Living an RV style is one of the most adventurous ways of life. You can travel the entire country with your RV, including the Mountain areas, the valleys, countryside, National parks, you name it. It is one of the lifestyles that eliminate the power of confinement. If you enjoy looking at different sceneries and landscapes, your rig is the thing to have. It will take you places to enjoy different weather and experience the joy of spending time in different environments.
The only thing that can make your life a bit uncomfortable is traveling with a broken RV window. It is important to keep the environment that will make you and your traveling team comfortable. A broken window can expose you to scorching, muggy, and sticky environments. You also need to take care of the tropical winds depending on where you spend most of your time in your traveling experience.
You can change that bad experience by replacing your broken window to enjoy your cool night with all the mosquito music locked outside your rig. There are many possibilities and many things that happen while traveling that can lead to a broken window. Sometimes it can happen in lonely places or when you cannot access rig repair experts. If that happens to you, do not spend your night with uninvited guests. All you needed are simple steps to replace your rig window, and you will enjoy your night. You can keep the disturbance away and enjoy your sleep.
RV windows come in different types and styles. But once you know how to replace one type, it will not be complicated for you to figure out how to replace other types. One of the common types is the clamp and ring style. Here are few steps to DIY your RV window replacement to increase your comfort.
1. Have all the tools that you need for the job
Replacing a shuttered RV window does not need too many tools. All you need is:
- A Screw Driver
- Scrapper tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Spray bottle
- Silicon sealant
- Tape
- Ruler or tape measure and putty knife
- Replacement windowpane or
- Plexiglass for a temporary replacement
- A garbage bag to keep the broken pieces of glass
- Gloves
2. Prepare for the replacement
- The first thing you need to do is prepare the place to carry out the replacement.
- Use your screwdriver to remove the broken glass.
- It is important to use gloves to protect you from broken glass.
- Remove all the mounting screws and have someone hold the glass for you or use the tape top to hold the pane steady.
- Take out the plastic frame making sure you do not allow the windowpane to fall.
- Then pull the glass outwardly and set it slowly on the ground.
Some RVs have a two-piece window, and you still remove it using the same method. If the window is shuttered, use the garbage bin to put the pieces to avoid shattering glass on the ground.
3. Clean the window opening
Once you take out the broken window, the next thing is to clean the exterior metal and take out all the sealant or fiberglass from the window frame. After removing all the sealant, the other thing you need to do is to clean the place and prepare it for the replacement. It is good to rub the surface with a rag and some alcohol to ensure it is clean. The window will hold better if you use a clean surface instead of replacing it in a place with all the dust and debris.
4. Measure the window opening
- Once you have cleaned the space, the other step is to take the window measurements.
- If your window I s rectangular, you only need to measure the length and the width.
- If you have a different shape, it is important to measure all the sides and note them.
- Measure the window’s sidewall thickness and ensure the window fits well.
- Measure the corner radius of your RV windows if RV has rounded corners.
- Once you have all the measurements, the other you need is the replacement window.
5. Window installation
Keep your window lying face down and apply the flange’s sealant tape. Please begin the sealant and apply it to the middle of the window. Pull the backing off the tape.
- Spray the outside part of the window opening, and mist use the spray bottle. It will prevent the tape from sticking to the RV’s exterior side before you are happy about how it fits.
- It is important to remove the window screen when you are carrying out the installation to ensure you do not damage it.
- Use the screws to screw the window once you put it in its place. Avoid using extra-long screws to avoid puncturing the window frame.
- When you insert the window, you need to ask someone to help you put it in the right position. After positioning the window in its right place, screw it up to hold in position.
When you are replacing the RV window, ensure you provide the RV maintenance shop with the right measurements. Sometimes you may find that your RV model does not have a ready replacement window. If you encounter such a problem, you will have to place a custom made pane with your RV specifications. The best thing is that most of the times, the custom made windows may be more affordable than the original ones.
Are frameless RV windows better?
Each of the two types of windows has advantages and disadvantages. The one you prefer maybe because of the surroundings and how it is serving you at the place you are at the moment. For instance, when you look at the framed windows in hot places, they are good at letting cool air into the RV. They have more ventilation and the best during hot seasons. On the other hand, the frameless ones will not allow cool air into the RV, but they will also not allow cold rain to make your stay uncomfortable.
How much does it cost to replace RV windows?
The cost of the RV window depends on several factors. First, it will depend on whether you are hiring a professional or opt to do it yourself. In most cases, the cost of DIY will not be more than USD 120, but it may differ depending on the shape and window size. It will also depend on the number of panes and insulation and tinting type. Though RVs have standard windows, you can have your windows customized to fit your need. When replacing your window, the cost will depend on those factors.
Insurance is important
Before setting out on your journey, it is important to find out your RV insurance cover. You will know how to prepare yourself for what is covered by your insurance. Some insurance companies the window out of their cover. You should make sure you discuss everything with your insurer before setting off for the trip. It will also be good if you read and understand your policy before you set on your journey. It will help you avoid disappointments when you encounter some repair costs that you thought will be covered.
Have alternatives
When you are considering your RV window replacement, it is good to think about Plexiglass. You may have your window shattered when in the field and without enough money to replace the window. If that happens, you need to know that you have the option of using Plexiglas windows. Even when you do not want to have them on your RV for long, they can keep mosquitoes from bitting you as you look for money. The reason is that they are more affordable than the standard window glasses.
DIY is beneficial to you
You can also save a lot of money if you know how to fix the RV window glass. You may have a window shutter when you are not near your technician. If you are in a new place, the experts there may take advantage because you are new. Instead of allowing technicians to exploit you because you are far from your home, you can try the window fixing techniques in this article. You will save on labour when you choose to fix the window glass for yourself.
If you opt to hire an expert, you will have to pick the best one. Ask about their experience in dealing with RV repair to know whether you are considering the right person. It is also good to find out the quality of the glass they are using for your RV window.
Quality is essential
Also, before you buy your window glass in a place that is not familiar, it is advisable to carry out some surveys. Find out whether there are other dealers around before you place your order. Find out the window glass cost from at least three different dealers. You should compare the prices and find out who is selling you at a discount. You can save some money by carrying out a survey. Also, find out about the quality of the glass before ordering your replacement glass.