Thor’s outdoor griddle option on some of its motorhomes has created a real problem. Turns out, that griddle blocks the emergency exit. Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Omni and Magnitude motorcoaches. The emergency exit window could be blocked while the outside griddle is in use. It’s not a big recall, only 35 units. But if yours is one of them and your exit is blocked in a fire, it’s a BIG deal. A blocked emergency exit window can delay occupants exiting the vehicle during an emergency, increasing the risk of injury—or worse.
Remedy
Dealers will relocate the emergency exit window, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to begin August 14, 2024. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-500-1020.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Griddle blocks emergency exit background
To Thor’s credit, the company wasted no time calling for a recall of these units. Earlier this month, on June 11, Thor staff was taking a look-see at their griddle option. Somebody noticed that when the griddle was in place for use, it partially blocked the exit window. The company safety committee met the same day and voted for the recall. Kudos to Thor for not mucking about.
The fix will be no “add a couple of screws and send her down the road” trick. Technicians will remove the existing exit window and presumably install a cover to fill the hole. A new cutout will be made on the other side of the rig. The emergency exit window will be reinstalled in that cutout.
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I guess it’s good news that Thor is jumping on this correction right away, but shouldn’t somebody slap the design/engineer team up along side the head for coming up with this layout ? Just wondering…
YES, someone should slap all of them beside the head and I am not just wondering. Someone should be reviewing Life Safety at all RV manufacturers. It drives me nuts when I see an “escape window” 4 feet off the floor and then an 8-foot drop to the ground outside. This is not allowed in stix n bricks. AND the window ain’t that big in the first place. Grrrrrr
Yep !
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 How interesting that Thor took the high road on this deal. 🤔 Can the corporate culture be changing? I guess we’ll see, even though it is only 35 RVs. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
I wouldn’t want a cover, I would want them to do bodywork so you couldn’t tell there was a hole in the motorhome. The way some emergency exits are. People would have difficulty getting out of the RV in a emergency, especially if you’re on the plus side. I like the idea of two exit doors.