Vertical sliding window latches broken

metrofxr

Advanced Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2016
Messages
32
Location
Alameda CA
Hello all,
I'm am sure there is a post in here (or several) that address the vertical slide window latches breaking.
I have not been able to find the solution. It does not seem possible to "just" remove the sliding window nor does it seem possible to remove the plastic spring loaded latches from said sliding window...
Spoke with the dealer yesterday. No solution was offered. (as I figured)
Is there a solution? Surely this issue is not new. Any suggestion appreciated!
Thank you.
C
 

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Same boat here. We've got 5 or 6 broken latches on various windows in our 2018 Reflection. I got a bunch of replacements from LCI, but the agent I spoke with didn't know anything about HOW to do the replacement. I've searched the web, YouTube, and this forum; but I'm ending up in the same place you are. Perhaps someone will see this fresh posting and weigh in.

If not, the next best thing would be a call to LCI's windows/doors customer support. They tend to be very helpful, if you get to the right person. I believe these are "8800 Series" windows. I'm planning on trying to call them myself next week, when I've got the time. If I learn anything, I'll post back here, and I request anyone else with info to do the same.

Thanks!
 
Yeah, Thanks for your reply.... I'm seriously perplexed about this... It just can't be rocket science!
C
 
Just got off the phone with LCI Windows/Doors customer support. I got lucky this time and found someone that had instructions, which I'm attaching here. Fingers crossed the attachment works. Hopefully, this will help anyone else with this issue going forward.

uj

View attachment 37124
Great. Thanks for the post. We also have a broken latch and I was wondering if it was possible to replace it. My next question is where to purchase replacement latches? Do you have a Lippert part number you can provide?
 
Great post! This information would make for a great DIY or General Tech section post sticky.
 
Great info
I wonder if this same procedure of removing the window would work on the horizontal sliding windows?

Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk
 
Great post. While I don't need it yet, I saved it for the future. Thanks
 
Great. Thanks for the post. We also have a broken latch and I was wondering if it was possible to replace it. My next question is where to purchase replacement latches? Do you have a Lippert part number you can provide?

The P/N I got was 235039....BUT, the LCI rep had these listed as being for an 8400 series. Based on shape and dimensions, they look to be the correct part, but I've not yet installed one, so no guarantees.
 
Thank you for this. It is exactly as I thought it would be. The window looks like it must be removed from the coach to disassemble as per instructions. I appreciate your information! Thank you.
 
Just got off the phone with LCI Windows/Doors customer support. I got lucky this time and found someone that had instructions, which I'm attaching here. Fingers crossed the attachment works. Hopefully, this will help anyone else with this issue going forward.

uj

View attachment 37124

Thank you for the post. Been trying to get this information (including from LCI) for awhile without success.

Chris
 
Just an update on this, folks. I've tried to follow the instructions, as written, but there appears to be a hang-up with Step 3. I'm trying to do the procedure with the window installed, as I can't imagine needing to remove the entire window to replace the latch. However, after removing the stop screws and sliding the plastic tracks out of the frame, there is not enough play to actually get the sliding sash (window pane) out of the frame. The width of the glass appears to still be slightly wider than the space between the sides of the metal window frame.

I spoke with LCI late yesterday. The rep totally understood what I was describing, but he needs to speak with one of their window specialists. I'm hoping to have further info on Monday. Stay tuned.

- uj
 
Just an update on this, folks. I've tried to follow the instructions, as written, but there appears to be a hang-up with Step 3. I'm trying to do the procedure with the window installed, as I can't imagine needing to remove the entire window to replace the latch. However, after removing the stop screws and sliding the plastic tracks out of the frame, there is not enough play to actually get the sliding sash (window pane) out of the frame. The width of the glass appears to still be slightly wider than the space between the sides of the metal window frame.

I spoke with LCI late yesterday. The rep totally understood what I was describing, but he needs to speak with one of their window specialists. I'm hoping to have further info on Monday. Stay tuned.

- uj

Please do get back to this thread and let us know what Lippert says. If they come back and tell you that you should be able to replace the latch without taking the entire window out of the trailer then the window frame may have been tweaked when installed at the factory. When I replaced my sliding window behind the stove top because it broke I was not impressed with the installation. The factory window was off level by about 3/8” and was forced into the opening in the wall. The window slide tracks were bent from what looked like mallet strikes. When I installed the new window I could not get it to align with the decal without putting the window frame in a bind in the wall opening. I installed the new window square with the wall opening and it works great. If you have to take the window out, order the foam tape from GD to use when you put the window back in.
 
OK, I've puzzled a bit more - and contacted LCI again. There's no way the sliding sash will fit between the metal sides of the frame without removing the window. It looks like you need to remove the window in order to be able to flex the frame enough to get the glass out. I hate the risk of damage or subsequent leaks that could entail - all to replace a cheap plastic part.

In my work life as an aero/defense systems engineer, we care about things like "design for maintainability" and "maintenance induced damage", but I guess those aren't driving factors for the RV industry. I guess they figure we'll live with our windows hanging crooked from one latch or pay to have someone R&R the window to replace the part. After 3 years full-time, we've got broken latches on 5 different windows, so I'm not excited by either the prospect of my own sweatin' and swearin' - or a big service bill - and, in either case, a new risk of leaks. :rolleyesgif:

I'm not going to mess with this any further until we're settled in the southwest. If someone does remove a window to do this fix, please report back on the process. Thanks!
 
OK, I've puzzled a bit more - and contacted LCI again. There's no way the sliding sash will fit between the metal sides of the frame without removing the window. It looks like you need to remove the window in order to be able to flex the frame enough to get the glass out. I hate the risk of damage or subsequent leaks that could entail - all to replace a cheap plastic part.

In my work life as an aero/defense systems engineer, we care about things like "design for maintainability" and "maintenance induced damage", but I guess those aren't driving factors for the RV industry. I guess they figure we'll live with our windows hanging crooked from one latch or pay to have someone R&R the window to replace the part. After 3 years full-time, we've got broken latches on 5 different windows, so I'm not excited by either the prospect of my own sweatin' and swearin' - or a big service bill - and, in either case, a new risk of leaks. :rolleyesgif:

I'm not going to mess with this any further until we're settled in the southwest. If someone does remove a window to do this fix, please report back on the process. Thanks!

I talked to Lippert support the other day and the support person said that as far as she knew you had to remove the window to replace the latch. Another RV bad design. I will live with the broken latches for now.
 
Unclejoey,
I completely agree with you. I did not see your post until today (11/01). I went out this AM and followed the Lippert 'instructions' As you stated No joy! That window sash is not coming out of that frame. (Note: My 300GK has the large 48"X 26" ish windows). I believe those with the smaller version windows, removal is indeed possible.
I called Lippert again today. The gentleman on the phone when hearing that I had the large windows installed did say that the procedures we have will not work with the bigger framed windows.. They do need to be removed and the frame "flexed" to get the sash out.... UGH!
I too am in the Acft industry having been an licensed Maint. Tech for 42 years.... I hate broken things and this is mind boggling that this much effort is needed to replace a couple of cheap plastic latches...
I'm going to look at my extended insurance and see if "maybe" they might be covered (LOL!). Otherwise, Guess I'm just back to using dowels to prop the window open and closed..... Grrrrrr!
That's all I need to do, Remove the window Flex the frame and bend or kink it... Been down that path before.... No thanks ;)
 
I realize this is an older thread, but its my exact problem. Firt thanks to the person that provided Lippert's instructions. Second, agree with others that this is a pretty big snafu on Lippert's part. All they would have needed to do is machine off the small ridges in the center of the C channel that hold the latches in place. A person could then remove the phillips screw holding the latches in place and simply slide them to the center of the channel where they could be removed. Before removing the window assembly I'm going to try to file down the C channel ridges in the center and see if I can swap latches that way. Lippert sells touch up paint that I'll use to clean up....
 
I realize this is an older thread, but its my exact problem. Firt thanks to the person that provided Lippert's instructions. Second, agree with others that this is a pretty big snafu on Lippert's part. All they would have needed to do is machine off the small ridges in the center of the C channel that hold the latches in place. A person could then remove the phillips screw holding the latches in place and simply slide them to the center of the channel where they could be removed. Before removing the window assembly I'm going to try to file down the C channel ridges in the center and see if I can swap latches that way. Lippert sells touch up paint that I'll use to clean up....

Please let us know how that works out. It could save a lot of frustration for people if it works as you suggest.
 

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