Frameless window blows off in transit

bapple wrote:
Thanks to everyone who has responded to this post. Your responses have been very helpful.I am currently working with my dealer to get this covered through warranty. Keystone is not accepting responsibility. I wonder how Keystone would feel if the window came of in transit and caused a serious accident. A lawsuit would sort this issue out in a hurry. Thanks again folks.

"We will disavow any knowledge..."

Lyle

On our 07.5 MobileSuites we were traveling on I-10 West from Phoenix to Palm Springs, CA. Passing a MH as I was looking in mirror for a second look as I was just starting to cross the center line. All I saw was the escape window flip out and OFF right in front of the MH!!!

We along with the MH pulled to the shoulder. Thankfully their rig was not damaged, they said ti was flopping down and out as we were passing them. They said as I was just starting to pull into the right lane it flew odff and EXPLODED in front of them.

Of course when cruising thru the Campground looking for a spot we had lots of "did you know your window was missing" questions!

Went to HD got a pc of plywood and secured the window. Contacted DRV they sent a whole replacement unit frame and all at their cost as RV was not under warranty.

What happened was there was a chair right in front of the escape window latch. I had no idea there was an escape window since it was a new to us RV. The latch back then was two turn type latches that had come loose. NOT DRV's fault.

So when the window arrived I removed the operable portion and put it in place, fit perfect. Then I removed the locking handles after latching then. I then caulked that thing in place with black quality caulking. This window was in the living area so I had no safety issue removing it. I still had the one in the bedroom that mattered.

goducks10 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
I can't imagine that a closed window falling out while traveling down the road wouldn't be a warranty issue.

It's up to the RV owner to make sure the emergency latch lever is closed. OP has to prove that it was.

My window was flapping while going down the road but it wasn't a warranty issue. It was operator error. The window appeared closed when we started out but apparently it was not latched properly.
Properly latching the window solved the problem.
Since Keystone appears to be denying the claim which is straight from the playbook of poor RV manufacturers. Hopefully the OP can establish/prove window was properly latched or that adhesive failed.
If the adhesive failed would the hinges remain attached to the RV?

Thanks to everyone who has responded to this post. Your responses have been very helpful.I am currently working with my dealer to get this covered through warranty. Keystone is not accepting responsibility. I wonder how Keystone would feel if the window came of in transit and caused a serious accident. A lawsuit would sort this issue out in a hurry. Thanks again folks.

Veebyes wrote:


Look to see who the manufacturer is. Many builders use Kinro windows. Kinro does not ship to individuals. Bummer. Windows are not things that RV supply places stock. There are so many different sizes.

Kinro is Lippert. At least it has been for a good while. The original purveyors of garbage.

Frameless windows are also called bonded for a reason. The hardware/hinge is bonded to the glass with an adhesive. That adhesive has been known to fail and is most likely what happened in the OP's case if the window was latched. Wait until the operator arms that are made from Coors Light cans break, and you have to find one of those.

fj12ryder wrote:
I can't imagine that a closed window falling out while traveling down the road wouldn't be a warranty issue.

It's up to the RV owner to make sure the emergency latch lever is closed. OP has to prove that it was.

I can't imagine that a closed window falling out while traveling down the road wouldn't be a warranty issue.

I found mine flapping once, then 2 trips later, I saw it flap once and come loose and slide down the highway. Got it replaced under warranty. The trailer was only a month old. They tried not to warranty it, but ended up covering it.

I have not personally lost one. But I have observed mine flapping in the wind.
But I managed yo pull over in time. It does happen. I have used cable ties and rubber bands to ensure latch was secure.

Yes, lost 1 on my Jayco last year. Replaced under warranty. Entire window vanished on the highway.