How RV Windows Can Make or Break the Trip

Just as is the case with any vehicle, the windows on your RV are extremely important, though they often get taken for granted. They significantly impact the quality of your visibility on the road. They protect you from the elements in undesirable weather conditions. The list goes on. The quality of your RV windows will significantly affect the quality of the trips you take in your RV. Thankfully, there are several great window options out there for you, and we’re confident that you will be able to find the best products for you that will align with your RV style and needs.

The Importance of Windows for Your RV

You cannot overstate the importance of having quality windows in your RV. So let’s go through some essential things your RV windows do that you should consider when purchasing new ones. Good RV windows will keep the interior of your RV cool in summer and warm in the winter; they will protect your RV from damage and aid in theft prevention.

Keeping Your Interior Cool

As we head into the summer months, we’re approaching the peak of RV travel season. Keeping cool is essential for anyone traveling in the heat. The windows of your RV play a vital part in keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside. When you’re shopping for new windows for your RV, their insulation should be a critical factor in your consideration. You may want to consider purchasing double-pane windows instead of single-pane, as double-pane windows provide better insulation, but we will talk more about that later.

Keeping Your Interior Warm

Though the fall and winter are still a long way off, if you plan to do any cold-weather travel in your RV, you will want to consider the capabilities of your windows to keep you warm as you travel. Just like keeping your interior cool, insulation is the key to keeping it warm. The better insulated your windows are, the better you’ll be able to keep the heat inside your RV as you travel through the snow and cold winds.

Protecting Your RV From Damage

Your RV’s windows also play an essential role in protecting the interior of your RV from damage. Especially when traveling through dangerous terrain, your vehicle must have sturdy windows to keep it safe. If you plan to take your RV through the mountains, for instance, falling rocks are a real possibility. You don’t want a small rock to hit your RV window and cause it to shatter. This is where windows made of materials like tempered glass shine the best.

• Tempered glass: Also known as “toughened glass” or sometimes “safety glass.” This material has been carefully crafted using heat or chemicals to be stronger than other types of glass. However, if it does break, it will crumble into small chunks rather than shattering. This is a much safer breakage method and will do the most to reduce potential injuries. Most RV windows are made of tempered glass.

Preventing Theft

Speaking of tempered glass, these strengthened windows will do wonders to prevent theft in your RV. As they are much tougher to break, thieves will have a much harder time breaking into your vehicle. The strength of your windows should be a factor you consider when purchasing new ones. Don’t underestimate the ability of your RV’s windows to keep your family safe.

How to Choose the Right RV Windows

Now that we’ve covered the crucial functions your windows perform for your RV, hopefully you can see how your RV windows can make or break your trip. Choosing the wrong windows can have severe consequences for the quality of your vacation and your vehicle. If you don’t have adequately insulated windows, the interior of your RV could get too hot in the summertime or too cold in the winter. If your windows aren’t sturdy enough, they could be damaged by hazardous environmental conditions or broken into by thieves. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right windows for your RV.

In order to choose the right windows, you first need to do your research to determine what your needs are and how the different options available to you work within your budget. You will also need to familiarize yourself with the specs of your RV so that you know the windows you’re getting will fit and be secure. Once you’ve done this research, you can start looking at the different window options. Let’s look at the different types of windows that you can purchase for your RV.

Fixed Pane

These windows are sometimes referred to as “stationary” or “solid” windows. These RV windows do not open. Though these windows are typically the cheapest, they won’t provide your RV with any ventilation, so take that under consideration.

Sliding Pane

Sliding pane windows simply slide to open on at least one side. They are quite simple in design but also very economical and durable. However, these windows can typically only open halfway, though they come in several configurations.

• Horizontal Slider: The pane will slide horizontally to the left or the right.
• Vertical Slider: Slides up and down.
• T-Slider: A combination pane window; one pane is fixed, and the other slides. Typically the pane on top will be stationary while the one beneath it slides. 
  

Awning

These windows are called by several different names: crank, louver, jalousie, slated, and torque. What distinguishes them from other RV windows is that they feature one or more hinged panes that open out to create an awning. This is typically achieved by turning a crank. However, the added complexity of a crank design does typically result in a higher price point. Awning windows also provide excellent protection from the elements, even while open. They are designed to repel water so you can enjoy fresh air during the rain.

Frameless

Fairly self-explanatory, with these windows, only the glass pane is visible on the RV’s exterior, with no frames. These windows will give your RV a sleek modern style, but they are also incredibly versatile. They fully open outwards like awning and egress windows, providing excellent ventilation and protection from the rain. However, if you’d prefer a fixed pane frameless window, those are also available.

Egress

These are your emergency exit windows. They open outwards via a quick-release latch for quick and easy access. Make sure your egress windows are up to your particular safety standards.

Single & Double Pane

These different window types can be either single or double pane glass. As we mentioned before, double pane windows are better insulated, thus providing more protection from the elements. However, double pane windows might not be in your price range, so you may want to go with single pane. Single pane windows let in more heat, cold, and sound. Because of the lack of insulation, they also tend to fog up in humidity. Though you’ll be paying more upfront for double pane windows, the savings down the line will make the investment worth it, so take all of this into consideration when you are weighing your options.

Maintenance for RV Windows

Because of their great importance to your RV’s safety and comfort level, you should put the same care and consideration into the maintenance of your RV windows as you put into their selection. Window maintenance can often get neglected if you aren’t careful, but if you put in the time and effort to care for your windows, it should be a long time before you need to get them replaced again.

If you notice that your windows are fogging up frequently, you may need to perform some seal repair maintenance. Fogginess is especially concerning when it occurs in between the panes of double pane windows. If this goes on for too long, it can start to etch into your windows and cause permanent damage, and you will need to get them replaced. Seal damage can also cause leaks, so keep an eye on them.

Another common repair is the sliding track of your sliding pane windows. You may find that your windows don’t slide open as quickly as they used to or have stopped working entirely. This may be a result of dust buildup over time. Simply clean out the dust with a rag or a can of compressed air if that doesn’t work, and then apply a silicone lubricant to the sliding track. If this does not fix the problem, you may need to get the window replaced.

With these simple maintenance tips, your RV windows should last for a long time. Just keep an eye out for the signs that maintenance will be required and perform the proper steps accordingly.

Check Out Our Windows!

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this informative guide on RV windows! Selecting the right windows to fit your style and needs can really make or break your next trip. If you are looking for replacement windows for your RV, follow this link and see if we have what you’re looking for.