Fogged Window Repair--Suncoast Designers

[Old Scout]

We recently had 4 window frames repaired on our 03 by Suncoast Designers, Hudson, Fla. The overall experience with Suncoast was good. They operate out of a large warehouse facility in an industrial park with 10-12 rv parking slots [electric/water] in front of their building. Their background/ experience is with sealed residential windows so they have a good business foundation [tools, equipment, know-how] to repair Rv windows.

They use a climate-controlled "clean room" [probably a reqmt for hot/humid summers in Fla] to clean, inspect, and reseal the glass panes. They also use a fully enclosed, heat activated pressing system to control/ "condition" the air captured between the panes during the final sealing. All in all, a very impressive manufacturing process.

Standard pricing is $200 per window frame, and $250 for the three-pane drivers [passager side if mid-door]. So the smaller window in your front door or kitchen are the same as the one over your couch.

Here is what I didnt like: 1st--they dont have much of an initial customer interface, so you really dont know when they will come to work on your coach or how long it will take for them to complete the windows--generally speaking its a 2-day process. Processing priority seems to be assigned based on thru-put so your three or four frames may get set aside while a one frame/one-day job is done first????? They do cover you opennings while the frames are out so you dont have to worry about the weather. 2nd--they re-install the frames dry [without sealant] but run a small bead of silicone around the outside edge of the frame and the fiberglass. I am not convinced this is the best solution but it is their solution. PS-- they dont explain this during check-in.

Finally, if they do manage to break a pane during the process--all bets are off. They will replace it but securing replacement glass could take a week or more--no problem for me but my neighbor was there a week.

If anyone has additional questions, please PM me as we can discuss details.

[Algoma]

I had 8 of my windows repaired last March. They had 20 motorhomes in at that time and they were working from 6am to 6pm 6 days to get them through. It took 4 days to get mine done. In January this year I returned to have one window replaced as it had been broken by a passing rock (obviously not a warranty claim). They had to order new glass for the inner and outer panes and again it took 4 days to get the work done. The total cost to remove the frame replace the glass and re-install was just over $100. Considering that Suncoast provided free parking, electric, water and wi-fi for those 4 days (actually 5 as we arrived on Sunday) I think we came out ahead this time. So far we have had no leaks and no more fogging and we do park outside all year.

[Dale777]

Old Scout,

I had 6 of my fogged windows repaired at SunCoast Designers in January 2011. My experience was very good!

A very helpful tour is conducted each day of the repair process, so you can see what is actually happening in that process . The actual workers doing the extraction and re-installation of the windows on my coach were more than forthcoming about the repair process and the changing time frame involved, although I did have to ask. I suspect that if you don't ask, you might not be kept as well informed, since they don't seem to voluntarily keep one updated on the schedule for your coach. And, yes, the schedule for my coach did seem to change a bit from the original estimate.

However, I was only there for 2 1/2 days (2 nights) for 6 windows including the large, complex window over the passenger-side living area.

I was initially concerned about the small bead of silicone at the top and sides of the windows when re-installed. But after talking to the installer who did the beading work and why he did it that way, I was satisfied with his explanation.

And, they did make a mistake on the final invoice, which I had to correct for them. They only charged me for 5 windows, instead of the 6 repaired. The service writer was really embarrassed, when I informed him of the mistake. Although, I had to pay more money than the original invoice, I just couldn't in good conscience overlook the mistake.

I must say, when I take my car or coach in for other repair work, the initial schedule estimate is frequently modified as the work goes along. Sometimes, the service writer voluntarily informs me, but sometimes I have to ask about any changes to the schedule. I simply expect that is how things work in the repair business.

[a k]

I'll give up the snow and weather up here to go sit in Florida for a week.

[Old Scout]

Dont take my comments/concerns as a "not recommended"--they provide a good product at a very good price. Problem was two Alpines came in at the same time--4 windows each [we were travelling together]. His was done in 1 1/2 days, mine in 2 1/2 --no explanation and no warning. If we'd known it was going to take an extra day--the spousal unit could have gone sight seeing--I am sure you understand my concern. There was also a lot of bickering between the workers--some was good hearted, some not so much. Think this contributed to a modest lack of attention to detail with regard to aligning the gaskets and the resulting esthetics--but again, I am kind of picky about fit and finish kind of stuff.

PS--My Alpine buddy bought the workers donuts but I delievered them?????

[Snuggery]

We just finished our visit to Suncoast Designers and were pleased. There were about 16 RV's present (including 2 Alpines) by Sunday night - all hooked up to 50-amp/water/Wi-Fi and watching the Super Bowl. As you can imagine, all were anxious and frustrated, since they had all given up fighting with their manufacturers and were now having to spend several days and a significant amount of money to repair a manufacturing defect which the window company had refused to warranty!!
By 6:30 am Monday morning, crews were removing windows and running them into the facility to be fixed. The factory tour was interesting and informative. All the staff was pleasant and helpful. Their technique and materials are high-quality. Most windows are $200 and the huge 6-pane picture window on our 2005 Alpine was $400. A number of patrons were returning to have additional windows done but nobody had heard of a failure and the owner shared that he has almost never had to redo a window because of the metal reinforced seals he uses.
It was a little frustrating trying to get an accurate estimate of when we would be finished - but visits to Myknos Greek restaurant in Tarpon Springs and Ollies Oyster Bar ($1.40 drafts) on the water in Hudson kept us occupied and happy. Wekee Wachi Springs is also close.

[Steve N Sal]

I'll have to keep this in my memory bank if and when I should need mine repaired. Lucky so far but not so lucky on our Fleetwood. It all worked out though, had to purchase new windows and had them installed at a local dealer.

[Old Rv'er]

All - Again I can highly recommend Motion Windows in Vancouver, WA for new windows as well. Our mid door apex has the 120"X32"? sized living room/Dining Room window on the passenger side, and they built us a new window to replace the original one since it was starting to fog. We did not like the OEM design window, so that is why we elected to replace with new. IT's a great window, has never leaked, even when the wash crew used a pressure washer on the coach the other day and several rainstorms as well. I can highly recommend motion windows for window repair and or replacement.

Dave Root fixed the drivers side window for us at quartzsite this year, and he was very professional, the windows looks great, and it did not leak either. I am very please with his work.