Fire escape

**YonderAwaits** · 04-14-2021, 12:05 PM

Ok, we did it. We actually tried escaping from the bedroom window of our 2017 Reflection 303RLS fifth wheel. Wow!! Much harder than we thought. We are 60 and 64, fairly fit and active full timers. The window is small and heading out feet first is tough. We put a ladder outside and we’re sure glad we did. The drop down would have not ended well. Of course, in an emergency we would have dropped; broken bones better than burning. We put a blanket on edge for padding. The practice run took forever; much more than the recommended 20 seconds and we didn’t even try getting the dog out. Of course, we did waste several minutes laughing uncontrollably.
Knowing how fast rigs go up, we have to modify our plan.
We will continue to practice, incorporating fire extinguisher use in our drill and maybe try getting the dog out. We are thinking it might be wise to have a ladder set up outside our window at all times. Have to think of a way to secure our recently purchased telescoping ladder from theft. We looked into escape ladders but decided no place to store them and realistically, we would not have time to set one up. Plus, no window sill to hold it up.
I had a crazy idea (according to my husband!) of putting in a bigger window. The ventilation in bedroom is poor anyway, with just the one small window. Wondering how difficult it would be swapping out for a larger one.
Anyone else crazy enough to try a practice drill? Thoughts on swapping out bigger window?

**bdelcurto** · 04-14-2021, 12:37 PM

I’m pretty sure if I tried this it would result in a doctors visit shortly thereafter. [emoji12]

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**Steven@147** · 04-14-2021, 12:38 PM

Good for you! Pictures Pictures!
You're probably the only one's that actually rehearsed it!! We bought a collapsible escape ladder for the bedroom. Hook on window frame and through it out. Sits right by the bedroom dresser and window. Wife wanted it but we didn't have the guts to try it! In a true emergency I'm not sure the escape ladder would be worth it, probably grabbing the 4lb bedroom fire extinguisher and get out the main door.
We did install extra fire extinguishers in the RV and our truck.

But good for you!!

**DaTraveler** · 04-14-2021, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Steven@147

Good for you! Pictures Pictures!
You're probably the only one's that actually rehearsed it!! We bought a collapsible escape ladder for the bedroom. Hook on window frame and through it out. Sits right by the bedroom dresser and window. Wife wanted it but we didn't have the guts to try it! In a true emergency I'm not sure the escape ladder would be worth it, probably grabbing the 4lb bedroom fire extinguisher and get out the main door.
We did install extra fire extinguishers in the RV and our truck.

But good for you!!

That ladder looks really nice. Would you be willing to provide a link to where you got it... or the brand so we can look it up?

Thanks!

**Steven@147** · 04-15-2021, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by DaTraveler

That ladder looks really nice. Would you be willing to provide a link to where you got it... or the brand so we can look it up?

Thanks!

Sure its made by First Alert. We bought it some 2 years ago now when we first got the 5th wheel. While traveling we keep it in the front closet, the wife gets it out and sets it by the bedroom dresser up against the wall, doesn't take up a lot of floor space.
I think we bought it through Amazon, thats where we almost always get these kinds of things. I did a google search on "First Alert Escape Ladder" and a lot of them came up. Its all folded up in a box, You place the hooks on the window ledge and throw the box out the window and the ladder deploys. We didn't do it that way when we tested it as you see in the picture I posted earlier, so as to not possibly damage the side of the RV.

**YonderAwaits** · 04-15-2021, 03:00 PM

Thanks for reply. Our bedroom is teeny, no room for ladder and most require a substantial window sill to hold it while climbing down. Then there is set up time factor. Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one built in just below window inside that you just open, throw out window and it unrolls??

**Sportsdad60** · 04-14-2021, 07:26 PM

You;d be amazed when adrenline kicks in. Super man stories.

**YonderAwaits** · 04-15-2021, 02:54 PM

That is what we figured. And we wouldn’t be slowed down by laughter.

**AZMike** · 04-14-2021, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by YonderAwaits

Ok, we did it. We actually tried escaping from the bedroom window of our 2017 Reflection 303RLS fifth wheel. Wow!! Much harder than we thought. We are 60 and 64, fairly fit and active full timers. The window is small and heading out feet first is tough. We put a ladder outside and we’re sure glad we did. The drop down would have not ended well. Of course, in an emergency we would have dropped; broken bones better than burning. We put a blanket on edge for padding. The practice run took forever; much more than the recommended 20 seconds and we didn’t even try getting the dog out. Of course, we did waste several minutes laughing uncontrollably.
Knowing how fast rigs go up, we have to modify our plan.
We will continue to practice, incorporating fire extinguisher use in our drill and maybe try getting the dog out. We are thinking it might be wise to have a ladder set up outside our window at all times. Have to think of a way to secure our recently purchased telescoping ladder from theft. We looked into escape ladders but decided no place to store them and realistically, we would not have time to set one up. Plus, no window sill to hold it up.
I had a crazy idea (according to my husband!) of putting in a bigger window. The ventilation in bedroom is poor anyway, with just the one small window. Wondering how difficult it would be swapping out for a larger one.
Anyone else crazy enough to try a practice drill? Thoughts on swapping out bigger window?

Before getting any more recommendations from us, I think we need to see a video.