I have been working on an electrical and cabinet project in my little Palimino, and I had to take the microwave oven out. When I did that, I realized what little was actually holding the darned thing in! It's just held in by 4 wood screws fastened into the framework of the cabinet. I imagine it would not take much force to strip those wood screws out of the cabinet. So, in even a small fender-bender, I imagine it would not take much to dislodge the microwave oven, and send the 50-pound beast hurling out of the upper cabinet, and through the TT uncontrollably.
Now, yes, nobody rides in a TT while going down the road, BUT I am guessing that motorhomes are built pretty much the same way inside as travel trailers, so the same issue applies. What about the other appliances too? I imagine a side impact collision could get pretty nasty if it were to knock a stove or fridge loose, and even result in a broken propane line.
Yes, making an RV "crashproof" would involve a considerable amount of additional weight, but I would think just simply adding a metal brace to the back of the MW that fastens it to the frame would do wonders for the safety factor...and my peace of mind! I have rode in friends' motorhomes before, but after disassembling my own TT, I'm a little apprehensive about riding anywhere but in the cab!
On the other hand, last season I replaced the factory equipped 19" TV that came with my 2004 Gulf Stream with a new, lightweight flat panel LCD. It took more time to remove the seeming millions of screws and bracing that held the darn thing in than to custom install the new one.
One thing that is always consistent with RVs is inconsistency.
I forget if mine is held in by six or eight very long wood screws deep into heavy duty wood.
However when I'm driving the thing that's just inches behind my head is a very strong external wall. Anything flying toward me is not going to hit me
Wife is not quite as well protected, but ... She has a good deal of protection too.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
If you start playing the"WHAT IF" game, will you ever leave the house?
Will you be able to stay IN your house?
Safety is an illusion. True safety is impossible to achieve.
Good luck.
cybervanner wrote: Yes, making an RV "crashproof" would involve a considerable amount of additional weight, but I would think just simply adding a metal brace to the back of the MW that fastens it to the frame would do wonders for the safety factor..!
Over 90% RV have no crash ratings whatsoever. I think if the roof collapse to the floor level, loose microwave is going to be last worry.
I would worry more about propane tubings installed on the top of the wheel wells. Leaky propane can convert flat tire into really big BOOM>
Winnebago makes a point of securing appliances to steel plates embedded in the sidewall. They also have in the past (can't say whether they still do it) done inverted drop tests of their motorhomes to ensure that things don't come flying loose.
Kajtek1 wrote: I would worry more about propane tubings installed on the top of the wheel wells. Leaky propane can convert flat tire into really big BOOM>
Not really since MH's (and now TT's & 5th wheels) have a high flow cut off. Cuts off the flow if an excess of flow starts. Even opening the valve too fast will sometimes activate it.
I'd be more worried about a gasoline line and all that very explosive fuel, but then I suppose you drive with the gasoline shut off?
Yes, making an RV "crashproof" would involve a considerable amount of additional weight, but I would think just simply adding a metal brace to the back of the MW that fastens it to the frame would do wonders for the safety factor...and my peace of mind! I have rode in friends' motorhomes before, but after disassembling my own TT, I'm a little apprehensive about riding anywhere but in the cab!
...and all of the above is but a few of the many reasons why our new Class C? (B+) Motor Home is being built by Turtle Top Bus. They must pass Fedral crash and roll-over standard for school and transportation buses. It has all steel cage construction.
http://www.turtletop.com/construction.asp
Plus its lighter than a Wood Stick construction Motor Home.
...but its not fair to compare it to a normal MH because it's a custom 'one of a kind' vehicle that's spec'd with our features and options.
Last week drove to Indiana to check on its progress and take a tour of the Turtle Top Factory. Very Impressed on both count.
Even though Turtle Top looks to have all the business they can handle making buses, they were glad to take on my special project and use it to showcase the versatility and craftsmanship they are capable of.
Management explained that they like to take one these Special- projects, because it gets every thinking in a different way and many times it leads to ideas that can be incorporate into the Production- vehicles.
It was pretty interesting listening to the employees and the contributions some of them made to my vehicle. The best one was, they came up with idea to use a rear 'raised' fiberglass roof from a wheel-chair lift bus and use it to give my vehicle more head room over the rear kitchen and bathroom.
mowermech wrote: If you start playing the"WHAT IF" game, will you ever leave the house?
Will you be able to stay IN your house?
Safety is an illusion. True safety is impossible to achieve.
Good luck.
Exactly, if you spend your life worrying about what "might" happen, you'll really have no life. In todays world, breathing is a gamble.
2007 Forester 2941DS
2005 KIA Spectra
Zamboni, Long Haired Mini Dachshund
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