Air-leaky awning windows?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I was so excited to get awning windows (my name for them - the lower short windows that are hinged at the top and allow part of the window to be open in the rain) on our 2003 Laredo.

Now, during our first trip, we are discovering that these windows don't close tightly. There are gaps of 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch. If we only experienced temperate weather, that would be OK; but on our drive back to Michigan, we will be sleeping in single-digit temps. I just took duct tape; removed the screen section, and taped the bedroom awning window shut; and will do that on the other windows to tighten this place up when we get ready to leave. I also have Reflectix cut to fit the windows, for added insulation.

So my question: aside from taping the windows shut - have any of you added strips of thin foam insulation for the windows to close against, for example; or do I just have poorly-fitting windows??

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

travelnutz wrote:
Be safe on your trip back home, and we'll keep the sun shining down here for you and Ed. Snow, lovely pure white snow, how I miss you! Well, kind of...

Thanks, Travelnutz!

[travelnutz]

. double post ---- poof! Just like some of the mods do!

[travelnutz]

Be safe on your trip back home, and we'll keep the sun shining down here for you and Ed. Snow, lovely pure white snow, how I miss you! Well, kind of...

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

travelnutz wrote:
Deb,

Just to lightly rub teasing salt in your first snowdodging stay wounds, this abnormal long cold we've had here in Florida is going away towards the end of next week and it's going to be in the 70's again! Hopefully, you will still be here then for awhile to enjoy.

Sigh.... work is calling us. No, literally, we have 6 customers who are patiently waiting for us to reopen so they can see/buy cars...LOL! And I can only imagine the nightmare of snow that awaits our arrival. Just seeing the SUN for a few weeks has been glorious 🙂 and we're really happy with this 5th wheel. I think we'll be planning camping trips through the summer 😉

[travelnutz]

Deb,

Just to lightly rub teasing salt in your first snowdodging stay wounds, this abnormal long cold we've had here in Florida is going away towards the end of next week and it's going to be in the 70's again! Hopefully, you will still be here then for awhile to enjoy.

[jjj]

I have those type in the smaller version the lower window is much smaller. Mine do the same. They don't have a big gap but they never really shut completely closed. As others suggested, have someone push on the window slightly to help it close tight. Mine were hitting the inside frame so I had to go around and slightly bend the frame down a little so window could close all the way.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Usmcsousa wrote:

if you look at the mechanical arms on the inside, there may be a spring looking thing that may have poped or lost tension, I'm sorry I don't know the proper nomenclature for the parts. I'd check to see if all looks to be seated right, if the spring is out, s pair of tweezers and patients may be the cure. Good luck

Yes, there are springs on both sides of the windows; and they appear to be seated correctly.

Now that I realize this isn't a common problem, I'll probably add the self-adhesive, thin foam insulating strips.

[glazier]

Awning is the correct name for them. Have someone push in on it from the outside then snug the knob. That will hold them tight, and keep you from breaking the plastic knob on the inside.

[Usmcsousa]

Deb and Ed M wrote:
Here's a picture of the kitchen window with its 1/4"+ gap



And here's the window at the back of the 5er:



I don't see any way to tighten these?

if you look at the mechanical arms on the inside, there may be a spring looking thing that may have poped or lost tension, I'm sorry I don't know the proper nomenclature for the parts. I'd check to see if all looks to be seated right, if the spring is out, s pair of tweezers and patients may be the cure. Good luck

[MC9]

A couple of rigs ago mine would open from the wind currents going down the road. Self tapping screw fixed that!!.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

tvman44 wrote:
I believe they are called Jolice windows (not sure of spelling). 🙂

I could be wrong, but I think that jalousie windows are multiple "slats" of glass that rotate to open the window? And they were really popular on older RVs?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Here's a picture of the kitchen window with its 1/4"+ gap



And here's the window at the back of the 5er:



I don't see any way to tighten these?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Usmcsousa wrote:
Are you talking about the long lower windows that open with a round knob?
if so, ours when you turn to close them, you have to give it another little nudge from closed and it almost super tightens and locks them in place air tight.

Yes - those windows. And I DO crank them as far as they will go, but there's still a small gap - ironically on the knob side.

[travelnutz]

Wow! Never had a lower crankout window that didn't close air tight and all our RV's have them as it one of our requirements also. Had the slider type windows on our MH's nad hated them! One of the many reasons we use storms on windows rather than ordering DualPanes. Most all the DualPanes we've seen on RV's are slider windows or not opening windows. Not for us, yuck! If it's an Hehr Window, the rubber around the glass is replacable unless it's some special size made only for a model or two perhaps.

Anyway, I would expect that your sides of the crankout lowers have more gap near the bottom than at the top as the window must be at a slight angle being cocked open a little. Unless the rubber it's supposed to contact to seal is bad. You'd likely need something tapered to seal the gap without putting a lot of pressure on the glass. Your taping sounds good and also taping the Reflectix in place makes good sense.

Another possibility is to buy some simple foam weather stripping 17' rolls at about any hardware store or big box store and NOT take the adhesive cover off the sticky side so it's very easily removable when at home. Comes in 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, etc thicknesses and it real cheap. It will fill the gap and held in place with the glass pressure on it and will be self compressing to varying gap size. Can still use the Reflectix also and I sure would. If I was where you are, I'd be very happy to help you with the problem.