Driver Window loud Buzz/Hum Harmonic

[RVStitchy]

Our driver window has an intermittent loud harmonic buzz/hum sound. It occurs at higher speeds and I believe it is tied to the direction of the wind. I have tried opening and closing the window to check if it is seated properly - no help. I have run my hand over the three windows during the hum to see if I can identify which window - no help. Also tried pressing the windows and frames to see if the sound changes - no help. Maybe it is the flat upper window that I can not reach while driving - but it sure sounds like it is lower and next to my head.

Yesterday we were driving on route 60 and Fla Turnpike. Cruising at 70mph and had a strong headwind coming into the driver corner. The sound was the loudest it has been since taking delivery. For a couple hours it was so loud that it was hard to hear the DW in the passenger seat.

I have added this to my warranty list but I am concerned that the dealer will not be able to recreate the sound on a short test drive if the wind conditions are not perfect.

I have an I phone video with the sound to share with the dealer. Not sure if it can be uploaded to the site.

Anybody experienced anything similar? Any troubleshooting ideas during our next trip?

[HR2004]

We had that aggravation with a ford F250 diesel and it was the windshield leaking thru the seal.. I started adding masking tape around the edge of the glass until it stopped.. I had found the leak. We also had it with our HR, much older that your rig and a rubber seal.. once we had the glass and original seal replaced it was gone.

[Dutch Star Don]

The driver's mirror can come parked in two different positions. Typically, the mirror is set folded back with the arm at a 45 degree angle facing rearward. During manufacturing they keep the mirrors folded in. This makes it easier to move the coach around the Newmar plant.

Often they just leave the arm in that position and move it out a little. This position can cause buffeting/hum.

If your mirror is in this position, try moving the arm 90 degrees forward and rotate the mirror head. This moves it away from the window. See photo.

If yours are already forward, there is something else you can try. Get about 4' of 3/8" tubing. When you hear the hum, have your passenger safely stand behind, maybe moving the seat forward some. They need to stick the tube in their good ear and then move the other end of the tube around the window. You'll often hear an issue.

[DennisJ]

We have the same issue. 2022 DS 4363.

[NewmarDave]

On our 2022 LA, we had a similar noise that was actually coming from the driver side roof rails (look like awnings) being loose. The 1/4" self tapers were backing out. I replaced all self tapers with SS hardware and all noises have gone away. The crazy harmonics drove me nuts when we left Nappenee.

[RVStitchy]

OP here with an update but no resolution.

First, I have concluded the noise is coming from the bottom glass that opens. If I put my palm on the window and press relatively hard I can minimize the noise.

I had the coach in to the dealer for a punch list of warranty items including this one. Newmar came back with a suggestion to reposition the mirror housing to avoid a "wind tunnel effect" (as mentioned in DS Don's response). The mirror was already in the forward position so the dealer only moved the mirror housing a small amount - I did not have to adjust mirror very much to compensate. They did not test drive since they felt they would not be able to recreate the conditions.

Within the first 10 miles heading South on the Florida Turnpike the sound returned. Cruise control 67 mph with only a 10-15 mph quartering headwind (heading south into a SE breeze).

I am writing an email to the Newmar Dutch Star support folks requesting an discussion escalation. Hopefully get the glass window supplier involved. Does anyone know who supplies these windows for 2022s? Is it the same company with the frameless window recall?

In my mind it is either:
1. A known problem without a solution - if so please tell me.
2. Something abnormal related to a limited number of coaches (DennisJ said he had the same condition) - maybe glass thickness or lamination?

[Frank94062]

We took delivery of our Dutch Star 3736 on March 30, 2022 and have the same issue. It started with just a vibration/rattle with the movable window. It has progressed to a much louder sound, it does vary depending on speed and any side winds.

I have repositioned the mirror to see if that will help. It was already forward as shown in Don's picture so I couldn't move it much. We head out this next week, I'll let you know if it made any difference.

[NWIP]

I have identified the same issue and it is bottom glass framing vibrating against vertical medal bracket. I tried to shim it with some weather stripping but access is nearly impossible without removing the side panel. There is plastic vapor barrier and bracket is between barrier and side of coach. I attempted to remove the gear selector panel and HWH leveling panel to access without much success. I have an appointment in Sep in Nappanee and hope to have it fixed then.

[Just George]

I have a 22 4369 Dutch Star with the same issue. Agree it is the lower moveable window. I recorded the sound so I could provide to the dealer when I take the coach in. Does not sound like anyone has successfully fixed the issue yet.

[Bears Dad]

Same here. My rolldown window has a rattle, but the large glass in front vibrates and seems to convex out. My mirror is forward also. Didn't have this problem on our 2016 with the mirror to the rear. I really don't want to move the mirror as I prefer it out front.

[RVStitchy]

OP back with an update.

I sent an email to Spencer - the Dutch Star Specialist at Newmar. I explained that moving the mirror did not fix the issue and requested feedback on next steps.

Newmar is now suggesting that it might be a "simple window seal problem" and I have to return to the dealer for inspection.

I am pretty good at assessing simple problems and I don't think this will be the final answer - but I need to let Newmar go through their process. I asked if I could interface with engineering/service and take some measurements, pictures, etc. to help move the troubleshooting along. I explained that my dealer is 225 miles away so taking it back means two days off work (the dealer does not take service vehicles on Sat or Sun) along with $300 in gas and tolls each way.

Predictably that offer to help was denied.

I am planning another round of service in July when I hit 6,000 miles. There were a couple of you that responded with having similar symptoms. Maybe one of you has plans for a dealer service in May or June and can take this next step. I would suggest an email to Spencer so Newmar can see this is a problem with multiple coaches and not just one hyper neurotic nut in Fort Lauderdale. If you PM your email I can forward more details.

[Frank94062]

It is a good idea to send an email to Spencer. Hopefully Newmar will then realize this is a widespread issue. What email should I use? I have a couple of good recordings of the sound I would like to send.
Thanks
Frank

[RVStitchy]

Originally Posted by Frank94062

It is a good idea to send an email to Spencer. Hopefully Newmar will then realize this is a widespread issue. What email should I use? I have a couple of good recordings of the sound I would like to send.
Thanks
Frank

dutchstarservice@newmarcorp.com is the email address I am using for Dutch Star specific topics with Spencer. He has been very good at responding within 24 hours.

[tqqest]

I had the same issue with my 2020 DS4369 and was able to mitigate it a little by moving the mirror head and arm.
I now have the exact same problem on my 2022 DS4369, but this time I have tried moving both the mirror arm and the head multiple times, with no improvement. As you said, a front quartering wind on the drivers side is the worst.

Both the fixed glass portion at the front, and the sliding part vibrate. They vibrate and hum so loud that it is very irritating!