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Stuck Window

Perhaps my first useful post?

The windows on our coach will not open all the way.  Just having purchased our coach, we are connected to a 120 V outlet at home and the breaker keeps popping.  I need some air in here!

Searched the forum for "stuck window" and found a reference to Jig-A-Loo.  This is a surfacant that is not a greasy lubricant (like WD-40), but appears to be sold only in Canada.  Found something similar by Liquid Wrench (Silicone Spray, Ultra-Slippery Lubricant) with CERFLON at Walmart (first picture). Sandy works for a chemical company, so I am familiar with the idea of surfactants'.  It does not have the pleasant smell like Jig-A-Loo says it has, but if it is available and works, so be it.  (Be aware...the results are worth the temporary sensory unpleasantness.) 

The second pictures show the items used and the window ¼ way open - the best I could do before the fix.  After lubricating the window (third picture) ...... WA-LA, it opens all the way!!!

How did I do this?  First, I brushed the track with a tooth brush.  Next I used Dust-Off to get rid of the loose stuff.  You probably don't have to do this, but I admit it, I am anal:  the "careful or precise" part of the definition.  To confirm this, I just changed my Avatar.

Next I sprayed the track with the Silicone Spray and worked it in with a tooth brush.  I sprayed the track with the window closed (last picture), outside the coach with the window closed, and with the window open.  Better to over lubricate than to miss something.  I wiped off the over-spray, but think it best to let the lubricant sink into the track.  No need to wipe the track dry.

The results are impressive.  The windows open all the way!  Foretravels' are built solid – no sag in the window mid-point.  The window is NOT defective.

This is a simple thing to do.  Think I will be keeping a can of this stuff in the coach.
Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #1 –
Ig, looks like you have a snakey window seal, was that there before you used the silicone??
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #2 –

Good process.
Brush out the tracks,
blow out with compressed air,
use dry silicone spray

Dry 3M silicone spray.  The spray is wet but thatvdries out leaving a dry silicone coating.

Amazon.com: 3M 08897 Silicone Lubricant (Dry Type) - 8.5 oz.: Home Improvement

Roger

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #3 –
Yes, snakey seal was there.  Something to add to the list.

Thought about dry silicone, but think the Cerflon additive with waterproofing qualities will work better in the track that is exposed to the weather.  I am certainly no expert on silicone, but that is my thought.
Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #4 –
Me neither. Seemed to me that the dry spray attracts less dust and dirt after using both.  Rudy Legett was visiting in July and had a very hard to move window.  We lubed it up with the dry spray until it worked easily.  Rudy reports today that it is still sliding easily.

The dry sprays have no petroleum products that might satin fabrics, shades or wood.

Liquid Wrench makes a dry silicone spray with the same additive as the wet.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #5 –
I use old fashioned paraffin, works for me.
Wonder just what your "110" connection is? 20 amps? 30 amps ? 50 amps?
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #6 –
Garage & coach on 15 A.  Need to run a new line for the coach.  That is on the list too.

Should have said 120 V, not 110.  Will correct that.

The Jig-A-Loo product found in Canada sounds superior to what I have been able to find.  If anyone knows of a product in the US that can be sprayed on fabric, smells good, and can lubricate like silicone, please share.
Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #7 –
Tom, you are tripping breakers because the draw within the coach is more than !5 amps. A good idea if you are installing a power source to go ahead and put in a 50 amp source but be sure the electrician understands the system.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,
 

Re: Stuck Window

Reply #8 –
50 amp RV is:

Two hots (duplex 50 amp breakers) supplying two hots (L1 and L2).  Normally one black and one red.  Gauge dependent on length of run from house main breaker box as well as rated for 50 amp). L1 and L2 wired to the two outer straights on RV outlet end. 240 VAC as measured between them.

Neutral wire: same gauge as hots and generally white. Wired from house main breaker box neutral bus to center straight of RV outlet end.

Ground wire from ground bus on house breaker panel to center round of RV outlet end.  Generally green.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020