Looking at the layout of a van I'm considering, and was wondering about moving the door from just off mid position to the far end but still from the side. It made me wonder what if a fire occurs, the main place for fire would probably be kitchen so we would be trapped.
Do the windows and vents fitted to vans have full opening positions to allow one to escape if such an emergency occurred?
most vans are fitted with Dometic windows which will push right out to level position.
The problem is, is your body supple/fit enough to be able to slide out - climbing out would be very slow and youd have a burnt bottie and more by then lol
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
I think you are right Sheba, and I think I will leave the door where the manufacturers had it. What I'm aiming to get built is a Fifth wheeler and I think the wheels of the van need to be as far back as possible and that is the reason why they have the door mid-ships.
All vans need to be fitted with a smoke alarm. That should give you time to leisurely collect your thoughts and get out of the van. I suggest that if a fire takes off fast enough for you not to get out in a short time then you probably not be safe with a door in any position. A kitchen fire would have to be of an explosive type for you not to be able to get past it in the first minute or two of it starting (unless you are too disabled to crawl past it.)
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I have noticed on some imported models , they have 2 doors , the front door and the bedroom door . Maybe this is a option for you. Our door is at the front and we sleep down the back . Smoke alarm is our warning plus our dog, also we have 2 fire extinguishers , 1 at the front and 1 at the back , but I suppose when your numbers up nothing will help you. Saves the kids $$$ getting you cremated , lol
I have thought about this scenario and have a large fire blanket at each end of the van. At least that way you have a chance of getting past a fire without serious injury if you can keep the blanket between you and the fire.
When we ordered our new van I was very happy for the door to be nearest the bed as it enables a quick exit straight off the end of the bed.
frank
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Our van came with the usual fire extinguisher by the exit door which is at the rear (front bedroom). In addition I put a fire blanket in the bedroom to cover a kitchen fire and help with an exit from the bedroom in the event of fire.
I also wondered what would happen in the event of a catastrophic fire between us (in the bedroom) and the exit door. What I did was to trial an exit from the van via the bedroom window. It was a bit awkward but feasible in an emergency.
Good to see that you are thinking about the unlikely, but possible, strategy to use in the event of a fire. Just like we did when we were kids in school, it's good to have practiced ahead of time!
Thanks for your reply Magyar Connection, and Bruce and Bev. The windows do open out enough for a wiggle escape. I have more questions re the windows and vents, but will do a search on the subject first.
