"RV Lock-in"

[JBurg]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I figured the full-time section would work.

My wife saw something on Pinterest called "RV Lock-in." Apparently there are individuals out there that find humor (or have negative intentions) in taking the assist handrail and folding it in front of the doors, locking the occupants inside.

Has anyone ever had this happen to them?

[JFXG]

JBurg, are you sure that trick really works? Frankly, if the handrail can be folded forward and the geometry is such that it will prevent door operation, I would consider that a major design flaw. I would be shocked if that could get by a design review, particularly by the manufacturer's legal dept.


John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, 3126, '04 Element

[Mr_D]

I've seen how it could be done. In fact people fold them that way when traveling and someone could certainly do it while you're inside.

[Old-Biscuit]

Been discussed many times over the years

The handle drops down into 'slot' when folded for travel. Depending on design of that 'slot' (slope/depth) the handle can be difficult to force open from inside RV but can be done.

If concerned just trim top portion of lower bracket off making the 'slot' smaller. Handle will still stay put for travel BUT can easily be pushed open with door from inside RV

Find out if necessary by having someone inside try to open door with handle stowed.

[glarnold]

That's one reason you practice using the escape window...��

[Tony Lee]

Originally Posted by glarnold

That's one reason you practice using the escape window...��

.

Except I'd be prepared to bet you can't get it open.

On my camper, folding the assist handle over doesn't take much force on the door to force it open. Not hard to add a bit of rope though and then you are stuck inside for sure

BTW the average escape window is 8' above the ground and has to be held open while you scrape through. Good luck with that bit - and then you have to get to the ground without landing on your head or breaking a hip. Practicing that whole pprocedure is a recipe for a long hospital stay. Probably better to wait until you have a choice between burning alive or smashing lots of bones.

[JBurg]

Originally Posted by JFXG

JBurg, are you sure that trick really works? Frankly, if the handrail can be folded forward and the geometry is such that it will prevent door operation, I would consider that a major design flaw. I would be shocked if that could get by a design review, particularly by the manufacturer's legal dept.


John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, 3126, '04 Element

With our slides deployed that is the only way our handle will fold. We also put the handle in front of the door while traveling. (Fifth wheel)

[twogypsies]

I'm surprised that 'prank' was even posted on Pinterest!

[JBurg]

Apparently there are all kinds of topics on there. The jeep section was a particularly bad area for my wife to be perusing. That can get expensive!

Back to the lock-in, after making the original post to this thread, dear wife later told me that there was a story where an entire campground had this happen (I haven't attempted to verify fact or fiction on this) and then assorted items of worth decided to break free of their chains and seek freedom in a better world.

As far as the emergency windows are concerned, I agree with not wanting to use them unless absolutely necessary. That is a bit of a drop! I'll look into the modification to push the handle open using the door.

[mel s]

If my coach had an assist handrail that could be folded over the closed door I would take it off and throw it in a dumpster.
Mel
'96 Safari

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by mel s

If my coach had an assist handrail that could be folded over the closed door I would take it off and throw it in a dumpster.
Mel
'96 Safari

that's sorta like cutting off your nose to spite your own face don't you think

IF folks do have one that folds across door just try it and see IF it REALLY does lock you in........chances are it won't.
If it does ----- modify the lower racket

Simple.
RVrs like modifying things anyway

[mel s]

Originally Posted by mel s

If my coach had an assist handrail that could be folded over the closed door I would take it off and throw it in a dumpster.
Mel
'96 Safari

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

that's sorta like cutting off your nose to spite your own face don't you think
IF folks do have one that folds across door just try it and see IF it REALLY does lock you in........chances are it won't.
If it does ----- modify the lower racket
Simple.
RVrs like modifying things anyway

Old-Biscuit
Some might say that.
Some might see as soultion to a defect before it becomes a problem.
Mel
'96 Safari

[powderman]

I have that handrail on my fiver but not concerned as all I would need do is open the window next to the door and move it. I think its a whole lot of nothing.

[ga traveler]

Sounds like a teenage prank. I don't think I would lose any sleep over it.