New style windows -YUK. We are looking at buying a new van (semi off road etc)but really don't like the new style push out, slide down, slide up windows. They seem very fragile. Even saw a new one in sale yard broken and torn. What was wrong with the wind out ones that didn't let insects in as you open them. Does anyone know of new vans that are still using the wind out version?
Agree 100%. At first sight I liked them but after using them and having problems I now don't like them.
Unfortunately most CV manufacturers seem to be using them, even the big names. Maybe someone will wake up and stop using them or the maker of these things will improve them and quickly. Although an expensive fix for those that have them now.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
If you are having a caravan built especially for you request the old wind out windows , I think they are Camec and your builder should be happy to put them in for you. They are also tinted .
Aussie Traveler also supply wind out, double glazed windows with fixed fly screens - you'd need to specify them during construction ao see if there's a size available to replace the trendy ones you currently have.
yep - our van has them and one was replaced after 4 mnths and another now needs replacing (under warranty). They are made by Dometic apparently cheap which is why most manufacturers use them. According to the repairer that did my last one, the idea is good, but the have a felt strip on a tensioned bar at the top and bottom which helps the blind go into its closed position (up or down) with bulging. Its the felt strip which "pinches" on either of the blinds that causes the drama. hen he replaced the 1st one, he took the old one apart and showed me how it all worked. Simple - but not that effective, unfortunately.
Dometic sell so many of these to the manufacturers that having to replace so many under warranty doesn't bother them. The van repairer reckons the other window blind unit with the "continuous veniation blind inside a sealed panel (usually in Jayco vans) are even worse because theyre fragile and rip/break easily.
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Hi DandD. Thanks for comment (Aussie Traveller). How are you finding BT50. We have a 2013 but have had trouble with springs and had to replace them and only pulling a light 16.5 Sterling
If you are having a caravan built especially for you request the old wind out windows , I think they are Camec and your builder should be happy to put them in for you. They are also tinted .
Have just done exactly that. New Evernew ordered with wind out Camec windows-sept delivery
same price, no adjustment. Some may argue that the Camec windows should cost less, which they probably do but there would be additional costs for the van builder in that they would now have to supply sheer curtains and normal type curtains as a window finish.
We like the idea that we don't have to pull down the insect screen to manually open the window and that you can determine just how far you want the window open, not like the European windows. Also, once a European window is unlatched, it is a simple process to open it fully from the outside to gain entry through a window (although anyone determined to get into a van will gain access no matter what type of windows are installed) .