RV Exit Window Screen

 Using an RV Exit Window for Ventilation

Note-ing the exit window in my Jayco 26Y every time I get into bed kept reminding me that allowing it to open would certainly create better airflow.

This is a subject of some discussion on most RV forums and many add a screen and some form of mechanism to hold the window open for ventilation. 

I decided to research the safety standards for exit windows and decide if and how to make mine useable as a vent while retaining a reasonable safety posture.

Application of Safety Standards

I did the usual Google jaunt through lots of posts with the goal of understanding what standards apply to the exit window. The excerpt below seemed to best explain the applicable standards.

So why don't RV manufacturers make the exit window usable?

The standards clearly state that the exit window must not have any obstruction. Adding a screen would violate that standard. Without a screen, the exit window is less usable for ventilation since it becomes a corridor for bugs.

For this reason, adding a screen to an exit window is not recommended and you do so at your own risk! 

NFPA 1192

Alternate exits (fire/emergency exits) are covered in chapter 6 of NFPA 1192 - standard for RV's. (National Fire Protection Association) and is used by the RVIA.

6.2.1.1
Recreational vehicles shall have a minimum of two exits located remote from each other and so arranged as to provide a means of unobstructed travel to the outside of the vehicle.

6.2.1.2
Each bedroom or area designed for sleeping shall have at least two unobstructed paths to exit.

6.2.1.3
The path to exit shall not require passing any designated exit to gain use of another designated exit except where any part of a bed in its normal sleeping configuration is within
24 in. (610 mm) of the plane of the nearest designated exit as projected across the vehicle.

6.2.3.1
The path leading to an alternate exit, other than that stated in6.2.2, shall be not less
than 13 in. (330 mm) wide at the narrowest point and as a minimum shall extend vertically
from the supporting surface below the alternate exit to the top of the alternate exit

6.2.5*
Size of Alternate Exits.

6.2.5.1
The alternate exit, if not an exterior passage door, shall provide an opening of sufficient size to permit unobstructed passage, keeping the major axis parallel to the plane of the opening and horizontal at all times, of an ellipsoid generated by rotating about the minor axis an ellipse having a major axis of 24 in. (610 mm) and a minor axis of 17 in. (432 mm). (See Figure A.6.2.5.)

6.2.5.2
An exterior passage door if used for an alternate exit shall provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum horizontal dimension of 18 in. (457 mm) and a minimum vertical dimension of 48 in. (1.2 m).

To Vent or Not to Vent that is the Question

After closely inspecting our RV's exit window I learned the following;

• Although the exit window meets the opening size standards it would not be easy for a full-figured adult to get through that window
• The frame of the window is likely to abrade or cut anyone exiting the RV through it. I guess it's a tradeoff between flesh or burning injuries. Perhaps laying a pillow on the window sill would help avoid injury
• The window is very close to the bed which may be a hindrance or help
• It would be best to exit the window feet first.
• The standards don't mention what you may mount outside the exit window. In my case, there is a spare tire below the window and I have to decide if that is a hindrance or help. Edit: I decided to cut back the upright holding the spare tire and leave it in place. I think it allows you a place to kneel/slide while exiting out the window.
• Properly attached I have a hard time believing that a screen would stop me from exiting in the case of a fire.
• I never want to be in a situation where I need this window.

Converting the Exit Window for Ventilation

Most of the time if it is hot the air conditioning is used and most of the time this is at night when a fire would be most dangerous.

Approach

• Fabricate and add a screen attached to the exit windows frame with a minimum of velcro
• Add handles to the screen so it can be easily removed
• Leave the screen off the exit window when it is not opened
• Fabricate and add a removable mechanism to hold open the window. Do not add any bracket that would impede exiting that window.

Window Holding Latch

I initially planned to use this window latch https://amzn.to/3RhgnH5. It provided a convenient way to push open the window and latch it in place. Then it occurred to me that it would either make it impossible to exit [if it did not break away] or it would be in the way of an already marginal opening. I decided to return it and make my own simpler and removable latching mechanism. Actually, it does not latch it just "holds" the window open.

This holding bracket mounts to the window frame and the weight of the window holds it in place. It minimally interposes into the window opening and it is easy to knock off if necessary. You just lift the window and it falls out or is simple to remove.

I think this holding latch facilitates exiting through this window.

I am thinking of replacing this holding latch with an installed version although it's a bit expensive. Hatch Lid Stay

Window Screen

This was fabricated using a window screen kit Screen Kit. After measuring the window opening and frame with I came up with dimensions that work for my window.

The kit corners are 90s rather than the arcs needed to fit the screen in the slot of the frame. This dictated that the screen be mounted on the outside of the window frame. This mounting facilitated easy removal in adverse to fitting the screen into the windows slot. Not as pretty but met the"easy to remove" requirement.

The frames aluminum is easy to cut square on a table saw

Use a center strut to keep the frame from bending while inserting the screen otherwise, it will not seal well to the window frame

When inserting the screen add the "pulls" at the top. 

I tied a ribbon across the pulls to make jerking the screen off even easier

Attaching the Screen to the Frame

The screen is attached using cut sections of velcro in a few places around the frame. I did not want to make the screen hard to remove so I used only 2x - 1" sections of velcro on each side of the frame.

The screen fit reasonably tight against the frame but there was a bit of daylight still detectable.

I used weather stripping that was thick enough to seal but still allowed the velcro to minimally grab.  I would have rather used black but it only came in white. It probably would be better if I adhered it to the screen rather than the window frame so it's not visible when the screen is removed.

 Summary

Adding anything to the existing Exit window configuration in your RV carries risk and I am not recommending doing so. Any modifications you make to your RV you do so at your own risk.

This post is for information purposes only and outlines the materials and steps I used. 

The exit window is useable as a vent with the addition of an easily removable screen and a holding bracket. This screen will be left off unless the window is open.