Anyone ever attempt to repair slipping window seals yourself?
Bruce, I watched them do it up at RV fog doctor at Searcy, AR one day. It doesn't look that simple. I could probably break something.
I've been wondering the same thing. I recently priced the fix at RV Glass Solutions (Phoenix and Coburg, Oregon). They charge about $500 for a two piece window. Interestingly, they sell new replacements for about the same price. The replacements are somehow different than our originals but I don't remember the details (first the hair, then the memory).
There was a guy in Oregon someplace a few years ago that was doing the repair for a lot less. Also, there was a video or text available that described the do-it-yourself process but I haven't had any luck locating it.
jor
Lynn, they are not that fragile, l did the glass replacements on an Itasca years ago. Getting the windows out and all the goo cleaned up was a big part of the jobs. And of course all the valences and blinds have to come down.
When I watched that day, I was mostly interested in what they did to prepare the glass to be put back together. They had another crew pulling the glass out of the coaches. If I remember correctly, they charge $200 a window. I think I was told that MOT sends their glass to Fog Doctor for repair.
Fog Doctor is recommended by Xtreme in Nag, the owner just had his personal coaches windows repaired there.
They say that the coaches they have sent there have been very successful.
Bruce,
John Haygarth did a write up several years ago as to how to DIY it. I will see if I can find it as he had seal, sealer info and tools needed to do the job.
I personally think that it isn't that big of job. The hardest this is getting the window off the coach because of the putty tape that holds them in place. The trick is to have a jig set up with 2- 2X4 board set up at 90* to each other. This will be your guide to be able to get the 2 pieces of glass lined back up square when you go to reassemble.
Edit: It took a while to find this info from John
Cost of Windows (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13595.msg75895#msg75895)
Mike
I had two windows done at Fog Doctor in Searcy. Arkansas about six months ago. They charged $200.00 per window unless the glass needs to be replaced too then $300.00 per window.
They have 50 amp electrical and water hookups not sure about sewer.
I have used RV Fog Pro in Dallas and stayed in Grapevine at The Vineyards. They did an excellent job.
John
I've been to two FMCA rallys where there was a company that did it on location. They removed your window and essentially "rebuilt" it and had it back the next day for a very reasonable price . I would like to know how well those worked out over the long term.
Thank you Mike and John
Haygarth. Great write-up. I'm putting this on my list. Sounds like a fun project.
jor
The RV window repair trucks are all over Quartzsite- on a daily basis during the winter show months. One year, the FT next to me had several windows done, in the RV Park. I believe she has been very pleased . The companies from some of the larger cities in AZ run trucks, locally, for the busy season. They take the windows out, make the repairs and then replace them over a period of several days, usually. Your affected coach window openings are covered for that time period. AND, rain in Quartzsite, AZ happens rarely, anyway. I have never had occasion to have this type work done, on our coach.
But, I CAN tell you that windshield repairs/replacements work about the same way. The difference is that the faulty windshield is taken out only when the new one is ready to be put in the coach.
Bruce,
Is this what you are looking for?
John M.
How To Reseal & Replace RV Windows - YouTube (https://youtu.be/K02m24R73B0)
John, I'm talking about replacing the seal in between the glass panes.
There is a place in or around Hudson Fl that does the work and gives you a warranty.
Suncoast designers inc
Bruce,
I found a couple of videos on someone repairing a window. Video is in two parts. Also I found a link to Do it yourself RV foggy window, creepy black seal kits for dual pane windows.
Hope this helps, John M.
Foggy RV Window Repair - Part 1 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/hA-_q4QGoZU)
Foggy RV Window Repair: Part 2 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/GA9srfKF58I)
Repair Kit
rv foggy window repair, se-gi window, dual pane window. (https://www.daverootrvglassrepair.com/window-repair-kits.html)
See my Suncoast Designers review at:
Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/6FCZ5vm5xiDoCF577)
Haste makes waste.
We made the trip up to Fog Doc in Searcy, AR and they repaired 6 of our windows that had the dreaded creep! $200 per window and one was $300. I believe it was the passenger side window for additional cost. Very happy with results and they said anytime there was an issue, to come back and they would take care of it, no charge.
So, I may consider myself lucky, to NOT have the Dual Pane, seeing what they cost in Repairs? My '95, was the Last Single Pane Installs made by FT, of course! I am Considering buying the thickest Smoked Plastic Sheets (4' X 8') and the Hardware, for a Durable Install, with a Proper Latch at the bottom! My Coach came with Window Awning Delete Option, from the Factory, and Although it might make it cooler in the Summer's Heat, the Smoked Plastic, will do the very same thing, as well? I was thinking of a rubber gasket, attached to the new Tilt Window, which would allow more Insulation, (Sorely Needed) and a replaceable Foam type, mounted on the Inner side, to make it seal better! The Rubber one would be for keeping debris from getting in between the windows, while going down the road, and keep them from getting ripped off, from wind! I honestly never get much rain, by not having awnings, as I just close the windows, if needed, no biggie there, but having the Smoked Tilt Windows would allow that, as well! The past 9 Months of many RV Parks, and seeing the various ways the type I am talking about, intrigued me a lot! It sort of "Modernizes" the Look, too!
Anyway, it's a "Round Tuit" item on my list of many other issues, but may receive a higher priority, later this year, and I'll go for it! I will do a write up, with pics, and sources I find for this project, to hopefully have others consider this Mod? The Insulation Factor Alone, makes it a "Must Do" issue, as even sourcing and install costs, for New Manufactured Dual Pane's, that I have been quoted, are clearly not worth the effort, one bit! I'd never get "Pay Back" in energy cost savings, in my lifetime, by doing that!
Wish me luck, though, as I am doing it...or would like to ASAP, anyway? So far, from what I have sourced, I can do the whole Coach, for less than one Coach Buck? I'll keep ya posted though, as I ONLY want Stainless, or Aluminum Hardware, of course!
Here's another place to get supplies for dual pane repairs: 1969 to 1980 Airstream Dual Pane Glass Spacer (http://www.vintagetrailergaskets.com/vintage-trailer-gaskets/200-1969-to-1980-airstream-dual-pane-glass-spacer.html) Their foam spacers have adhesive on both sides, a foil vapor barrier, and desiccant in them. They work well. The only issue I had with them is that they're grey in color, and it can be seen through the glass; no effect on function, just not black.
IMO, the only difficult part of the repair is getting the panes separated. Normally the old butyl rubber can be cut close to the glass with a utility knife (there's an aluminum spacer embedded in it). If it has crept more than an inch from the edge you'll need to get creative to get to it. I use a coarse hacksaw blade with the heel end ground and polished smooth, so as to not scratch the inside of the glass. You still need to be careful about scratching the glass but it's do-able. Also, if you can get a hold of the aluminum spacer with a hooked awl, and pull it out far enough to grab with a pliers, it helps. Just be aware that the spacer is somewhat fragile and can break.
Before separating, mark the same corner of both panes, on the outside, with some painters tape to insure they go back together the way they came apart. I use a razor blade to get most of the butyl off, and mineral spirits to get the rest. Then do a final cleaning with denatured alcohol, prior to assembly. At this point, make sure your hands/fingers are spotless clean (I still try to avoid touching the insides of the glass), place the outside pane in a jig, outside down. For a jig, I use a flat piece of plywood with three short pieces of 1x2 lumber blocks screwed on...3 point locating, and allows plenty of room for chubby fingers to hold the pane by the edges) Apply the spacer, foil to the outside... take your time, and only remove a few inches of the release tape at once. (I eyeball it 1/8" from the edge to leave a gap for the sealant) Make sure the inside of pane is still clean. Remove release tape on foam spacer, verify that the inside of both panes are still clean. (Can gently blow any dust off with coach air) With the inside of inside pane facing up, make sure both pains are touching all 3 of the jigs 1x2 locating blocks, and bring the panes together. I use structural windshield urethane (Sikaflex, or the like) to seal the perimeter. The sealant should completely fill the gap between the panes, and be flat, or slightly concave of the edges. Put some weight on the assembly and let it sit, undisturbed for 24 hours.
Observation: IMO, for very small windows, one is better off replacing the entire unit than repairing... or leave it to a pro. I don't know if it would be worth the work to try to removed the pane from the frame without "springing" the frame.
Greg
Bruce,
Sorry it took so long to post this info as to another supplier of the parts you will need for the replacement of the window seals. Good folks to work with. Who ever you get your parts from make sure you order the correct thickness for your window frames.
Insulated Glass Supplies (https://www.dkhardware.com/insulated-glass-supplies_ZC35M0P1.html?p=1&k=%2C&st=0&sd=1&f_price_price=-)
Mike
I had Suncoast repair 11 windows 6 years ago. Their guarantee is two years. Their seals started creeping again at 4 years. I wish now I had just bitten the bullet and replaced them. A forever guarantee would have been worth it.
Who would you have used to replace the windows and get a forever guarantee?
In the northwest and around the country I have found this company to have a great reputation, and they have only a two year warranty. And my current FT RV has 100% of their dual pane "Motion" branded windows as well as my previous Monaco Signature, and I've never had a failure. I also have had many customers with their glass, without failures also. They do installs, as well as ship around the country. I would use no one else. The following is an explanation of how they use a solid divider made of anodized perforated aluminum spacers instead of a flexible one.
Dual Pane RV Windows - Series 1800 | MotionWindows.com (https://www.motionwindows.com/products/series-1800/)
Boat Windows & RV Windows Manufacturer | MotionWindows.com (https://www.motionwindows.com/company/)
and how to install them...... My previous coach's owner acted as the helper with one of their installers.
How to - Videos - Motion Windows (https://www.motionwindows.com/how-to-videos/)