escaping escape windows

[Hittheroad]

Watch watching those turnbuckles.
As best I can tell from a quick WTW search I am the first person on the planet to be this stupid and live to tell about it. With this note maybe I will be the last.
After about 1,500 miles of turnpike driving I decided it was time to check the turnbuckles.
This involved lifting three duffle bags and two strongback chairs from the floor to the bench seat.
The turnbuckles proved to be quite happy (I use a second nut) so everything went back on the floor.
A little later while driving along at 65 on a four lane section of interstate near Dallas I looked in the right wing mirror and saw something flapping about.
The escape window was trying to escape.
In picking up one of the duffle bags I must have managed to catch both of the window latches and unlock the window.
Fortunately most of the items I keep on the shelf by the bench seat seem to have preferred being inside. The world may, however, be richer by one box of kleenex.
So be careful moving those duffle bags about.

 

[MarkBC]

I've had mine unlatch, too. I think it was caused by something in that convenient behind-couch storage spot pressing on a latch while stuff swayed back and forth in that spot (driving bumpy roads too fast) until the window opened. But no loss (not even Kleenex) as far as I can tell.

 

[Barko1]

I've had mine unlatch, too. I think it was caused by something in that convenient behind-couch storage spot pressing on a latch while stuff swayed back and forth in that spot (driving bumpy roads too fast) until the window opened. But no loss (not even Kleenex) as far as I can tell.



I managed to lose the entire window on the drivers side of my 98 Grandby on the way home from buying it I was cruising near Rachel NV and saw the curtains and all blowing around more than before, window was gone, went and looked but goodness knows where it went. I replaced it with some plexiglass and caulk and it has stayed put for the last 70,000.

 

[craig333]

Thanks for the heads up. I store a lot of stuff by that window. I can see how easy it would be.

 

[dorocks]

When I bought my camper I noticed two small red edge/rail clamps used to keep the escape window from coming open. I can not find a picture of them on the web. I will take a picture when I get off work and post it. They have kept my behind the couch stuff from popping out the window. With a turn or two of the screw they come off for a real escape.

 

[MarkBC]

When I bought my camper I noticed two small red edge/rail clamps used to keep the escape window from coming open.

In my case, at least, I think that pressure on those red clamps -- pressure applied by stuff shifting behind the couch -- is what opened the window.

 

[dorocks]

I took a picture of the clamps that secure the red window clasps.

They are labelled Kant Twist 1" #401 out of El Monte.

I attached some pictures.

They work well.

Keith

 

[MarkBC]

I took a picture of the clamps that secure the red window clasps.

They are labelled Kant Twist 1" #401 out of El Monte.

I attached some pictures.

They work well.

Keith

Ahh...now I get it.
Interesting looking clamps.
Thanks for the photos.

 

[highz]

Even if it only takes a turn or two to remove the clamps, that time could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. I personally would be sure they were unclamped whenever I was inside the camper.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Does anyone think it would be faster and safer to exit the camper in an emergency through that window or the rear door.With the couch back blocking the window it seems like you would have to spend time to roll the back down.Just a thought.I have the dinette so the window isn't blocked by the couch back.I did notice that those latches are easy to come unlatched.
Frank

 

[MarkBC]

Does anyone think it would be faster and safer to exit the camper in an emergency through that window or the rear door.With the couch back blocking the window it seems like you would have to spend time to roll the back down.Just a thought.I have the dinette so the window isn't blocked by the couch back.I did notice that those latches are easy to come unlatched.
Frank

I assume you'd use the window only if the door was unusable for some reason...like, while you were sleeping the truck rolled and backed hard into a large tree or boulder so that the door couldn't be opened and then the camper caught on fire.