double pane windows worth it?

[Bellpr]

Looking for a new 5er. One dealer said that the double pane windows only increase the R insulation factor by +1 or +2. That may be, but I also thought the double panes decreased the water condensation on the insides when heating the rig. I've also heard they make the rig quieter? What are your thoughts on Double pane windows? Worth the upgrade cost? Our current 5er has single pane windows.

[jpjulian]

Yes, absolutely worth the extra cost. Our Excel came with them standard. Don't let a dealer tell you dual pane/thermopane windows aren't worth the extra cost just to sell you a similar model not so equipped on their lot.

Joe

[ford_truck_guy]

For me... The most important reason to have them was DW wanted them and we all know what a happy wife brings to the table ,,,yup , a happy life !!!

Not a huge difference , but a difference never the less... And yes , quieter also.. Along with No condensation... Win...win...win.. For me at least

[wilber1]

In our part of the world, I wouldn't buy a new rig without them. Dealers around here are ordering their fifth wheels with double glazed windows as a matter of course and you would probably have to special order if you wanted one with single glazed.

[Cummins12V98]

Will the Dual pane windows "PayOff" I really doubt it just like CheapHeat will not. They are both nice to have!

[FlatBroke]

I wished they could make e'm out of vinyl instead of aluminum.

[RustyJC]

Without a controlled experiment using 2 identical RVs, one with single pane windows and the other with double pane windows, sitting side-by-side under identical conditions, I don't know how anyone could give an accurate financial analysis of the reduction in heating and cooling expenses. Whether or not to spec double pane windows is as much subjective as objective - the additional benefits of reduced/eliminated condensation, noise reduction and generally a more comfortable interior weighed into our decision as well.

Rusty

[Lantley]

Fastpaddler wrote:
I have owned Rvs with dual, thermo pane windows and without. Yes, Well worth the money on draft resistance and general interior cooling or heating factors.

Are they worth the money because they reduce your utility bill?
If so by how much? Do they pay for themselves over the life of the RV?

[Fastpaddler]

I have owned Rvs with dual, thermo pane windows and without. Yes, Well worth the money on draft resistance and general interior cooling or heating factors.

[John___Angela]

Big Katuna wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
whether the R value is .85 or 2, it still sucks as an insulation factor.
feel your walls in the winter. when they are cold do you really think a little more glass will make a big difference?

bumpy

It's the dead air space that makes the difference, not the layer of glass.

Biggest benefit to us was noise reduction. We tailgate in noisy parking lots and it made a noticeable difference.

I agree. Walk on to an RV lot close to a highway. Go into a rig without doublepanes and then one with. It is a huge difference. The condensation thing is nice too.

[Big_Katuna]

Bumpyroad wrote:
whether the R value is .85 or 2, it still sucks as an insulation factor.
feel your walls in the winter. when they are cold do you really think a little more glass will make a big difference?

bumpy

It's the dead air space that makes the difference, not the layer of glass.

Biggest benefit to us was noise reduction. We tailgate in noisy parking lots and it made a noticeable difference.

[Bumpyroad]

Traveler II wrote:


A 50-70.2% increase is a great improvement. The dead air space between the glass is what make the improvement. This is the same type of glass that is used in our homes. Most windows with double pane insulated glass have a 3/8" air space and a R value of 2.8. Check out a good window company like Andersen Windows and see what their R is.

\

are you claiming that the dual pain windows in RVs are of the same construction as the Andersons? what gas is injected between the panes of the RV ones?
bumpy

[Traveler_II]

RustyJC wrote:
A quick Google search indicated R values for a single pane of glass anywhere from 0.85 to 1, so using the highest R value (1) and the lowest improvement (an increase of 1 to an R value of 2) leads to a 50% improvement in thermal transmission at the conservative end.

If I wanted to inflate it, say the single pane R value is 0.85 and the improvement for the dual pane is 2, to an R value of 2.85. The reduction in thermal transmission would be 70.2% at the optimistic end.

Either way, it's not insignificant, AFAIC.

Rusty

A 50-70.2% increase is a great improvement. The dead air space between the glass is what make the improvement. This is the same type of glass that is used in our homes. Most windows with double pane insulated glass have a 3/8" air space and a R value of 2.8. Check out a good window company like Andersen Windows and see what their R is.

[John___Angela]

RustyJC wrote:
A quick Google search indicated R values for a single pane of glass anywhere from 0.85 to 1, so using the highest R value (1) and the lowest improvement (an increase of 1 to an R value of 2) leads to a 50% improvement in thermal transmission at the conservative end.

If I wanted to inflate it, say the single pane R value is 0.85 and the improvement for the dual pane is 2, to an R value of 2.85. The reduction in thermal transmission would be 70.2% at the optimistic end.

Either way, it's not insignificant, AFAIC.

Rusty

Agreed.

[Bumpyroad]

whether the R value is .85 or 2, it still sucks as an insulation factor.
feel your walls in the winter. when they are cold do you really think a little more glass will make a big difference?

bumpy