Safety Notification for the Carry-Bike by Fiamma

[urnmor]

Yesterday I received a safety notification for the Fiamma Bike rack. The Safety Recall was sent in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. AS has decided that the defect that if the bike rack is installed on the rear of the trailer under a secondary exit window it can block a clear path to exit on the outside of the trailer if the rack is loaded with bikes.

There solution was to issue warning stickers; one to be placed under the window and the other to be placed on the bike rack.

Now it seems to me that this is certainly not a valid fix for those who have already purchased the rack. It implies that one would need to unload the bikes each time the AS was in use in order to meet the safety standard. I just don't see this happening especial if one is towing the bikes and stops at a rest stop over night or even to use the AS for a quick lunch. anyway was wondering if anyone else received it and what your thoughts are

[BAB]

I received the stickers as well. It's perplexing, actually. As I look at the Fiamma from the BR window, there would obviously be no safety hazard IF the bike weren't loaded on it and I had to do an emergency exit. As urnmor notes, though, if the bike were on the rack you couldn't successfully exit as the window would strike the bike -- preventing rapid egress. I realized all this the first time I looked out that window with a bike on the rack -- that I'd have to figure out another exit. My trailer has two good sized fixed windows on both the SS and CS BR panels. I'd just punch one of those out. (If you've ever broken an A/S window -- and I have -- they crumble into a million teeny-tiny pieces.) I think the stickers are the CYA routine that the A/S corporate lawyers came up with to placate NHTSA, but more particularly those of us who would sue over a blocked exit. Remember: there is no such thing as PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY anymore.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by BAB

I received the stickers as well. It's perplexing, actually. As I look at the Fiamma from the BR window, there would obviously be no safety hazard IF the bike weren't loaded on it and I had to do an emergency exit. As urnmor notes, though, if the bike were on the rack you couldn't successfully exit as the window would strike the bike -- preventing rapid egress. I realized all this the first time I looked out that window with a bike on the rack -- that I'd have to figure out another exit. My trailer has two good sized fixed windows on both the SS and CS BR panels. I'd just punch one of those out. (If you've ever broken an A/S window -- and I have -- they crumble into a million teeny-tiny pieces.) I think the stickers are the CYA routine that the A/S corporate lawyers came up with to placate NHTSA, but more particularly those of us who would sue over a blocked exit. Remember: there is no such thing as PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY anymore.

I agree completely and would add 1 thing.

This is an important reason to have a second fire extinguisher in the bedroom area. It can be used on a fire and/or to brake a window.

EDIT: If you can get to the first fire extinguisher you are already at the door at the other end of the trailer, in most trailers.

[dkottum]

We did receive the notice and gave it some thought and decided we could still get out just as easily by shattering the window. I could keep a hammer there but could use a drawer as a ram as well. A minor issue if you are aware of it and have a plan before it happens.

[Powayegg]

I will be picking up a fire extinguisher today. Excellent idea.

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Airstream Forums mobile app

[halimer]

I always keep my second fire extinguisher in the bedroom.

[Sbb]

I got the notice and I am not slim as I used to be. Getting past those bikes would be the least of my worries. A hammer will now fit down along my mattress at the head.

[Jim Clark]

Automatic Nail Punch. Now added to my next purchasing trip to Harbor Freight. Good call on the second fire extinguisher.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by Jim Clark

Automatic Nail Punch. Now added to my next purchasing trip to Harbor Freight. Good call on the second fire extinguisher.

Hi, actually it's an automatic [spring loaded] center punch; One push of this tool will instantly break the window, [so easy a kid could do it] much better than a hammer Etc. They also make car emergency tools that cut seat belts as well as a pointed hammer end made for breaking glass. And you can buy pointed end caps for flashlights too. My choice would be the automatic center punch and you could make a holder to keep it where you can get to it quickly and easily.

[SSquared]

I got a spring-loaded punch of this type as part of an EMT's holster & tool kit. The one time I needed it, it didn't work--it did not have enough oomph. I don't remember what brand it was.

Can anybody recommend a brand that they have actually used successfully?

Oh, and if you can, it's safer to be wearing sturdy gloves when you use it.

[overlander63]

A multicell flashlight will also break a window out in short order, and would be more useful than an extra extinguisher 90% of the time. Of course, when you need one, you'll invariably have the other. Firearms (if equipped) can also open your window, but discharging one generally tends to discourage would-be rescuers.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by SSquared

I got a spring-loaded punch of this type as part of an EMT's holster & tool kit. The one time I needed it, it didn't work--it did not have enough oomph. I don't remember what brand it was.

Can anybody recommend a brand that they have actually used successfully?

Oh, and if you can, it's safer to be wearing sturdy gloves when you use it.

Hi, I believe the best one was a CP-79. Some of these have replaceable points; These need to be tight or lose some effectiveness. Also some of these have a knob [not visible to most people] that needs to be tightened. The increased spring pressure makes them work better.

CP-79 was Mac Tools number for a General 70079.