dual pane windows & weight

bobbyterri wrote:
We are looking to purchase a fifth wheel and have been told two separate things by two different salesmen. Yes, get the dual pane to help with cold, no, don't get the dual pane (thermal he said) as they add too much weight to the TT. Who is right?

If you were talking double pane, low "E" windows for a stick n' brick, there would sure be a significant weight difference. In an RV, not so much.................

We are using our 12 year old alpenlite without any window issues but it seems like the newer any brand of rv has had windows issues on the dual pane's.
chevman

Had 4 new RV's. Two with and two without dual panes. Only REAL advantage is condensation. R value difference is a non issue. Folks cant see in your unit as much with dual panes but you got shades for that. Bought the signature fifth wheel used so it was a not a deal breaker because it had regular windows. Friend has a Mobile Suites with duals and after replacing rear window that got foggy he is going to put a single pane the next time. That was recommended by his dealer.

We bought our '06 Cameo with dual pane windows. Weight not a major concern and they do add to insulation and sound deadening. Elimination of condensation on the window glass is a BIG plus.

However, our experience is that they don't age well. Three of our windows have lost the seal between the dual panes. That results in a cloudy build-up between the panes that can't be eliminated without either full replacement or utilizing a specialty repair facility that can cut the seal, clean the inside and reseal prior to reinstallation.

Either way is very expensive per window. Don't think I would go with the dual panes again. Might be OK if you trade up every 4 or 5 years but if you plan to keep your RV for 10 years or so, these things will come back to bite you down the road.

lakeside013104 wrote:
We have them and would not be without them. Our unit weighs under 200# more with dual pain windows vs. single pain. Advantages: less outside noise heard inside the 5er, no condensation like on single pain windows which causes moisture to run down the inside of the bedroom windows after a nights sleep. Our unit feels less inside temperature fluctuation during outside temperature swings. Dual pain windows just seem to make the 5er have a more comfy and cozy atmosphere.
Lakeside

X2 Wouldn't be without them.

120 pounds out of 13,500? Lets see; that is ......

I lost track of the decimal.....

thx for all the great responses/comments on this.

We have a 2012 HH. CE. with the " dual pane windows" makes a world of difference.
Noise and heat.

Ok, just thought I would throw in my 2 cents. I have a '98 prowler with single pane windows and the last time we camped was by the ocean and it was in DEC, with 3 adults and a 2yr old. We couldn't see out the windows without wiping them off there was soo much condensation! Even for our short trips it is a pain. If that's what it takes to fix that, I guarantee if I ever buy a new 5th wheel it WILL have double panes, extra 120lbs or not! Good luck and we will see you out there!

I would love to have the triple pane windows I had in the picture window and the patio doors in my S&B.

They were "dual pane" with a mini-blind between the 'Thermo-pane' and the third pane.

Not only did it give an increased "R" factor, but I never had to clean the blinds.