cancel
Showing results forย 
Search instead forย 
Did you mean:ย 

Dual Pane vs Single Pane Windows

Kayli_s_Papa
Explorer
Explorer
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
22 REPLIES 22

Dranoel
Explorer
Explorer
Better insulation and much better noise reduction with double pane windows.

Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Explorer
I had dual pane in my last RV. This new does not, thank you salesperson. My next one will have for sure. Less inside water on glass, less noise.
Welcome to my home, that door you just broke down was there for your protection not mine.

azdryheat
Explorer
Explorer
Insulation is bad enough in a trailer, any trailer. Get the dual pane windows.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE

doxiemom11
Explorer II
Explorer II
We would not have a rv with single pane. The windshield in our motorhome is of course single pane glass. All the others are dual pane. There is no comparison as to the amount of condensation on the inside when it's cool/cold out. While the dual pane windows are dry, the windshield has so much water on it that is can literally drip onto the dash. We have a small dehumidifier that now sits on the dash in cold weather to help with that. It's no fun to dry the windshield almost daily and I sure wouldn't want all the other windows that wet. Dual pane only for us.

Searching_Ut
Explorer
Explorer
For the most part the dealer isn't being dishonest. Due to the small gap they have to use in rv windows your R value will only go up from R 0.5 to R-1. On the other hand it was only R-1 to begin with so you could say you doubled the insulation value. Either way it's poorly insulated.
2015 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD, 4X4, AISIN, B&W Companion Puck Mount
2016 Heartland Bighorn 3270RS, 1kw solar with Trimetric and dual SC2030, 600 watt and 2k inverters.

Lantley
Nomad
Nomad
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.
19'Duramax w/hips, 2022 Alliance Paradigm 390MP >BD3,r,22" Blackstone
r,RV760 w/BC20,Glow Steps, Enduraplas25,Pedego
BakFlip,RVLock,Prog.50A surge ,Hughes autoformer
Porta Bote 8.0 Nissan, Sailun S637

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
That is the one option I really regret not getting.
Will not have single pane again at home or the next RV.

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Explorer II
have you even been near a single pane window in a house compared to dual pane? If so you know the salesman is blowing smoke. Yes, they are much better for reducing heat gain, reducing heat loss, and minimizing condensation.

Now the downside, unlike a sticks and bricks window that is in place and vibration free at a fixed altitude, a trailer window violates all of those. So the chance of one having a broken seal and issues is much higher.

My trailer has single pane windows. Installing the 3M heat shrink window material made a very very noticeable difference summer and winter, and really helped condensation. Once I saw that work, I went to tap plastic and had them cut plastic to fit each of the non opening window frames, screwed them to the inside of the trailer and it was well worth the cost and effort.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!