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jornvango's avatar
jornvango
Explorer II
Nov 07, 2014

Window knob keeps breaking, window doesn't close

Hi, we're having a problem with our two of our RV's windows. Our RV has two windows that slide (works great) but the two other windows don't slide, they have a knob to rotate which slowly tilts the window open (great to open when it's raining).

The knob on both of these windows keeps breaking when I try to close the window, plus, the window itself needs to "pop" into place to close. This doesn't happen ...

I understand this is the type of knob we need to replace the broken ones:
http://www.rvplus.com/wcm-window-components-window-knob-1-2-shaft-round-743ce.html?CAWELAID=600008500000042386&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=600008500000299750&cadevice=c&gclid=CL623aPo6MECFQYvaQodZicA9Q
However, given that we've had the camper for about 10 months and both knobs were broken after opening/closing the windows 3-4 times, I obviously want to fix the issue rather than break a few more knobs.

Does someone know why these windows are so hard to close? Is there something in the mechanism that I can make less tight, or put some oil somewhere, or ...

Thanks,

Jorn

10 Replies

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  • jornvango's avatar
    jornvango
    Explorer II
    Nov 24, 2014
    Fixed! I installed the handles suggested by IAMICHABOD (http://www.amazon.com/Hengs-JRP2160R-C-Jensen-Style-Handle/dp/B007HRI704/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1415381563&sr=8-4&keywords=rv+vent+crank) and lubed the window mechanism.

    fj12ryder: yes, the plastic knobs actually break (crack).
  • chucknmare's avatar
    chucknmare
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2014
    if you have only had it for 10 months maybe your dealer will fix the problem
  • Oldme's avatar
    Oldme
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    The"pop" you hear is the window mechanism binding.

    You are trying to force it closed and breaking knobs.
    Replacing knobs will not fix the problem.

    The problem lies with the parts associated with closing.
    They have apparently worn and need replacing.
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2014
    mobeewan wrote:
    My crank out windows use the white triangular Kinro knobs shown here on the Dyres web site.. They have splines that slip over the shafts and then secured with a screw like yours. The cranks on my windows are a bit stiff, but these seem to be pretty well made. Mine have 1/2 inch shafts. Dyers has them in both black and white and in both 1 inch and 1/2 inch shafts.


    Mine use the round knobs on the same page. They were stripped when we bought used a few years ago. We replaced with the same round style and haven't had a problem since (couple of years so far)
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2014
    My crank out windows use the white triangular Kinro knobs shown here on the Dyres web site.. They have splines that slip over the shafts and then secured with a screw like yours. The cranks on my windows are a bit stiff, but these seem to be pretty well made. Mine have 1/2 inch shafts. Dyers has them in both black and white and in both 1 inch and 1/2 inch shafts.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Nov 07, 2014
    Just to be clear, how do the knobs break? Do they just start to spin and then strip out the splines on the inside, or do they physically crack and break apart?
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2014
    I had the same problem on those type of windows on my last RV.

    It was an easy fix, Sprayed all moveable parts with silicone spray and replaced all the cheap plastic knobs with This Type of handle.
  • Jaxom's avatar
    Jaxom
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2014
    We replaced all our window & vent knobs with window crank handles. "Pot metal"?, not plastic.

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