Roof emergency hatches: keep them or not?

belfert · January 31, 2010, 12:59:42 PM

Are there any good valid reasons for keep the roof hatches in a conversion? I have the newer style Transspec hatches used in almost every school bus and shuttle bus other there today.

I am looking to possibly remove the front hatch to make room for another roof A/C. I will keep the rear one for sure. I figure in the front I have some very large windows and the front door to exit in an emergency.

I do have up to 10 passengers, including driver, but rarely are everyone in the front at the same time.

bevans6 · January 31, 2010, 01:52:26 PM

I think having one is good. I use mine to get on the roof, if nothing else. It's in the bedroom. If I had one in the front' I'd haave used it for an AC unit.

Brian

JackConrad · January 31, 2010, 03:08:40 PM

Here is something to think about, from a retired Paramedic/Firefighter that has seen several buses and other large vehicles on their side. If your coach should end up laying on the passenger side, the door and passenger side windows are useless for egress and the driver's side windows are now approx 8' from the "floor" (passenger side). The roof hatches are now approx 4' from the "floor". Just something to consider when making your decision. We all hope none of our coaches ever end up on anything but the rubber tires, but if it should happen?

?
Our MC-8 came from the factory with only one escape hatch in the bedroom. If I could have found a second hatch, I would of added it in the front. Perhaps I am more safety conscious than most because of what I saw during my 28 year carrer as a Paramedic/Firefighter. Jack

Nellie Wilson · January 31, 2010, 03:24:00 PM

Good enough for me, Jack. I'm keeping mine.

FWIW, a fellow bus nut integrated a fan / vent combination into his hatch. The hatch still opens and closes (OEM hinges) but also ventilates. But I doubt you could do this with an A/C?

Nellie Wilson

Bill B /bus · January 31, 2010, 06:16:29 PM

Not a suggestion but, a 'what we did'.
Pulled both escape hatches. Both hatches exhibited signs of leakage. Plated with 0.080" Al, leftover side skin from window cutouts. AC units were installed in the hatch location.
Installed a BOMAR hatch in the bathroom area. Conveniently placed to allow roof access by standing on the sink counter. (In fact used that access to install the new Winegard satellite dish.) Provides great light in the bathroom, which has no window(s).

Bill

9s)

NewbeeMC9 · February 01, 2010, 05:37:53 PM

We need pics of that please, My hatches were used and I would like to have Escape/access.

Quote from: Bill B /bus on January 31, 2010, 06:16:29 PM
Not a suggestion but, a 'what we did'.
..
Installed a BOMAR hatch in the bathroom area. Conveniently placed to allow roof access by standing on the sink counter. (In fact used that access to install the new Winegard satellite dish.) Provides great light in the bathroom, which has no window(s).

Bill

9s)

scanzel · February 01, 2010, 05:45:43 PM

I am keeping mine on the Prevost. When I complete my conversion each hatch will have a screen door that is hinged on one side with a latch on the other. When it's hot I push the hatches open and the heat rises out of them and keeps the inside cool especially at night. The screen door is to keep out bugs etc.

buswarrior · February 01, 2010, 08:27:38 PM

Roof hatches are terrific for letting out the heat.

As noted, a screen assembly, magnetic, velcro, hinged or otherwise would be a lovely addition.

And heed Jack's warning,

lying on its side, your choices are the roof hatches or out the windshield, providing that your interior walls and doors aren't pinched by the twist from the roll over and you are trapped down the back.

Hmmm, wonder how the refrigerator was secured...?

It's all fun until upside is sideways.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Nellie Wilson · February 02, 2010, 02:59:13 AM

These posts got me wondering...

Even if the door is on the 'upside,' how do you reach it? And even if you can, how do you push that monster open? Nope. I'll stick with my emergency hatch, thank you very much.

Maybe with some screens like BW suggests? That would be nice.

Nellie

Paso One · February 02, 2010, 09:45:07 AM

Pictures are worth a thousand words Doors are up in this picture. easy out either way with roof hatch. Too bad my bus does not have one. But does have knock out windows.

belfert · February 02, 2010, 11:01:00 AM

To be clear, I have TWO emergency roof hatches. I am looking at perhaps removing the front one. I have no intention of ever removing the rear hatch.

My issue is I need a second A/C unit up front as one isn't doing the job in hot weather. I figure closer to the front is better for the driver, but it appears there isn't room in front of the roof hatch for a rooftop unit. I talked to Nick about my options for a basement unit or similiar and he recommended another rooftop.