Thermal Pane Windows - Triple pane?

RamblinMan · 08-08-2009, 12:50 PM

Thinking about having a trailer custom built. Finding that companies that produce windows for RVs are behind the times of sticks n bricks options. Where can my builder get high R value windows & escape windows for a trailer?

Doggy Daddy · 08-08-2009, 03:43 PM

My toy hauler has dark HRH windows and escape windows http://www.hehr-international.com/. Also check out Windows - Hehr and Kinro RV Windows.

diandtom · 08-12-2009, 10:12 AM

I am looking for a new fiver sometime between Oct. and Jan. One of the things I want is double pane windows, but I think I am going to have to order it to get it. I don't like getting up in the mornings and can't see out. It is also cold when sitting in the slide out with windows all around. We do most of our Rving in cooler weather. Our house was built in 1970 and one of the best improvment I have made was double pane windows. I did it around 13 years ago and it made a big difference.

K-Star · 08-12-2009, 06:47 PM

RV double pane windows, while good, are not nearly as effective as double pane windows made for your home. RV double pane windows have very little space between the glass panes. I'm not sure they even insert any gas between the panes. I'm sure someone will come bu sooner than later with an answer to that one.

I have double pane windows in my trailer. it adds about 500 #'s to the trailer. I spent the winter in my rig and the thing that worked more than anything else was the curtains. When we ordered our 5er my wife INSISTED on ordering window curtains. Even with dual pane windows the cold radiated thru. But then the frames are still aluminum and they were very cold. Probably more cold radiated by way of the frame than the glass itself. But the curtains went a long way in blocking that cold air from really effecting us. They do work a lot better than single pane glass. I certainly will order them again on my next rig.

My first 5er had single pane glass and cooking (boiling) on a cool evening results in a large amount of condensation on the glass.

Tom Donaldson · 08-15-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-Star

When we ordered our 5er my wife INSISTED on ordering window curtains. Even with dual pane windows the cold radiated thru. But then the frames are still aluminum and they were very cold. Probably more cold radiated by way of the frame than the glass itself. But the curtains went a long way in blocking that cold air from really effecting us.

I agree, window coverings can be a huge help. For reasons unrelated to temperature control we got rid of the standard RV pleated day/night blinds and installed cheapo opaque roller blinds. They cut heat transmission enormously. It was especially noticeable on hot days in the desert. With the blinds up, I could feel heat radiating through the windows from several feet away. With the blinds down, the fiver cooled off nicely.

As for the frames: there RV windows with a "thermal break" between the inner and outer aluminum frames. I understand that they do not conduct nearly as much heat as the frames that we (and apparently you) have: aluminum through and through (hot to the touch in heat; crusted with frost in the cold). Next time we get a fiver built, I'll insist on windows with a thermal break. I believe Peninsula Glass manufacturers such windows, but have not been able to find details.

Would be nice if RV manufacturers offered more "thermal" options, like thermal blinds/curtains, better thermal windows.

glazier · 09-26-2009, 08:46 AM

I would think that the Insulated Glass in a RV would help keep exterior noise levels down a bit. Thermally broken frame construction does as advertised, thermally isolate the interior from the exterior. The condensation is another animal all to itself. If you see moisture present on the glass of a coach, the reason for this is humidity inside the RV. The glass simply gives you a better view of the condensation. If a window shows moisture then you can bet the walls have moisture present as well. The IG is a good value for what it cost to up grade to it, but don't think it is a snake oil to solve moisture problems that will always be inside a small confined living area. Vents will help with condensation as well as de-humidifiers when they can be used.

greg0rn · 10-28-2009, 09:36 PM

Talked to Peterson Industries (they build Excel 5th wheels) a few days ago. Dual pane windows add extra 160 lbs to 30' trailer, not 500 lbs, as someone suggested. They are worth every penny spent.