Posted 2009-08-02 9:03 AM (#108845 - in reply to #108844) Subject: RE: Exit hatch
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Check out these.. Some are 13x20, 17x24, 15x22, etc. Looks to me like a 26"x26" would be plenty big for most anyone. I guess it would also depend on where the roof bows are spaced made up. I guess a 13x20 may be the min. ??????
Posted 2009-08-02 10:49 AM (#108849 - in reply to #108844) Subject: RE: Exit hatch
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The roof mounted vent/escape hatches are an easy way to make an emergency exit. Cutting into the roof bracing usually isn't necessary, with the variable hatch sizes that are available. We were shipped the wrong size and didn't notice it until the installation day. Fortunately we sourced one from a RV dealer, and only lost a little construction time.
I don't think they could be sold as an escape hatch, if they were too small to be used. If they have the red emergency latch, and can be pushed open in addition to being normally crank operated, then they should be an emergency hatch.
One thing to consider, is how you're going to get off the roof without injury, if you don't have an installed ladder. A rope would work, but you need an attach point. A rope ladder needs the same, as well as additional storage space. It's something that should be considered before the need arises.
Posted 2009-08-02 10:57 AM (#108852 - in reply to #108844) Subject: RE: Exit hatch
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I always thought a "trap door", in the floor of the gooseneck, beneath the mattress would work... Slide the mattress away, flip the door up and out of the way and go out toward the ground or truck bed... Now, what am I missing? There's got to be some reason for not doing it this way....
Posted 2009-08-02 11:02 AM (#108853 - in reply to #108844) Subject: RE: Exit hatch
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
How could you flip a mattress in the same space you're occupying, when you have a galley fire and can't leave the area? In addition,I don't think that idea would work, because of the structural elements you would have to cut through to make an available space.
Posted 2009-08-02 11:23 AM (#108855 - in reply to #108853) Subject: RE: Exit hatch
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by gard on 2009-08-02 12:02 PM
How could you flip a mattress in the same space you're occupying, when you have a galley fire and can't leave the area? In addition,I don't think that idea would work, because of the structural elements you would have to cut through to make an available space.
A window or hatch is about the only recourse.
Gard
We use an air mattress,,, poke, gnaw, stab, a big hole in it?
What kind of trailer you got that has so much "Structure" underneath the gooseneck that one couldn't install a 17"x24" trap door?
I don't know..? That's why I asked... Our Silver Star has 22"x36" windows in the gooseneck, the Cherokee has a smaller window.... Both have doors to the horse area, never gave it much thought as to getting out in an emergency... One area is 5'W x 8L' the other is 7'x7'.... Kinda like living in a broom closet...
Exit hatch
