Escapees September-October 2023

weight and safety

“One of the most important things you should do is to open the escape window yearly and spray the rubber trim with Aerospace 303.”

Emergency Exit By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

When the window is open, it will tend to slam back down in the frame. You can use a wooden dowel rod to prop it open. The window trim is metal and sharp so, before you exit, place a blanket on the window trim. Be sure to throw your “go-bag” out of the exit window. (A go-bag is a bag that contains all your important documents and items that you would not want to perish in a fi re.) Always go out the window feet fi rst, belly down. Once your hips are past the window frame, you will be

If you have a fi re in your RV at 2:47 a.m., will you know how to get out of your RV? Do you have a plan, and do you practice the plan? Fires can happen any time of the day or night. It is an equal opportunity destroy er. When an RV is on fi re, it will probably result in a total loss. You need to develop

and practice your plan. O neof the fi rst require ments is to locate the emergency exits in your RV. Generally, they are in the rear of the RV, but don’t forget, the entrance door is also an emergency exit. According to Mac the Fire Guy, a fi re will double in size every 20 seconds. This means you have very little time to decide what to do at 2:47 a.m.

committed to exiting the RV. As you exit the window, you can hold onto the windowsill and then just let go and drop to the ground. In reality, your feet are not that far off the ground when you fully exit the RV. Now, it is time to help your travel companions out the window, grab your go-bag from where you dropped it

EMERGENCY EXIT Pull Red Handle Up Push Window Out

on the ground, get away from the RV and call 911. Some RVs have an emergency door in the rear. Again, you

All manufactured RVs are required by law to have an emergency escape window or door in order to exit the RV in case of fi re or other catastrophe, such as an accident. The escape window can be located by the red handles or other markings designating an exit. One of the most important things you should do is to open the escape window yearly and spray the rubber trim with Aerospace 303. In doing this, the rubber seal with stay soft and pliable. Opening and lubricating the seal needs to be done yearly. Otherwise, the rubber can melt and bond to the window, requiring more effort to open it, and this could waste valuable time during an emergency. Now, for the best part. All members of the household need to practice getting out of the RV through the escape window. It only needs to be practiced once.

need to practice using this door. We at Escapees hope you never have an RV fi re, but it’s wise to be prepared in case you do. So, be sure to add “open the window and lubricate the rubber seal” to your maintenance list.

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV,

toad and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information on SmartWeigh. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

10

ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2023