Side window broken.

[SteveOGilroy]

One of the side windows on my motorhome is broken, we think a rock was thrown at it. I have purchased a new window, frame and all from Thor. It arrived today, just 3 weeks! (Quote was 6 weeks.)

Has anyone replaced a side window in a motorhome? I thought the inner frame and outer frame are screwed together to hold the window in but the new outer frame does not have screw holes.

Do use a putty tape on the outside before I seal it with Silicone?

If anyone could give be a clue I'd appreciate it.

[The General]

Hi Steve,

I have replaced a number of side windows; inside frame always had holes
for screws and instructions for installation.
Call Thor and ask for help.
I used the old inside and outside gaskets with a bead of clear 50 year outside silicone.

Steve

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveOGilroy Do use a putty tape on the outside before I seal it with Silicone?

Newmar only uses silicon to cover the real sealant, that keeps the real sealant from weathering, they never depend on silicone for the seal.

[Midniteoyl]

Last one I saw, the inside frame had the holes, the outside did not and the screws self tapped.

[SteveOGilroy]

Thanks Jim,

I think that may be the case here. I'll pull the window off on Saturday and see. Do you think I should drill small starter holes or should the self tapping scews handle it with out a predrill.

Steve

[Midniteoyl]

I'd personally just run the screws in... drilling would take longer

[Pirate]

My 2 cents:

When the window is out, tape the widow frame area of the wall with that foil tape, at least up each side to the top. That way, if water does get behind the window frame, the water won't run down into the wall.

Use the thick black rubber type tape, not the white putty tape. There is a major differences in tape and most are called butyl tape even though they are different.

You shouldn't need any sealant other than the black rubber type tape. Silicone is the worse stuff to use. It won't last. If you insist on glopping something on, use ProFlex.

[Midniteoyl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate My 2 cents: When the window is out, tape the widow frame area of the wall with that foil tape, at least up each side to the top. That way, if water does get behind the window frame, the water won't run down into the wall. Use the thick black rubber type tape, not the white putty tape. There is a major differences in tape and most are called butyl tape even though they are different. You shouldn't need any sealant other than the black rubber type tape. Silicone is the worse stuff to use. It won't last. If you insist on glopping something on, use ProFlex.

Have to agree with the whole 2 cents... My gaskets are the black ones and have been in, as far as I can tell, since it was built with no leaks and are still pliable. All the 'videos' I see for replacing leaking windows show the white or grey tape.

[SteveOGilroy]

Window was replaced today. There were 23 screws holding the window in. The inside frame was predrilled with holes. The main window frame has a grove in it that aligns with the predrilled inner frame. A rubber/foam seal tape was applied to the window frame. As the screws were tightened the window set in the opening, compressed the seal. An outer bead of silicone sealant was added to the upper edge and a few inches down the sides. It's a two person job and it took about 30 minutes. Scared level 9, difficulty level 2. One edge of the window frame was slightly bent in shipping but made true before installation.

A little touch up paint applied to the bend and from a hairy hand scratch in the removal.

I now feel confident enough to replace any side window. Foggy windows still are a challenge.

Thanks for the help.

[Midniteoyl]

Cool.. glad you got it... Not so bad, eh?