Everywhere I read it seems really important to have dual pane windows. But, if you buy a used unit without them, can you have them installed without mych problem? Cost? And if you buy new should you assume they have them or are they an optional feature on most units?
Tim & Robyn said
01:52 PM Nov 29, 2008
I think dual pane windows are optional most of the time, but the concensus seems to be that they're worth it. We have pretty much settled on a Nu-Wa fifth wheel.... (hope they survive the economic situation right now). They even offer (or at least used to ) removable storm windows as an option. Can't see that there's much of an advantage in that because you've either got to leave them on all the time, or store them someplace.... If you store them, where you gonna put 'em (storage is at a premium)? And then what do you do if they get broken?
Luvglass said
03:50 PM Nov 29, 2008
Dual pane windows keep the rig cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, minimize outside noise, and just about eliminate condensation, which can really be a problem in the winter with single panes.
I believe they are an option on just about every brand. They cost us about $1,000 extra on ours.
Wouldn't be without them.
Judy said
09:16 PM Nov 29, 2008
Luvglass is right if you are full timing you will want dual pane windows. Even if you are planing on being in a warmer climate during winter months you should have them. southwestjudy
Jack Mayer said
10:02 AM Nov 30, 2008
Let me just add my 2 cents as well.
Under no circumstances should you even consider a fulltiming rig without dual pane windows.....for all the reasons noted here. It makes a HUGE difference in the livability of the rig. Way more than you would expect.
Been there - done that - both ways with fulltiming rigs. Believe me - you want double pane windows....
wmalefyt said
10:55 AM Nov 30, 2008
I agree that dual pane windows are worth the cost.
Never assume anything when buying an RV! Always check to be sure it has dual panes, don't trust the salesman! Most new 5th wheels on dealer's lots don't come with dual panes, you usually have to have the dealer order from the factory with just what you want it equipped with, including the dual pane windows.
I don't believe you can have an RV retrofitted with dual pane windows once it has been built with single pane windows. The dual panes are a different size frame on most rigs so they wouldn't fit the openings for the single panes. You may be able to find storm windows that can be fitted over the single panes. It would be best to check with a dealer or a manufacturer to see if they are available.
-- Edited by wmalefyt at 11:04, 2008-11-30
breezy said
05:00 PM Nov 30, 2008
Ok, Thanks! Glad I asked! Dual Panes will be a MUST HAVE then.
Speedhitch said
12:17 PM Dec 1, 2008
OR.....you could live where the temps are to your liking and keep the windows open. Hey that is what this is all about.
Speedy
RVDude said
04:26 PM Dec 1, 2008
Sppedster.... Some places have temps to my liking but I don't often leave the windows open at minus 20 degrees in the wintertime Colorado Mountains!!!!!
Good thing for those double pane windows though! The comfort difference is staggering.... Also they offer good sound deadening - another big plus...
coal said
07:17 PM Apr 8, 2009
Last year in our previous rig we only had single pane windows. We had a big problem with condensation during the winter time, so bad, the carpets were soaked in some parts of the fiver. Water literally pouring off the windows.
Our new trailer has double pane, and not one drop of water.
Sushidog said
01:43 PM Apr 9, 2009
If your dream rig doesn't have dual pane windows, you can add Plexiglas inner window panes for a similar effect. Just Velcro them around the edges so they seal well and they're easily removable.
Another option is using Reflectix window coverings when the temp is extreme. They reflect 90% of IR heat (both ways) and add a little insulation too. They actually work better than dual panes, but won't let any light in so they're good for bedroom windows and at night. I put some in my Aliner, as dual pane windows aren't an option. They are attached with Velcro so they go on and off quickly and easily (except for the Reflectix in the the bubble windows, which just pushes in and pulls out easily. You can buy the raw material from Home Depot or Lowes and cut them to size yourself - for an easy custom installation. Here are some picks of my set-up:
Everywhere I read it seems really important to have dual pane windows. But, if you buy a used unit without them, can you have them installed without mych problem? Cost? And if you buy new should you assume they have them or are they an optional feature on most units?
Luvglass is right if you are full timing you will want dual pane windows. Even if you are planing on being in a warmer climate during winter months you should have them.
southwestjudy
Let me just add my 2 cents as well.
Under no circumstances should you even consider a fulltiming rig without dual pane windows.....for all the reasons noted here. It makes a HUGE difference in the livability of the rig. Way more than you would expect.
Been there - done that - both ways with fulltiming rigs. Believe me - you want double pane windows....
Never assume anything when buying an RV! Always check to be sure it has dual panes, don't trust the salesman! Most new 5th wheels on dealer's lots don't come with dual panes, you usually have to have the dealer order from the factory with just what you want it equipped with, including the dual pane windows.
I don't believe you can have an RV retrofitted with dual pane windows once it has been built with single pane windows. The dual panes are a different size frame on most rigs so they wouldn't fit the openings for the single panes. You may be able to find storm windows that can be fitted over the single panes. It would be best to check with a dealer or a manufacturer to see if they are available.
-- Edited by wmalefyt at 11:04, 2008-11-30
Some places have temps to my liking but I don't often leave the windows open at minus 20 degrees in the wintertime Colorado Mountains!!!!!
Good thing for those double pane windows though! The comfort difference is staggering.... Also they offer good sound deadening - another big plus...
Our new trailer has double pane, and not one drop of water.
Another option is using Reflectix window coverings when the temp is extreme. They reflect 90% of IR heat (both ways) and add a little insulation too. They actually work better than dual panes, but won't let any light in so they're good for bedroom windows and at night. I put some in my Aliner, as dual pane windows aren't an option. They are attached with Velcro so they go on and off quickly and easily (except for the Reflectix in the the bubble windows, which just pushes in and pulls out easily. You can buy the raw material from Home Depot or Lowes and cut them to size yourself - for an easy custom installation. Here are some picks of my set-up:
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=31257
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=31258
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=48696
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=48697
Chip & Cindy