Escape Ladders

Topic: Escape Ladders (Read 1515 times) previous topic - next topic

Escape Ladders

June 24, 2024, 07:32:38 pm

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?

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #1 – June 24, 2024, 07:44:08 pm

I haven't used it myself but here's an option for you

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Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #2 – June 24, 2024, 07:53:49 pm

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #3 – June 24, 2024, 08:11:26 pm

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

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #4 – June 24, 2024, 08:28:27 pm

I seem to remember way back a company selling just such escape rope ladders for RVs. Thought it might even be on the forums.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #5 – June 24, 2024, 08:39:53 pm

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

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #6 – June 24, 2024, 09:04:09 pm

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

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #7 – June 24, 2024, 09:59:40 pm

Quote from: Dakota Slim – June 24, 2024, 07:53:49 pm

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.

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #8 – June 24, 2024, 10:21:34 pm

Quote from: Jan & Richard – June 24, 2024, 08:39:53 pm

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 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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #9 – June 24, 2024, 10:37:18 pm

The extending ladder takes awhile to set up. OK for locked in but not for an emergency.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #10 – June 24, 2024, 10:53:02 pm

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #11 – June 25, 2024, 02:30:54 pm

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.

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Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #12 – June 25, 2024, 07:00:26 pm

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??

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #13 – June 25, 2024, 10:13:45 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – June 25, 2024, 07:00:26 pm

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #14 – June 26, 2024, 10:16:23 am

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #15 – June 26, 2024, 10:20:49 am

Craneman, The fire blanket is a good idea but without a breathing apparatus your not going to get there. Jim.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #16 – June 26, 2024, 10:34:39 am

Quote from: fourdayoff – June 26, 2024, 10:20:49 am

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #17 – June 26, 2024, 11:39:29 am

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

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #18 – June 27, 2024, 10:48:31 am

Quote from: craneman – June 24, 2024, 10:37:18 pm

The extending ladder takes awhile to set up. OK for locked in but not for an emergency.

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #19 – June 27, 2024, 11:32:42 am

Quote from: Kiwitex – June 27, 2024, 10:48:31 am

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.

Thanks for the information. All my extendables need to be opened one step at a time. Looking at the video this one is different.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #20 – July 31, 2024, 08:09:35 am

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:

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Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #21 – July 31, 2024, 05:17:08 pm

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #22 – August 03, 2024, 09:41:25 pm

Quote from: turbojack – June 25, 2024, 10:13:45 pm

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.

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. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #23 – August 03, 2024, 10:07:45 pm

Quote from: dsd – June 26, 2024, 11:39:29 am

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

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.

Re: Escape Ladders

Reply #24 – August 04, 2024, 09:21:09 am

Quote from: turbojack – June 25, 2024, 10:13:45 pm

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.

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:

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