Has anyone installed the very pretty looking but totally impractical Dometic seitz windows (all in one blind and insect screen)? We had very large windows installed in our "Magic Bus" and couldn't be more disappointed. We had the largest windows we could installed to provide as much flow through ventilation as possible, however during the slightest breeze or using an internal fan the blind component blows out of the sides and we are left with no insect protection. Unfortunately we now have the windows closed and rely entirely on the airconditioner, which is so disappointing. When we contacted Dometic and sent through photos they said they'd never had any complaints nor heard of this happening before, and basically wiped their hands of it. The fact that all the bugs/insects fall into the bottom roll of the blind/screen and get squashed into the screen/blind was something else we didn't reckon on. Does anyone else suffer from this?
Cheers Di
Oz Gypsy said
09:38 PM Jan 19, 2013
Unfortunately, these windows are designed for European conditions and are not very practical for Australia. Also unfortunately, there are no real alternatives to choose from. The windows themselves, being double-glazed and tinted, are excellent. It's just that the screen/blind part of it is poorly designed.
We replaced all of our insect secreens with black fibreglass midge-mesh which has helped a bit because it is stiffer and stays in the side channels much better than the white nylon screen. It is a very fiddly job but was worth it. The problem with the dirt, leaves and insects collecting on the bottom roller cannot be solved. We rarely use the blinds. We installed curtains and use them for privacy instead.
If we were to build another rig I would try and find another type of window with fixed screens. I quite like the Winnebago style wind-out hopper windows, but I believe they also have their own problems.
Edit: We were also told by Dometic that they are unaware of any problems. That is absolute rubbish - we have not met anyone who likes their windows.
-- Edited by Oz Gypsy on Saturday 19th of January 2013 09:39:49 PM
justcruisin01 said
04:36 AM Jan 20, 2013
Sounds like the same windows that are in most new vans I have looked at & don't like the idear. If you need to close a blind to stop the sun or lights then you also stop the air flow, hate to think what you have to do if they go wrong.
JC.
2foot6 said
10:12 AM Jan 21, 2013
We have similar windows in our motorhome,but we like them.There was no choice,as they where what you get when you buy it,but have had little problems.Yes ,the bugs get squashed,but you wait until they dry out ,then they are easily scraped off.For us ,they seem practical and work well for us.Maybe we have simple tastes or are inexperienced,but they work well for us,even though I would not want to repair one. Not keen on the winny style because of the bars (frame work) blocking the view.There doesn't seem to be much of a choice in windows on the market,so do with what we have.cheers Peter.
-- Edited by 2foot6 on Monday 21st of January 2013 10:20:34 AM
-- Edited by 2foot6 on Monday 21st of January 2013 10:21:31 AM
Bucko said
12:29 AM Jan 23, 2013
They are the worst windows on the market, I don't know how they can every be considered for any vehicle in Australia, as Di said, they collect insect and stain, they blow out and rip whenever you get a bit of a breeze, I've had them for 4 years and complained to the manufacture of the camper within weeks, who also wiped his hands of them, not much choice of any other windows that I can see, I'm just stuck with them but I advise anyone who is looking for a van or motorhome with these to look for any other alternative in windows.
Kevin- not happy Jan!!!
busmartins said
01:59 AM Jan 23, 2013
Hi JC
Unfortunately these windows still appear to be "flavour of the month" for most RVs, motorhome conversions and caravans which is a real shame. The concept of them is great, because they can be installed with the blind either coming from the top or the bottom. We have some rolling down from the top and coming up from the bottom, unfortunately they are flimsy and the bigger the window the bigger the headache! We can only recommend anything else but these. What happens when they go wrong? well you jump through hoops, pull them apart and try and make the best of it. Happy trails to you
busmartins said
02:10 AM Jan 23, 2013
Thanks for your response Oz Gypsy. What we have learnt through this experience and many others as we had our "magic bus" built is "don't listen to so called experts"!!!! Yes indeed the windows are great but as you say the concept was never meant for Australian conditions. What drew me to the idea in the first place was that we wouldn't need any other type of window furnishing like curtains or blilnds having had venetians in our other bus, which were great, but a nightmare to clean as we do a lot of "off the beaten track" travelling. So we will continue to look at other alternatives, and currently sliding windows seem to be another option but for now we just have to put up with what we have. I had a chuckle when you mentioned you'd also been in touch with Dometic and that they were unaware of the problem....I wonder how much longer they can say that before they will seriously need to look at this window type. They products they use are just to flimsy however I do understand that replacing the screen does help but it won't change the blind component blowing in. Oh well you live and you learn
busmartins said
02:17 AM Jan 23, 2013
Bucko what can I say.........you are absolutely right!! I guess it makes us more mindful of how things appear in show rooms and shows where conditions are perfect or they make them so and we so easily buy into it. I can't image what ours will look like in 4 years, (if we still have them then) after 12 months they already look worse than they should. Oh well another one of life's little experiences. All we can do is steer others away from them. Keep on enjoying the life!
busmartins said
02:18 AM Jan 23, 2013
Hey Peter pleased to hear that you are happy with your windows and hope it continues that way.
Bucko said
05:46 AM Jan 23, 2013
Hi Di,
We persist in spite of them, don't we? they won't dampen our zest for life, just p--s us off, pardon the language.
Kevin.
Pinto said
09:51 PM Jan 26, 2013
We have a dometic skylight/hatch and it is absolute garbage. Too clear and lets too much light in not to mention heat. On a hot day the heat coming through the flimsy blind is staggering. Hold my hand two feet under hatch and it's like putting my hand under a grill not to mention the A/C struggles to keep the van cool. Lousy flyscreen comes out of the track as does the blind in the slightest breeze plus the dirt that collects in the blind has put several holes in it.. Tried to get hatch with darker tint .... they don't have one , tried stick on window tint, was told by several tinting places it won't stick to plastic so now we have a towel ontop to keep the heat out and the cool air in. Would like to remove this waste of time and put 4 season hatchs in but the hole in the roof is too large :( The only plus is that my lady and I can lay in bed at night and look at the stars when the hatch is shut IF we remember to take the towel off.....................
Bucko said
12:21 AM Jan 27, 2013
We are grateful for small mercies, aren't we? almost like camping again, thankfully only almost.
Kevin.
busmartins said
12:02 AM Jan 29, 2013
Pinto unfortunately we also have one of those Dometic hatches in the kitchen and I feel your pain, we are in the process of trying different options to keep the heat out, I'll let you know if we come up with a workable solution. We did try one of those windscreen shades last summer but it disintegrated due to the heat!!!!! Thankfully we have a different brand hatch in the bedroom and that works a treat. It's a shame Dometic appear to have so much market share. Enjoy the stars
busmartins said
12:04 AM Jan 29, 2013
Kevin indeed we are grateful for small mercies and we will keep on keeping on and enjoying living the dream
Robbiebago said
04:25 AM Feb 23, 2013
Wow. I do like the look of them. We have cut out the space in the walls in accordance to the sizes of these windows for our bus conversion, but haven't ordered them yet. I have a friend with them and I will go to the local caravan place and have a good look at he them before we go ahead and order them. Thanks for alerting us to the possible problem. If we go ahead with them, then I might see if I can get a guarantee in writing to cover them. I am just sorry that people like BusMartins have had to go through the pain first! As for the Dometic skylight. I have the largest available in our caravan and I love it. Yes, the flyscreen might have a small gap if you are not careful but it is easy to avoid and easy to correct. As for the light- yes it is meant to let the light it but if it is too hot or sunny eg when I am trying to read my computer screen, then I just close the cover - no problem. The only thing we generally do is cover the whole hatch on the outside when we are not traveling as my husband thinks the plastic does not have a high UV protection in built (He used to be a plastics manufacturer and I concede to his experienced knowledge! - I just sewed and elastic sided square similar to a fitted bedsheet format but out of a rubber back curtain I picked up from the op shop for $1. Enough there for 3 covers -except I used it in other projects!
busmartins said
01:10 AM Feb 26, 2013
Michelle I can just about guarantee you will get no guarantee in writing about the windows. Dometic couldn't care less and the caravan places we've been too know nothing about the issues, they just sell them!!!! Unless there is a breeze blowing and you have the windows open, they will indeed look beautiful. The smaller windows are fine - eg the two in the bathroom and the small windows over the kitchen benches but the big picture windows down both sides are next to useless. I believe it is the size of the blind, it's just too flimsy to cope with the overall size of the window. There is a breeze blowing at the moment ( a zephyr really) and the blinds are blowing in now. So I guess I'll have to shut the windows and put the airconditioning back on. There are other window options available, unfortunately they may not fit the spaces you've cut out, but to save the heartache and cost, I'd be looking at something else. Good luck with the conversion, it's a most exciting time, however depending who and how it's done, it can also be a very stressful and testing time. Enjoy
Mike C said
02:30 AM Mar 4, 2013
We have the same but with a slim venitian blind inside. Have not had any issues to date..
cheers
Mike
GaryKelly said
04:35 AM Mar 4, 2013
You're all a bit posh. My old '74 Freeway slide-on has an aluminium box-lid as roof hatch with a square of flyscreen underneath that catches falling leaves. Anyone had any experience vacuuming a roof hatch by standing on the roof? I can't figure out how to get the leaves out by any other means. As to the windows, they're the old wind-out type and they work quite well. Screens are mounted on the inside of the windows, and there are curtains for privacy. Windows on all three sides plus a doorway let in plenty of light, and there are another 3 windows in the sleeping area over the cab. I've seen the new style plastic bubble windows and thought how nice they look but, after reading the comments on this page, I think I'll stick with my old ones.
Duh said
05:38 AM Mar 4, 2013
GaryKelly wrote:
You're all a bit posh. My old '74 Freeway slide-on has an aluminium box-lid as roof hatch with a square of flyscreen underneath that catches falling leaves. Anyone had any experience vacuuming a roof hatch by standing on the roof? I can't figure out how to get the leaves out by any other means.
What about a hair dryer Gary, put it on the coolest setting and blow up from inside near the flyscreen, pick a day when there is a breeze so they don't fall back on the flyscreen and will blow away.
A hair dryer is also a good item to carry as if your clothes get wet on a rainy day you can dry them with it, providing you are on power of course.
Sheba said
05:55 AM Mar 4, 2013
Duh wrote:
A hair dryer is also a good item to carry as if your clothes get wet on a rainy day you can dry them with it, providing you are on power of course.
Don't forget you can get 12Volt Hair dryers guys.
Cheers,
Sheba.
neilnruth said
07:11 AM Mar 4, 2013
Gary we used to be able to get our screen out by twisting it somehow. Is it securely fitted and not removeable?
Duh said
07:29 AM Mar 4, 2013
Sheba wrote:
Duh wrote:
A hair dryer is also a good item to carry as if your clothes get wet on a rainy day you can dry them with it, providing you are on power of course.
Don't forget you can get 12Volt Hair dryers guys.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Thanks Sheba.....sounds even better !!!
Duh said
02:15 PM Mar 4, 2013
Far from a genius Gary (Duh!), if at home and you could get hold of a garden blower that would be good too, or a vac with a reverse function on it (blow and suck)....
Yes, I did see the "panty cupboard" had a chuckle but knew what the poster meant, I can see the keen eye of your past employment coming out to the fore, lol !
Apologies for the OT (off topic) Di (Busmartins)
-- Edited by Duh on Monday 4th of March 2013 02:16:30 PM
GaryKelly said
06:54 PM Mar 4, 2013
You're a genius, Duh. Sure beats the hell outta standing on the roof with the Hoover. And thanks for the 12V tip, Sheba. As to twisting, neilnruth, I'm pretty sure mine's untwistable unless I wanna undo a zillion screws. But I really do like the hair dryer idea, and also using it to dry damp undies. BTW, did anyone notice a post the other day about all the inclusions in a motorhome that included a "panty" cupboard? Hehe. Never seen one of those before.
Robbiebago said
03:00 AM Mar 5, 2013
busmartins wrote:
Michelle I can just about guarantee you will get no guarantee in writing about the windows. Dometic couldn't care less and the caravan places we've been too know nothing about the issues, they just sell them!!!! Unless there is a breeze blowing and you have the windows open, they will indeed look beautiful. The smaller windows are fine - eg the two in the bathroom and the small windows over the kitchen benches but the big picture windows down both sides are next to useless. I believe it is the size of the blind, it's just too flimsy to cope with the overall size of the window. There is a breeze blowing at the moment ( a zephyr really) and the blinds are blowing in now. So I guess I'll have to shut the windows and put the airconditioning back on. There are other window options available, unfortunately they may not fit the spaces you've cut out, but to save the heartache and cost, I'd be looking at something else. Good luck with the conversion, it's a most exciting time, however depending who and how it's done, it can also be a very stressful and testing time. Enjoy
For starters we are going with smaller windows to garner as much cupboard space as possible in many areas.
One idea to help solve your porblem as you certainly would not want to close your window: would it be possible to insert into the chanel some sort of brush type weather seal whenever you have a bit of a breeeze going to 'reduce' the flimsy screen edges from popping out? it is a nuisance still but better than closing the windows all the time!
Hope it helps you think of alternate solutions.
busmartins said
05:28 AM Mar 5, 2013
Michelle thanks for your thoughts. Unfortunately there really isn't a channel of any note and the screen and blind needs to roll back upon itself so any addition to the edge simply won't work. I believe it's the size of the window that's the issue, we were all about having a great outlook and through breezes as our last bus although had big windows didn't have a lot of through breezes - oh well you live and you learn so we deal with what we have to at present and look forward to the day when we can replace them all for a better option. I'm am arachnophobe and had to deal with a huntsman this morning who came straight through the billowing blind - so I'm happy to have them shut
busmartins said
05:29 AM Mar 5, 2013
No problems Duh I get off topic all the time.
Duh said
05:32 AM Mar 5, 2013
busmartins wrote:
No problems Duh I get off topic all the time.
No worries, hope you are able to resolve your problem......nice rig by the way!
busmartins said
05:41 AM Mar 5, 2013
Unfortunately Duh only money will solve the problem but we're never too old to learn and having this unit has certainly been a learning experience!!!! Sometimes less is more if you get my drift.
Cheers Di
Duh said
09:29 AM Mar 5, 2013
Your right Di, a bit like Oz, I don't think any of us could see every little bit of it in our lifetime, might have to come back for seconds !
Hi all,
Has anyone installed the very pretty looking but totally impractical Dometic seitz windows (all in one blind and insect screen)? We had very large windows installed in our "Magic Bus" and couldn't be more disappointed. We had the largest windows we could installed to provide as much flow through ventilation as possible, however during the slightest breeze or using an internal fan the blind component blows out of the sides and we are left with no insect protection. Unfortunately we now have the windows closed and rely entirely on the airconditioner, which is so disappointing. When we contacted Dometic and sent through photos they said they'd never had any complaints nor heard of this happening before, and basically wiped their hands of it. The fact that all the bugs/insects fall into the bottom roll of the blind/screen and get squashed into the screen/blind was something else we didn't reckon on. Does anyone else suffer from this?
Cheers Di
Unfortunately, these windows are designed for European conditions and are not very practical for Australia. Also unfortunately, there are no real alternatives to choose from. The windows themselves, being double-glazed and tinted, are excellent. It's just that the screen/blind part of it is poorly designed.
We replaced all of our insect secreens with black fibreglass midge-mesh which has helped a bit because it is stiffer and stays in the side channels much better than the white nylon screen. It is a very fiddly job but was worth it. The problem with the dirt, leaves and insects collecting on the bottom roller cannot be solved. We rarely use the blinds. We installed curtains and use them for privacy instead.
If we were to build another rig I would try and find another type of window with fixed screens. I quite like the Winnebago style wind-out hopper windows, but I believe they also have their own problems.
Edit: We were also told by Dometic that they are unaware of any problems. That is absolute rubbish - we have not met anyone who likes their windows.
-- Edited by Oz Gypsy on Saturday 19th of January 2013 09:39:49 PM
Sounds like the same windows that are in most new vans I have looked at & don't like the idear. If you need to close a blind to stop the sun or lights then you also stop the air flow, hate to think what you have to do if they go wrong.
JC.
-- Edited by 2foot6 on Monday 21st of January 2013 10:20:34 AM
-- Edited by 2foot6 on Monday 21st of January 2013 10:21:31 AM
They are the worst windows on the market, I don't know how they can every be considered for any vehicle in Australia, as Di said, they collect insect and stain, they blow out and rip whenever you get a bit of a breeze, I've had them for 4 years and complained to the manufacture of the camper within weeks, who also wiped his hands of them, not much choice of any other windows that I can see, I'm just stuck with them but I advise anyone who is looking for a van or motorhome with these to look for any other alternative in windows.
Kevin- not happy Jan!!!
Hi JC
Unfortunately these windows still appear to be "flavour of the month" for most RVs, motorhome conversions and caravans which is a real shame. The concept of them is great, because they can be installed with the blind either coming from the top or the bottom. We have some rolling down from the top and coming up from the bottom, unfortunately they are flimsy and the bigger the window the bigger the headache! We can only recommend anything else but these. What happens when they go wrong? well you jump through hoops, pull them apart and try and make the best of it.
Happy trails to you 
Thanks for your response Oz Gypsy. What we have learnt through this experience and many others as we had our "magic bus" built is "don't listen to so called experts"!!!! Yes indeed the windows are great but as you say the concept was never meant for Australian conditions. What drew me to the idea in the first place was that we wouldn't need any other type of window furnishing like curtains or blilnds having had venetians in our other bus, which were great, but a nightmare to clean as we do a lot of "off the beaten track" travelling. So we will continue to look at other alternatives, and currently sliding windows seem to be another option but for now we just have to put up with what we have. I had a chuckle when you mentioned you'd also been in touch with Dometic and that they were unaware of the problem....I wonder how much longer they can say that before they will seriously need to look at this window type. They products they use are just to flimsy however I do understand that replacing the screen does help but it won't change the blind component blowing in. Oh well you live and you learn
Hey Peter pleased to hear that you are happy with your windows and hope it continues that way.
Hi Di,
We persist in spite of them, don't we? they won't dampen our zest for life, just p--s us off, pardon the language.
Kevin.
The only plus is that my lady and I can lay in bed at night and look at the stars when the hatch is shut IF we remember to take the towel off.....................
We are grateful for small mercies, aren't we? almost like camping again, thankfully only almost.
Kevin.
Pinto unfortunately we also have one of those Dometic hatches in the kitchen and I feel your pain, we are in the process of trying different options to keep the heat out, I'll let you know if we come up with a workable solution. We did try one of those windscreen shades last summer but it disintegrated due to the heat!!!!! Thankfully we have a different brand hatch in the bedroom and that works a treat. It's a shame Dometic appear to have so much market share. Enjoy the stars
Kevin indeed we are grateful for small mercies and we will keep on keeping on and enjoying living the dream
I am just sorry that people like BusMartins have had to go through the pain first!
As for the Dometic skylight. I have the largest available in our caravan and I love it. Yes, the flyscreen might have a small gap if you are not careful but it is easy to avoid and easy to correct. As for the light- yes it is meant to let the light it but if it is too hot or sunny eg when I am trying to read my computer screen, then I just close the cover - no problem. The only thing we generally do is cover the whole hatch on the outside when we are not traveling as my husband thinks the plastic does not have a high UV protection in built (He used to be a plastics manufacturer and I concede to his experienced knowledge! - I just sewed and elastic sided square similar to a fitted bedsheet format but out of a rubber back curtain I picked up from the op shop for $1. Enough there for 3 covers -except I used it in other projects!
Michelle I can just about guarantee you will get no guarantee in writing about the windows. Dometic couldn't care less and the caravan places we've been too know nothing about the issues, they just sell them!!!! Unless there is a breeze blowing and you have the windows open, they will indeed look beautiful. The smaller windows are fine - eg the two in the bathroom and the small windows over the kitchen benches but the big picture windows down both sides are next to useless. I believe it is the size of the blind, it's just too flimsy to cope with the overall size of the window. There is a breeze blowing at the moment ( a zephyr really) and the blinds are blowing in now. So I guess I'll have to shut the windows and put the airconditioning back on. There are other window options available, unfortunately they may not fit the spaces you've cut out, but to save the heartache and cost, I'd be looking at something else. Good luck with the conversion, it's a most exciting time, however depending who and how it's done, it can also be a very stressful and testing time. Enjoy
Have not had any issues to date..
cheers
Mike
What about a hair dryer Gary, put it on the coolest setting and blow up from inside near the flyscreen, pick a day when there is a breeze so they don't fall back on the flyscreen and will blow away.
A hair dryer is also a good item to carry as if your clothes get wet on a rainy day you can dry them with it, providing you are on power of course.
Don't forget you can get 12Volt Hair dryers guys.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Thanks Sheba.....sounds even better !!!
Far from a genius Gary (Duh!), if at home and you could get hold of a garden blower that would be good too, or a vac with a reverse function on it (blow and suck)....
Yes, I did see the "panty cupboard" had a chuckle but knew what the poster meant, I can see the keen eye of your past employment coming out to the fore, lol !
Apologies for the OT (off topic) Di (Busmartins)
-- Edited by Duh on Monday 4th of March 2013 02:16:30 PM
For starters we are going with smaller windows to garner as much cupboard space as possible in many areas.
One idea to help solve your porblem as you certainly would not want to close your window: would it be possible to insert into the chanel some sort of brush type weather seal whenever you have a bit of a breeeze going to 'reduce' the flimsy screen edges from popping out? it is a nuisance still but better than closing the windows all the time!
Hope it helps you think of alternate solutions.
No problems Duh I get off topic all the time.
No worries, hope you are able to resolve your problem......nice rig by the way!
Cheers
Di
Your right Di, a bit like Oz, I don't think any of us could see every little bit of it in our lifetime, might have to come back for seconds !