coach.
Jack, I would use a blanket under the rope ladder if you need to again. During a fire with the toxic smoke you might have time to throw your wife out the window then yourself, maybe. I would revisit the air lock system, maybe a manual way to move those locks open without air. Jim.
Craneman, The fire blanket is a good idea but without a breathing apparatus your not going to get there. Jim.
I'll do some testing on holding my breath from the bedroom to the front door. Without dragging Lynda of coarse. I keep a large co2 bottle on the floor on my side of the bed with the thought I could get Lynda past the kitchen area which with a residential fridge and no propane heaters, should be safe to get out. The blankets are in the bedroom hoping to never be used.
Boeing 737s have always had a rope basically with knots tied in it every foot. Stored inside a compartment above the side windows in the cockpit for evacuation. If it's not already installed and ready to use you will never have time to install IMO. I carry a 17 LBS halon 1211 extinguisher, but it's outside the coach. Im probably at that point fleeing for safety anyways. Probably should save the extinguisher. Replacement cost is 2499$ now.
PROTECTIVE BREATHING EQUIPMENT (PBE) - Essex Industries (https://essexindustries.com/products/protective-breathing-equipment-pbe/)
Just to clarify, the ladder I posted is self-locking and gravity would take care of things on deployment.
Just undo the Velcro strap, drop the hooks on the window ledge and the ladder is deployed in a few seconds.
For me the biggest problem would be getting my legs through the window, I'm not as flexible as I used to be. :o
Thanks for the information. All my extendables need to be opened one step at a time. Looking at the video this one is different.
I believe the best solution would be a boat boarding ladder stored against side of bed platform, overhead etc. Deployable in short order once window is open, and since it bears against side of boat....coach.... with standoffs would actually be usable. Mounting a rope ladder, the couple times I've done it, has been extremely difficult even when not exiting a burning house. One example:
Amazon.com: DotLine Boat Aluminum 3 Step Ladder 11" Hooks Center to Center... (https://www.amazon.com/DotLine-Bass-Boat-Ladder-Gunwale/dp/B004RDOJEE/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2LXTPQYXS9OF5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SZQOyDTYvuJzWS3PrDBuxzTJaY28YPZ-scKKoBZf7hCAAFaX0CBO8PXBpiQLNGRhSTsVva-ucAJ2neMHIUYgub6oFjNU6laXmc70cDQ0rIcrdmdCw7AB6Ap7vS-IqAi55P103Ctn1w9R6tXJ16cKXRSy3eRQ3mmakvEpxZUw1BasVxlZyaq63n0vzGyHYP1TceKKE-Izccgem8FjYT-IR5E0_7rwPFNuvrM5IlwYV6V89Te2hlWsdYFS_nXddi7w_MbUoyhdmVc-S3qFjlxozioA7WF8NPzYcZBFdZ_2cLg.Zq8NZgO0xGbGuiqVnAXzLVEWoJG4BSrAJyyBlH_i1tE&dib_tag=se&keywords=boat+ladder+for+fishing+boat&qid=1722427625&sprefix=boat+ladder%2Caps%2C394&sr=8-6)
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but take 2 seconds to slide your bedroom door shut off there is a fire in the front of the coach. Especially if there's more than one of you that need to get out. It'll buy you some time by slowing down the heat and smoke.
Then get your window open - this should clear the air as the heat and smoke will go out first. The good air is at the floor. Try to stay low and deploy your ladder and/or lower your wife to the ground.
I find that amazing that there is not a manual emergency override for the air locks. That is a huge liability for Foretravel. I can't imagine the legal department hasn't looked at that. 🤦🏻♂️
I used to wonder at work ( 31 years at AA 727,S80,777) some of these folks would have to grease their hips to go out the emergency exit in the cockpit. But has someone else said. Fire is a great motivator. 😂
I hope I never find out.
Do you know what causes the air latches not to release? Is it lack of air pressure?
It's too bad Lippert doesn't make an escape ladder version of this. It does require a permanently-mounted receiver on the side of the coach, and it's not clear that you can add it aftermarket:
On-The-Go Ladder Telescoping Ladder for 5th Wheel RVs, Travel Trailers and... (https://www.lippert.com/lippert-on-the-go-ladder-expandable-ladder)
It's difficult enough to open the window and get to the point you could even fall out to the ground. IMO the likely hood of getting the ladder deployed and getting to it for two typical Foretravel owners in under two minutes doesn't seem practical to me. Short of Det Cord permanently mounted on the both sides of the coach to cut the coach open for egress you're going to need to exit the door regardless of what's going on. Installing the knotted ropes has been certified by Boeing for many years but this was for younger Pilots. Possibly fall restraints would work? Two per side permanently mounted??? But you still need to be capable to jump out the window head first. Then heal from broken ankles, dislocated shoulder.
I actually believe if you want egress that will work its time to install floor to ceiling windows on each side of the coach bedroom. Maybe a fold out ladder with upper hand hold
I add steps for a sailboat mast. Ordered on Amazon about 8 years ago.
I can tell you that this works because I tried it after I installed on on each side of the bedroom. Open window, lean out, reach down and flip the step down. It's always there and takes about 10 seconds to deploy. Then back inside, swing your leg out onto the step, duck out the window and swing out the other leg. When I tried it, it wasn't pretty but I did get out without injuring myself. If the wife went first, I could also give her a hand down to the ground once she is on the step.
With this setup, you are going out feet first instead of head first.
If you have the option, center it under the open window. It will be less awkward to use than centered on the entire window.
Rich
Amazon.com: Extreme Max 5001.5784 Folding Trailer Step - 2" x 3-5/16" :... (https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5784-Folding-Trailer/dp/B07B6KS4D8/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2Z76RDNAFDB86&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXi50ejRULuMjbKVWF_iSimJuSsyLX2D2DkxJ-JtA__tYdntgQ9GP92T2GhrsyrkI4tWJcIR7fJ0yc2Ynv-2Kzt4EBRCWLGkdDuOt65NNCaR5_srXlQZ1DFlOxgoE6zhesnxuLvkOeIjm7jN-_RC6-p4_f_9sD6w25EtUG1rYn_rvCFAyjKO5LZ82WWVDB2s_rEtNIUdLAFVfbZxjEGhsBjoDVuO8IX2EKPqVzz-Bn2V6FQmF-8NxsdOVrGytoMV37A40OMD-ECPl2LzUM3Hh8S05eKm473QDwqQfgmZ-MU.Uav5mMspx80vQcNnCY5GxtNgRn1KhXxn9j8CzUoWFVA&dib_tag=se&keywords=fold%2Bup%2Bsteps%2Bbolt%2Bon&qid=1722790802&sprefix=Fold%2Bup%2Bstep%2Bbolt%2B%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-10&th=1)
When I had the Monaco there was latches on both end of the window for emergency escape so
the whole window would swing out giving a person a lot more room to get out.
Scott,
Thanks for digging up the link.
Rich