Thermal Pane Windows

DMRGMC · 02-28-2012, 09:35 PM

We would like some input regarding thermal windows. Does the seal last? It would be a costly item to replace once it is out of warranty. It is an expensive option but the majority of people that have them, according to their posts, feel that it is worth it but they never include information about the longevity of the seal or whether they do have that kind of issue.

Rob_Fla · 02-29-2012, 05:14 AM

We have the Dual Pane windows on our Pinnacle, and yes we love them.

I do not know how long they will last but production methods have gotten better over the years.

I have read cases of the Dual Panes fogging up but not have not seen widespread problems.

There are several company's across the US that specialize in repairing them if they do fog up.

Yes they were expensive, but the and pluses out weight the potential minuses.

edatlanta · 02-29-2012, 06:44 AM

I completely agree with Rob. I don't remember the cost adder or added weight, but both are worth it. Sound is greatly reduced from outside, heating and a/c costs are reduced and if you full time in cold weather there is virtually zero inside fogging or moisture condensation on the windows. This is my second winter with temps last year as low as 13 and no condensation either year.
I definitely would buy these windows again.

wiscampsin · 02-29-2012, 08:06 AM

Salesguy quoted us $1250 for the thermopane window option on a 2012 351RLTS we were considering. IMHO definately worth the price. However he said they can only be put on fixed and slider windows, not crank out windows. Something about the hinge and mechanism not being able to handle the added weight. Jayco changes crank out windows with small sliders. Only downside to that would be not being able to crank out the windows in the rain for ventilation.

Wyotraveler · 02-29-2012, 09:24 AM

I broke one in my 5Ver in Wyoming. I had a difficult time getting a replacement. I had one shipped out by the manufacturer after the local glass people were unable to get a window. The window caught up with me in AZ. Fortunately only the outside pane of glass broke. They are dual pane not really thermal glass. I suspect if you are in a large town getting a replacement would not be a problem.

The window that broke in mine was a fairly large window and the escape window near the rear of the 5Ver. in 2004 that window cost was approx $450 to replace. Since it was a strange shape it was replaced complete with frame.

Lady Fitzgerald · 02-29-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

...Jayco changes crank out windows with small sliders. Only downside to that would be not being able to crank out the windows in the rain for ventilation.

Even that can be worked around. Someone (can't remember who since I haven't had my coffee yet; wait, I don't drink that nasty stuff) makes a louver add-on that allows windows to remain open in most rainstorms. Visibility would be compromised somewhat. Another oprion would be to put window awnings over the windows. Besides blocking all but blowing rain (nothing will block that except a closed window and sometimes not even then), they will shade the window from the sun for much of the day.

wiscampsin · 02-29-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Someone makes a louver add-on that allows windows to remain open in most rainstorms. Visibility would be compromised somewhat.

Something like this?
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ndowmaxx/13047

BTW, the small thermopane window that was changed to a slider slid horizontally, not vertically, so it slid to the side, not up.

Lady Fitzgerald · 02-29-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

Something like this?
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...ndowmaxx/13047

BTW, the small thermopane window that was changed to a slider slid horizontally, not vertically, so it slid to the side, not up.

Seems to me the ones I saw were a different brand but the illustration is spot on.

I've never seen RV sliders that slid up.

clutch · 02-29-2012, 08:24 PM

The sliders in our Montana slid up and down. They didn't slide any easier than the side to side ones in our Jayco.

The Way Life Should Be · 03-01-2012, 06:13 AM

We had 3 sliders in the Denali we owned before our Jayco. The kitchen went side to side and the slide out end windows went up and down. We did not see an advantage to either type.

Dwight
6 weeks until the first trip

dzwiss · 03-01-2012, 07:26 AM

We went from crank out windows to sliders and worried about the raining in problem. We found that it really wasn't much of an issue. If it's raining in on one side, close the window and open one on the other side. Also, a bit of silicone spray in the track helps keep the sliders moving freely.

Jrmay25 · 03-17-2012, 10:46 PM

Chiming in a little late on this topic but am considering adding the window upgrade to our 365BHS that's about to be built. On the 365 the only crank out window is by the kitchen sink. Am I understanding correct that Jayco replaces this with a dual pane slider? The 365 also has a oval/rectangular non sliding window above the super slid. Would this also be replaced with dual pane? Guess what I'm asking is will every window in the unit be upgraded to dual pane glass? I'm considering the upgrade mostly for the noise reduction and condensation as I can't believe there's much of an energy savings when your still going to have 1/8" thick plastic domes in both bathrooms and a the huge plastic skylight above the shower.
Thanks,
Jr

Rob_Fla · 03-18-2012, 06:11 AM

Yes, every window will be Dual Pane including the upper rectangular "Skylight" type window.
The kitchen window will change to a slider type Dual Pane.

Again you are right, minimal energy savings, but less noise and no condensation.
We have had many RV's (TTs & 5ers) over the years, our current Jayco is the first with Dual Panes, we still think they are a good investment

wiscampsin · 03-18-2012, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrmay25

... your still going to have 1/8" thick plastic domes in both bathrooms and a the huge plastic skylight above the shower.
Thanks,
Jr

Easy fix for the plastic dome vents. Link:

http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...y&Nty=1&Ntpc=1

DW made 3 for our roof vents from some scrap material she had and some foam padding.

**norty1** · 03-18-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

Easy fix for the plastic dome vents. Link:

http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...y&Nty=1&Ntpc=1

DW made 3 for our roof vents from some scrap material she had and some foam padding.

It won't fit the shower skylight.

drfife · 03-18-2012, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

It won't fit the shower skylight.

I used a Camco Reflective Door Cover to cover the shower skylight. I added snap caps to the 4 corners and midway along long edge, removed the screws in the corresponding spots in the skylight and replaced them with the screw in snap males.

It just snaps on and off and really keeps the heat out.

wiscampsin · 03-18-2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

It won't fit the shower skylight.

I know, I was thinking the roof vents.

wiscampsin · 03-18-2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

I used a Camco Reflective Door Cover to cover the shower skylight. I added snap caps to the 4 corners and midway along long edge, removed the screws in the corresponding spots in the skylight and replaced them with the screw in snap males.

It just snaps on and off and really keeps the heat out.

Good idea, any concern about how much heat it reflects back up to the skylight?

Jrmay25 · 03-18-2012, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the input. I think since I can add them at the time of build for $875.00 more I'll go ahead and have dual panes installed.

drfife · 03-18-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

Good idea, any concern about how much heat it reflects back up to the skylight?

I did this mod 9 years ago. It stays in place except when we shower or camping in cold weather. No I'll effects that I can tell. It gets pretty hot here in Texas and is sunny most days.

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