Is it important to get dual pane windows?

My take is this: If you're looking at a High End unit @ 100K plus whats another couple thousand. Energy savings maybe yes maybe no, but as mentioned no condensation and reduced outside noise. Now if you're buying a weekend unit 20 to 50K will probably not worth the added expense. We 3/4 time and starting next week will be living full time for the next 20 months or so. So for us it was well worth the expense. We can only offer pros and cons, you have to make the final decision.

MookieKat wrote:
I would have to special order them...I probably won't get the best price if I order rather than buy something off the lot, would I?

You mean you would special order a 5th wheel--with dual panes?

You can get a better price ordering than buying off the lot.

I added custom made, after market, dual pane windows (from a company in Vancouver, Washington) to my travel trailer a couple years ago at a cost of about $2,000 (for only 4 windows).
The rig is now quieter, warmer, more comfortable when sitting by a window, has no condensation (or what condensation I do get, quickly clears up), and much more private (windows are tinted).
That said, I do tend to use it more in the off season (winter) here in Oregon. If you are not likely to use your rig in the more extreme weather conditions (hot or cold), and/or spend considerable time in it, then they will likely have less value to you than to someone who does.

Something to consider is that not all dual pane windows are created equally. Lower quality units are more likely to leak (moist air gets between the panes causing condensation that can't be wiped off). Also, the seals where the windows open can be of inferior quality. So you may want to investigate this a little before spending the money.

For me, it was well worth it. But your mileage may vary.

Steve

We had a dealer tell us that if they order a unit for stock inventory that they rarely order dual panes because it raises the cost and makes it harder to beat another dealers price.

But he also said that most of the units ordered by customers do have the dual panes because folks who place orders know the value of them.

So are you looking at new units now?

PA12DRVR wrote:
Had both, wouldn't have another trailer without them. Primarily for the convenience stuff (no condensation, quieter, A/C runs a bit less, etc), not for any potential cost savings.....if one wants to save money, don't RV.

I understand your point but thermopane windows on a house are there to reduce energy cost and save money plain and simple.
The same dual pane logic does not apply to RV's. Certainly you can spend/waste plenty of money RV'ing without getting dual panes.
I agree get them to reduce exterior sound infiltration and condensation but don't get them to reduce energy cost.
AS far as as saving money, I have a whole rv full of things that are not absolutely necessary. I have no problem buying junk for my RV. My signature is full of unnecessary stuff. Fortunately dual panes are not in my signature because they do not fit my camping style or needs. Since RV dual panes do not provide any energy savings which I consider the primary function of dual pane windows I decided to pass.

I do not have a condensation issues with my single pane windows and I don't expect silence or solitude in my RV.
If I can hear my neighbor it's generally because I'm at a site where the RV's are packed too close together. If I get a decent well spaced sight outside noises are not an issue.
For those happy with their dual panes carry on, dual panes are an option that does not deliver enough bang for the buck to fit my camping style and needs.

Had both, wouldn't have another trailer without them. Primarily for the convenience stuff (no condensation, quieter, A/C runs a bit less, etc), not for any potential cost savings.....if one wants to save money, don't RV.

Seems to me that those who have experienced single and dual panes, much prefer the dual pane benefits. I suspect the negative comments come from those who have not . Regardless, if you want 'em great, if not that's great too. Enjoy what you have and get what you feel best about.

huntram wrote:


I had every salesman tell me I didn't need them because they would only add an R-1 insulation factor to the rig.

Brian

Considering a single pane window's R value is 1, adding another pane gives you a 100% increase in R value to 2.

As far as comments about gases, unless you order your house window with Argon or Krypton you have no "inert" gases in a house window. It is just dead air between the two panes of glass.

Agree with all the above. This year was our first with dual pane (new rig) so we saw the difference and appreciate it enough to say no more single pane. That and deep tint makes summer bearable.

I haven't seen any condensation since going to a camper with dual pane. I think they help with noise and they seem cooler (or warmer) to the touch on the interior side.