Dual / Double Pane Window Dealer Statement

[Drolaw]

This past weekend while looking at some Solitude's I noticed that none of the Solitude's had double pane windows. So I wanted to know why this dealer doesn't order double pane windows. His response:

"We don't order double pane windows because the gas that is injected between the two panes escapes and after year 1 or 2 the seals that bond them to the wall will break effectively allowing water to enter the trailer."

I would love to hear comments from those who did go with the double pane windows. I'm interested because the heat in Texas is unbearable in the summer months. I wanted to go the cheap route and put foil over the windows but DW said no way Jose.

There were other statements the dealer made that made me chuckle...yes payload was one of them. hehehe.

 

[Bamaman]

It's pretty doubtful there's any gas other than air inside the double panes. The downfall with double pane windows in RV's is they're expensive and they're heavy.

But double panes would be useful in either the very cold climates or in the very hot climates. The vast majority of RV's are not kept in such climate variances and really don't require double panes. But Texas is one of those places where it gets extremely hot in Summer--where trees are not always available to keep you cool.

 

[JCZhome]

Jim & Kate it is always a good thing to verify and confirm anything that an RV salesman tells you. It seems they went to the same school as car salesman of just a couple of decades ago.

I do not have dual pane windows in my Momentum as I bought it six months used from private party. However, if I had ordered it, it would definately have dual pane.

We had dual pane in my previous Arctic Fox. I negotiated to take the unit that was on their lot and they would order the dual pane windows to replace all windows (it was only a 28' 5th wheel, so not many windows) but my point is that I was able to experience the exact same unit first without dual pane and then with dual pane and so I am convinced from experience that the difference is worth it! It seems that those that have never had them will repeat old stories from 10-20 yrs. ago and tell you that you don't need them. But those that have had dual pane windows previously will tell you that they're worth it and you should order your rig with them.

I never had any problems with mine leaking and I was in the mountains often with my Arctic Fox. I've never heard of them leaking water inside the rig and not sure why they would if they're installed correctly.

I don't understand why dealerships do not order their rigs with dual pane windows, either. I believe they'd sale them if they had them. But since they don't have them, the salesman are going to try to convince you to buy without dual pane so they can sell you a unit off of their lot.

JMHO

 

[zadiemay]

I work in the "Window" business, there is gas between the glass, not "air"

 

[jim1521]

I work in the "Window" business, there is gas between the glass, not "air"

What gas do they put in there?

 

[zadiemay]

Verifying a Dealer statement

I believe it is argon, but will check tomorrow & let you know if different. (I work in the paper pushing department) - confirmed Argon is the gas in between panes of glass. I did find out that you don’t have to get gas, can just be normal air. I was also told, eventually gas will leak out. Most reputable mfgs do have warranties. I’m not sure about for mobile units. I work in the commercial glass area & not Resdential.

 

[huntr70]

There is no gas in RV dual pane windows. It is literally just 2 panes of glass. If the seal does break, they can fog from the moisture.

We're not talking home windows here....

There are not many dealers that will stock DPW because they are expensive and do add weight. There is a low percentage of units built with DPW.

GD does not stock them in the plant. When an order for DPW comes in, they have to order them before they can build the trailer.

THe average weekend camper does not care about DPW, the full timer and extended stay owners will order what they want.

 

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Dual panes was an $1,100 option for our Reflection. I don’t consider that expensive especially considering the benefits.
We had to order ours from the factory this way. We spent 6 months in the Pacific North West and never had any issues with foggy windows or condensation.
They really cut down on noise too.



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[Houndbb]

https://axleaddict.com/rvs/Buying-Maintaining-and-Repairing-RV-Thermal-Windows

 

[Canyonlight]

There is no gas in RV dual pane windows. It is literally just 2 panes of glass. If the seal does break, they can fog from the moisture.

We're not talking home windows here....

There are not many dealers that will stock DPW because they are expensive and do add weight. There is a low percentage of units built with DPW.

GD does not stock them in the plant. When an order for DPW comes in, they have to order them before they can build the trailer.

THe average weekend camper does not care about DPW, the full timer and extended stay owners will order what they want.

Steve - thanks, for once again, clearing the air on DPWs. It is interesting how often the "gas or no gas" question arises between the panes. One can understand the assumption many folks have since home windows are gas filled that RV windows are as well.

The insulation, noise, and condensation issues seem a little more allusive to pin down. Many folks share (many do not) that there seem to be some benefits in these three areas and that does make sense. Are there any factual sources to get answers on these areas ?

By the way, congratulations on apparently finally joining the GDRV ownership ranks. I see the 260 Reflection is in the future as noted in your signature !

Dan

 

[Jerryr]

Not all Residential DPW are argon filled. The windows in my home are dual pane low e coated thermal, Hurricane Impact. They are air filled. Argon filled is an option

DPW made a huge difference in heat transfer. If you stood close to the old single pane windows you could really feel heat radiation. The old windows were very hot to the touch when sun was hitting them. The new DPW are cool to the touch when sun hits them and there’s no heat radiated from them.

In addition, the difference in lack of noise transfer is amazing.

 

[Brewhedd]

Insulated windows without a low e coating are pretty useless in hot climates, except for noise reduction. Also, unless the metal frame has isolation between the outer and inner sections there will be a lot of radiant heat gain. The cost, headache of repair, very limited benefits and probably accelerated failure from being bounced around would have me questioning any added value.

 

[zadiemay]

Without thermal breaks, the benefits are greatly reduced. Agree


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[boyscout]

@Drolaw we had single-pane windows in a 2018 Reflection, and now have double-pane in a 2018 Solitude.

I can't comment on the insulation benefits re: maintaining heat/cool... there might be some but I have no observations to report there.

They reduce condensation on the windows when the temperatures drop, which suggests some insulation properties. Now, I didn't record the ambient humidity when we got sub-freezing temps in the Reflection nor compare it to ambient humidity in the Solitude when temps dropped. However at temps of 28-30 degrees we did observe the Reflection's windows with heavy condensation - even dripping - while the Solitude's fogged only slightly. The same two people and two dogs were in the trailer.

The double-pane windows also reduce outside noise heard in the trailer, not night and day but noticeable.

A factory rep told me that they add about 400-500 pounds to Solitudes, which generally have big windows. Might be a little less on Reflections.

 

[TucsonJim]

Type in "Dual Pane Windows" in the search bar above and be prepared for a full day of reading. There is a lot of good information on the forum regarding this topic.

Jim

 

[Bill & Tori]

This is an interesting you tube video on dual pane. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8u7C-gBNY4

 

[huntr70]

Steve - thanks, for once again, clearing the air on DPWs. It is interesting how often the "gas or no gas" question arises between the panes. One can understand the assumption many folks have since home windows are gas filled that RV windows are as well.

The insulation, noise, and condensation issues seem a little more allusive to pin down. Many folks share (many do not) that there seem to be some benefits in these three areas and that does make sense. Are there any factual sources to get answers on these areas ?

By the way, congratulations on apparently finally joining the GDRV ownership ranks. I see the 260 Reflection is in the future as noted in your signature !

Dan

Insulation factor is double that of single pane...R2 vs R1.

The noise is reduced also, as there is now 2 panes of glass for the sound waves to travel through. Not sure of the actual decibel reduction.

The big one is the condensate reduction. By having the 2 panes and the air gap in between, it does create the thermal break needed to not form condensation..


Yes, finally getting a GD of our own. Time for us to downsize a bit, and when the 260RD came out, it was perfect for what we use it for. I just checked it in yesterday, and should have it home by Saturday.

 

[Jims94vmx]

Insulation factor is double that of single pane...R2 vs R1.

The noise is reduced also, as there is now 2 panes of glass for the sound waves to travel through. Not sure of the actual decibel reduction.

The big one is the condensate reduction. By having the 2 panes and the air gap in between, it does create the thermal break needed to not form condensation..


Yes, finally getting a GD of our own. Time for us to downsize a bit, and when the 260RD came out, it was perfect for what we use it for. I just checked it in yesterday, and should have it home by Saturday.

All right Steve! Congrats.

 

[chunker]

We have dual pane windows in the motorhome, Itasca Horizon, and there is a significant advantage, Heat, noice, condensation. BUT the Itasca is top line and the windows top line. Besides dual pane they are tinted and coated. Quality makes a difference. Don't know what quality GD puts in but apparently a much lower since dealers have little confidence in them.

 

[Steve7]

All right Steve! Congrats.

Congrats Steve!