Dual Pane vs Single Pane Windows

[Kayli_s_Papa]

I am looking for opinions on dual pane vs single pane windows in a 5th wheel. The sales person and sales manager both statred that there is very little difference in insulating qualities. I might think that they just want to sell the coach they have on the lot instead of ordering from the factory. The coach that I am looking at is a high end unit with climate package as a standard. My present coach has dual pane (clamp frame style) and I have not had a problem with condensation in the cooler weather. Should I be concerned/leary of single pane in the frameless application.
Your thoughts and opinions are much welcomed in helping me make an informed decision. Also we (my better half) are entering into the extended travel phase of our life and we are open to colder weather camping.
Thank you for your time

[RayJayco]

Dual pane definitely has good benefits, however glass is glass. Even if you get dual pane, your window treatments are going to be the key to insulation...

Unfortunately with RV's, people usually only consider what is typically used in RV's. If you want true insulation, I would recommend getting quality accordion type 'black out' pleated type shades that have metal foil inside the honeycomb. Couple that with a closed top valance and black out drapes, that is insulation that 10 panes of glass could not achieve and it would be cheaper...

Yes, I do prefer dual pane anyway.
Safe travels!

[Sam_Spade]

Lantley wrote:

But most of us spend 95 percent of our time in moderate weather.

Who exactly is this "us" that you claim to know most of ??

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Installed them on Quicksilver for a small fortune. Also infrared deflecting gold foil shield for thermal barrier.

The rest of you. May you stick your tongue on the inside of a window at -10F 🙂

[Lantley]

brulaz wrote:

Lantley wrote:
.

You don't get them for the $$$ savings in energy costs.

For me there is no other reason to get them, For the quiet? For the comfort? Condensation? I have none of those issues
I can see for those who spend a lot of time in the extreme cold.
But most of us spend 95% of our time in moderate weather.

[Cranemec]

Echoing others. Dual pane all the way.
Of course the salesman is blowing smoke, he just wants to sell what's on the lot.
I even had one yoyo Camping World salesman tell me it would cost $100,000 more to order a new American Coach.I laughed at him pretty hard, I think I really hurt his feelings.

[Sam_Spade]

valhalla360 wrote:
or simply making sure you have air flow across the windows will greatly reduce condensation.

IF.....you are circulating warm moist air across the windows, it will greatly INCREASE the condensation if the temperature difference is large.

[Sam_Spade]

Lantley wrote:
In a house there is energy savings to be had in terms of real $$$. In an RV there is no energy savings to be had. Why bother.

Because saving money is not the ONLY motivation; sometimes not even the most important one.

IF....there is a large window right above the head of the bed, you will get an immediate dislike for single pane windows when it gets cold at night......and there is a down draft right on the top of your head !!!

You need a double pane effect, which can be obtained a couple of ways that does not have "real" double pane glass. I've seen a lot of newer units that have what effectively is "storm windows" on the outside with a rubber seal all around. That should be just as effective as double pane glass.

Two panes is also good if you are hit by a flying object that breaks one pane; seldom will it break both so the repair is less urgent.

[JimK-NY]

So far it seems everyone agrees. I do also. We have mostly double windows but one small window has a single pane. In cold weather we have to cover that one window with a piece of heavy carpeting.

[garyemunson]

Keep in mind that unlike your house, in an RV you sleep a very short distance away from a window. Dual pane is FAR more comfortable in cold weather. The humidity level in RVs is also much higher than your house and single pane will frost over quickly in freezing weather (and just sweat a lot in cold weather). Energy saving is a baseless argument, it's all about comfort. Once you experience the difference, you won't want single pane ever again. Dual pane is a must have for me although living out West where even in the summer it can get very chilly at night may cloud my opinion!

[valhalla360]

Depends how much cold weather camping you will do.

If it's a few days in the 20's per year, probably not worth the trouble/cost.

If you are in the teens for a a couple months per year, the condensation is a hassle, though there are solutions. As someone suggested, plastic window treatments or simply making sure you have air flow across the windows will greatly reduce condensation.

[ford_truck_guy]

Our last 2 RV's had them, and all the future ones will also have them.. We see a difference

[gbopp]

Kayli's Papa wrote:
I might think that they just want to sell the coach they have on the lot instead of ordering from the factory.

I think this is your answer.

[brulaz]

Lantley wrote:
In a house there is energy savings to be had in terms of real $$$. In an RV there is no energy savings to be had. Why bother.
Some will claim the dual panes are quieter and provide noise reduction.
I don't dispute this claim but have no issues with loud CG's.
If you full time or spend a lot of time in extreme cold dual panes may be worthwhile. But for the average camper that seeks moderate to warm weather dual panes will not pay for themselves.

You don't get them for the $$$ savings in energy costs.
They will never pay for themselves in energy savings.

But you can ask whether their other benefits are worth the cost.
And the answer to that will vary from person to person.

We love ours and consider them worth it for all the reasons given by others here. Also we've driven ours over 30K miles and 4 years so far with no problems.

[Halmfamily]

While RV shopping a couple of months ago we went into two identical units, parked side by side. One had single pane Windows and the other dual pane. The temperature difference in the units was amazing, the dual pane unit was considerably cooler and you could not feel the sun beating in through the rear window. We will definitely have dual pane Windows on next unit.