Frameless windows

[Dwight45]

Is there any disadvantage to having frameless windows? Its an option on a TH we are looking at. Sure looks nice.

Dwight

[Strabo]

I have been in the glass biz for 40 years...

The frameless type rv windows are "lighter in weight" thats why they are used more now a days, and they have a cleaner sightline making them visually apealing.

They are how ever more expensive to have the glass replaced if broken.

[Vulcanmars]

Oasisbob wrote:
Ever notice many times when the RV industry introduces something new in reality it is for their benefit. Not the consumer. I think this is one of those items. Choose wisely

In every case. MFG's only change to increase profit or production. If you believe otherwise I have some beach front property in Arizona for sale.

[Dwight45]

I like the looks of the frameless windows, we will also do the full body ("Gray/Silver)paint so they will really look nice. I never thought about the thermal windows, that is another option that we will want. If we can't have both the frameless will be dropped. The frameless option is actually more expensive than the thermal windows. We pretty much settled on the Attitude, now just need to decide on whether its the 28AKLG or the 32AKLG. Easier to get around with the 28 but both of our toys will fit in the 32.

Dwight

[fj12ryder]

Okay, thanks. The ones in the slide aren't actually the frameless windows then? So they can slide up and down. I had heard there were some issues with the frameless windows in the slide catching on the seals too.

Like I said, I do like the looks, but I'd have to give them a pass for ventilation. Oh well, nothing's perfect. 🙂

[Robin1953]

fj12ryder wrote:
Hmm, so we still don't know if the frameless windows open any way other than just propping open. I like the looks of the frameless, but I also like the sliding glass, which I don't think you get with frameless. It looks like the opening is limited.

My OR has frameless windows. The windows in the outer walls crank out like the old jalousie style which I like due to the fact you can leave them open in light rain. Now the windows in the slides are the kind that slide up and down. They are Ok for air flow but if it rains you better close them if you don't want a wet bed or couch. On the walk through the tech said that the windows in the slides weren't the crank out type due to the fact that if you forgot and happen to leave a window open it would rip it off when you close the slide. With the kind that slide up and down it didn't hurt anything if you left a window open and run the slide in.

To answer the question about the outside seal there is a bulb type rubber seal that the widow presses against when you close the window. There is a metal frame behind the outside glass in mine due to the fact that I ordered mine with dual pane windows. I am not sure if there is a frame on single pane windows.

On the OR line there is a full glass door instead of the screen door/solid door on other TTs. The bottom half of the door slides up for air flow. I like this due to the fact that you have the light like the screen door with plexiglass and the air of the screen door w/o plexiglass. The best of both worlds in one door.

[ford_truck_guy]

fj12ryder wrote:
Hmm, so we still don't know if the frameless windows open any way other than just propping open. I like the looks of the frameless, but I also like the sliding glass, which I don't think you get with frameless. It looks like the opening is limited.

I agree - - That was the main reason we did not go with them as the rep from the factory we met at a show told us that the only way to open was flip up - - the following is a better shot of the openings they allow..



and another , you can actually see the where the windows meet..

[fj12ryder]

Hmm, so we still don't know if the frameless windows open any way other than just propping open. I like the looks of the frameless, but I also like the sliding glass, which I don't think you get with frameless. It looks like the opening is limited.

[2007_PSD_350]

The exposed edge of the glass would be my biggest worry and why I did not want them. You can hit tempered glass in the middle with a hammer and it will bounce off, but a tap to the edge and it shatters. I have heard reports of these windows breaking during travel. My other concern is how they are hinged at the top, so only the latch at the bottom is maintaining the pressure on the seal. If the latch over time loses tension or the seal shrinks the leading edge would be prone to leaking during travel in the rain. I do admit they look great and would consider them again on my next camper after being able to see how long they hold up after being on the market longer.

[ford_truck_guy]

Not sure if there is a frame , I would think that one would be needed for the structural integrity ?? Anyway , the bottom line here is that you like what you have!! My guess is that the term frameless comes into play when looking at the windows from the outside , they appear to be just hanging there ... We like that look , but wanted the airflow...

[DutchmenSport]

ford truck guy wrote:
They are all look like the normal framed windows... This is an example of a frameless window--

I think you are correct. My dealer sold me a "line" didn't he? Oh well, I'm still very pleased with my camper.

So looking at your photo, does the glass just snug up against the outside of the camper, or is there some kind of seal inside, kind of like the way a slide out seals up when retracted?

Still looks like there is a frame on the outside of the trailer, the window just covers it, giving the appearance of no frame? Just wondering?

[ford_truck_guy]

They are all look like the normal framed windows... This is an example of a frameless window--

[DutchmenSport]

Now my dealer said these windows were the "frameless" windows. I really never looked at them REAL close before until today, and actually saw some things that grabbed my attention. I'm not so sure these are true "frameless", but definitely they are designed different than my Springdale was:

This is one of those things. I about fell over when I actually LOOKED at this:



First, here's a shot from a slight distance:

One slider window (side ways) and 2 crank-out windows:



Exit window in front bedroom, swings completely out:



Slider window up and down:



Rear window:



Living room windows:



How are these things held in the wall.
Although it appears there is a frame around the window, that black "frame" on the outside is actually rubber and it does have calking under it. The actual "frame" of the window does not extend outside the thickness of the wall. That rubber apparently holds the window in place. (might be calking too). When the window is closed, it appears to be seamless (maybe because that rubber is black?)





Inside:






Here again, the more I look at this, the more I wonder if these are truly "frameless". I suppose next trip to my local dealer for a propane refill, I'll look at their new models.

Anyway, if these meet the criteria for "frameless", be it noted, they are held in place by that rubber trim. I think "true" frameless, the window just overlaps this rubber area, giving the appearance of no frame.

You judge? No problem!

[fj12ryder]

DutchmenSport wrote:

ford truck guy wrote:
you learn something new every day! I thought that sliders needed a frame.. and frameless were in fact frameless..!!

When I get home tonight after work, I'll get some close up photos and post them on this thread.

That would be great. I thought the windows were just one piece and didn't realize that they were able to be slid up and down, or side to side. I guess I just haven't looked at them closely enough.

[ford_truck_guy]

DutchmenSport wrote:

ford truck guy wrote:
you learn something new every day! I thought that sliders needed a frame.. and frameless were in fact frameless..!!

When I get home tonight after work, I'll get some close up photos and post them on this thread.

I believe you..!! I am just amazed at how things change so fast in the RV world... well actually , anywhere!