Noob with silly question - emergency exit windows

Lorelei56 · 12-31-2015, 02:13 PM

Hi! We just bought a 174BH. Two windows are marked Emergency Exit Only, and the dealer said not to open them because it would break the seal. I would like to open them for a bit more ventilation but I'm afraid I will break something if I do. Funny thing is, they both have screens on them as if they are meant to be opened. Why would Emergency Exit windows have screens if they were not meant to be opened? Thanks for your guidance.

tnchuck100 · 12-31-2015, 02:24 PM

There is no problem using those windows for ventilation. There is a screen over it is there not? What would be the point of a screen if the window was not to be used?

Sometimes just plain old common sense must be used. Some dealers come up short when it comes to understanding the products they sell.

TWP723 · 12-31-2015, 02:44 PM

I use mine all the time. It's not pretty seeing me crawl in and out of the trailer through it though!

**Crabman** · 12-31-2015, 03:02 PM

Have always used mine for ventilation. I was told by the dealer that if you push them out to far they will drop to the ground, allowing you an easier escape. I suppose the screen would have to be removed to push it that far, have never attempted that.

Scoutr2 · 12-31-2015, 03:05 PM

Absolutely, you can use them for ventilation, if they have screens.

As for your dealer's advice, forget it. But I wonder how much other bogus advice they gave you!

And there are no silly questions here. You will get experienced people answering your questions here. Some are admonishments based on personal preference, but most are from plain hard facts - and "been there - done that - earned the merit badge" experience.

Welcome!

JohnnyBravo · 12-31-2015, 03:43 PM

Just a thought, I'm wondering if the dealer was referring to the actual emergency feature of the window? I believe the entire window assembly will pop out if used in the fashion intended for an emergency, thus breaking the "seal" around the window. Possibly fudging up the butyl tape or whatever they are using these days to seal the window assemblies in at the factory. So, he may just be saving you the hassle of reinstalling the assembly carefully as to insure a leak free window once again. Or, I may be wrong. It should open normally as all the other windows do, but has an added feature.

JB

NC Roamer · 12-31-2015, 03:43 PM

We have one like that in the bedroom. Just be aware that if propped open in a strong wind, that the window pane can blow open completely. Unlike the crank-style tilt-out windows, there is nothing to stop it from blowing farther open.

Lorelei56 · 12-31-2015, 03:57 PM

Ok, thanks for all your help! Now for an even sillier question - what is the correct way to open them without having them pop out? There is some kind of arm on the right side and a red button on the left. Should I unhook the arm and press out a bit? They don't slide like my other windows.

ttavasc · 12-31-2015, 07:43 PM

I believe that is the same latch mechanism I have in my 195RB Baja. To use them for ventilation you lift the red end of the handle up from it's little cradle and swing the arm out. Then you can push the arm out which will open the window. There is a notch that will catch just before the red end reaches the window frame. That's were you leave it for ventilation use. You remove the screen and keep pushing the red end out through the frame to use it as an emergency exit. Be careful not to twist too much on the arm when it's extended or it may start bending. We open ours all the time when camping in nice weather.

Country_Mouse · 12-31-2015, 08:53 PM

I use ours for ventilation. I am wondering if it is normal for the little arms to be curved.

hoppers4 · 12-31-2015, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

We have one like that in the bedroom. Just be aware that if propped open in a strong wind, that the window pane can blow open completely. Unlike the crank-style tilt-out windows, there is nothing to stop it from blowing farther open.

Whoa, glad you mentioned that. I built a screen for my emergency exit so I could open it and just prop it open with a short piece of 1 by. Sounds like it should be bungied somewhere also to keep it from banging around. Thanks for the heads up Roamer.

Lorelei56 · 01-01-2016, 01:36 AM

Thanks again! This forum is awesome.

djvmax07 · 01-01-2016, 07:32 AM

We use them on every trip...

Fairenatic · 01-01-2016, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorelei56

Hi! We just bought a 174BH. Two windows are marked Emergency Exit Only, and the dealer said not to open them because it would break the seal. I would like to open them for a bit more ventilation but I'm afraid I will break something if I do. Funny thing is, they both have screens on them as if they are meant to be opened. Why would Emergency Exit windows have screens if they were not meant to be opened? Thanks for your guidance.

The best advice I can give is to read the owners manual. Once digested, one will probably know more than 90% of RV owners.

Good salesmen in the RV business are far and few between.

**norty1** · 01-01-2016, 08:48 AM

What size are they. One of mine is marked emergency exit and slides open. It is large enough for an adult to climb out.

We use it all the time with the screen closed.

Hohenwald48 · 01-01-2016, 09:53 AM

There are several different designs of these emergency exit windows so not all the information provided so far applies to all exit windows. Best thing I can suggest is to play with your particular window but be sure to have someone outside to help until you figure it out. I think most all of them will fall off the hinges if extended to far.

Skaling · 01-01-2016, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Just a thought, I'm wondering if the dealer was referring to the actual emergency feature of the window? I believe the entire window assembly will pop out if used in the fashion intended for an emergency, thus breaking the "seal" around the window. Possibly fudging up the butyl tape or whatever they are using these days to seal the window assemblies in at the factory. So, he may just be saving you the hassle of reinstalling the assembly carefully as to insure a leak free window once again. Or, I may be wrong. It should open normally as all the other windows do, but has an added feature.

JB

The window frame stays in place. It's only the swinging window pane that moves..so there shouldn't be any damage to the butyl tape, unless it gets damaged from you actually climbing out the window..
On my trailer, the window panes just swing on the hinge and do not 'fall out' or 'drop' out but I haven't opened them past the parallel to ground mark..

That being said, to the OP, I use both my emergency windows for ventilation.

Skaling · 01-01-2016, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hohenwald48

There are several different designs of these emergency exit windows so not all the information provided so far applies to all exit windows. Best thing I can suggest is to play with your particular window but be sure to have someone outside to help until you figure it out. I think most all of them will fall off the hinges if extended to far.

X2. Even go one step further and try climbing out.. I made my 4 year old practice a few times from the lower bunk emergency window. Just had to place a chair or table on the outside of the window for him to 'step down to' on his way out..
The Wife refused to try.... This spring I will teach my soon to be 3 year old the same skill..

NC Roamer · 01-01-2016, 10:10 AM

Hopefully no one will ever have to actually use their emergency window. However, if you do, it might be rough climbing over the window sill. In case of a middle of the night bedroom escape, open the window and throw your blanket on the sill for padding.

**norty1** · 01-01-2016, 10:22 AM

Something that need to be said concerning Emergency windows, etc.

Every family needs to have a plan that all are aware of, even the smallest of children.
A meeting place needs to be agreed on that in case of an emergency, all will meet there.
Everyone should know where and how to use a fire extinguisher and how and where to get out of emergency windows.

Most important is to get out and fast. That's why the extinguisher is at the door to be grabbed on the way out.

Most important make sure everyone is out. You only have seconds to respond to a fire in a rv. Smoke can be lethal in just a few seconds.

Not to scare you but to keep you alive.

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