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Torreele · 05-12-2016, 11:06 AM

While we love the large windows of our new Int'l Serenity 27fb, we are struggling with simply opening them! We know that they can be sticky from not having been used in the winter but even those we use more regularly are still awkward to lift up. They are heavy and often require 2 persons to open. It is actually impossible for one person to lift the back dining room window. Then, the small bar doesn't latch into the side slots easily... Any ideas?
Fantastic Fan: the book instructions are of no help in understanding the sequence to follow in order just to open the vent without turning the fan on. And if we just open it without the fan... will it still sense the rain and shut down (if we are away ir during the night)? Can someone direct us to a link for better instructions? Thanks.

SeaLevel · 05-12-2016, 11:14 AM

Not sure about the fans, but on your window question, I've sometimes found it easier to open the heavier windows from the outside once they are unlatched on the inside. I can just reach up on each side and put the bar into the right slot.

AWCHIEF · 05-12-2016, 11:30 AM

I Googled and found this,

http://rv52.com/wp-content/uploads/2...model_6600.pdf

dkottum · 05-12-2016, 12:09 PM

SeaLevel has the answer on lifting the big windows, unlatch them inside and go outside to lift up and set it in the detents. A little practice and it's a piece of cake. Frequent silicon spray will keep the gaskets from sticking more/less, gets better as they age.

Pull down on the knob to open close manually, that frees the motor from the drive gear so will not close automatically. One of the best mods you can do for your Airstream is put vent covers over these fans, many brands and they all work fine. Depending on the rain sensor to close the covers is a leap of faith I wouldn't take. With the vent covers you can ventilate rain, shine, going down the road or in storage. You'll most probably leave the vents open most of the time. With the vent covers I consider the motor a nuisance.

lsbrodsky · 05-12-2016, 12:11 PM

I have also found that opening the windows from outside, by myself, is much easier. Gravity helps you close them from inside when you need to. Part of my setup routine when we get to a campground is to open the windows from outside.
Larry

CRH · 05-12-2016, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

Pull down on the knob to open close manually, that frees the motor from the drive gear so will not close automatically.

You do not pull down on the knob on newer fans. You just turn it....I have a new one in my garage, just checked it , and the instructions to confirm.

NoResults · 05-12-2016, 06:27 PM

What a piece of crap design on the window hardware. Maybe the some other brands have a better idea. I almost broke the handles on the inside trying to open the back window. Do you have to open the locks then use a screw driver to pry them open?

Pure garbage design..

CRH · 05-12-2016, 07:20 PM

I keep my window gaskets lubed with silicone. I have no trouble opening them.

toothpull · 05-13-2016, 10:26 AM

Don't use a screw driver. Slide a credit card along the seal and they will open. Bad design I agree but they do get easier with age of the trailer and experience.

time2play · 05-13-2016, 12:01 PM

We use a suction cup puller, similar to this. Works great!
Premium Suction Cup, Glass, Dent Puller

SteveSueMac · 05-13-2016, 12:04 PM

That could server multi purpose - you could use it to check leaks at each rivet - that video was posted in here recently....and used for windows, it wouldn't be as likely to damage the gaskets. Great idea!

dkottum · 05-13-2016, 12:09 PM

We keep a wood clothespin under the propane cover, clipped to the bracket inside. Sometimes a window sticks, the clothespin grip is handy to pry it up without damaging the glass or rubber seal.

We keep a can of silicone spray just inside one of the outside hatches, handy to lube the seals so they don't stick, and the awning bars so they don't stick.

SilverGate · 05-13-2016, 12:40 PM

303 Aerospace Protectant spray to window and FanTastic Fan seals to keep them from sticking (& prevents UV damage)!

More info: "Shine on harvest moon" (washing, waxing, and protecting Airstream exterior)

xrvr · 05-13-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoResults

What a piece of crap design on the window hardware. Maybe the some other brands have a better idea. I almost broke the handles on the inside trying to open the back window. Do you have to open the locks then use a screw driver to pry them open?

Pure garbage design..

Poor design, you didn't check how to open the windows before you bought?

NWRVR · 05-13-2016, 03:39 PM

I spray silicon on a rag and wipe it around the entire rubber seal. After two applications staring last summer I have not had any window stick. And, yes, as others have stated, unlatch the large front and rear windows and open from the outside. Simple procedures that I suspect some don't follow preferring instead to fight it and bitch about it.

LBOskiBear · 05-13-2016, 03:54 PM

Be careful when opening from the outside. We did this last fall - I was outside assisting and partner was on inside using the levers when...BAM! The whole thing exploded into a million pieces.

It was tempered safety glass so only a few minor nicks/cuts. However, I don't know if I had a bad window or we torqued it too much and the pressure caused it to break. I wonder if it broker easier because it was tempered?

Now I'm completely paranoid about the windows...

BoscoMN · 05-13-2016, 04:31 PM

I've purchased these and they appear to be well made. Their main benefit is not having to go outside to pry the window open - you just use the button to push the glass away from the rubber seal. I have not yet put them in:

http://www.seeyoudowntheroad.com/sho...indow-poppers/

FCStreamer · 05-13-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoscoMN

I've purchased these and they appear to be well made. Their main benefit is not having to go outside to pry the window open - you just use the button to push the glass away from the rubber seal. I have not yet put them in:

http://www.seeyoudowntheroad.com/sho...indow-poppers/

Do you have to drill a hole to install these?

FCStreamer · 05-13-2016, 05:57 PM

I answered my own question.

Yes

http://youtu.be/EbMA8iSr3kk

NoResults · 05-13-2016, 06:47 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did not realize that they came glued to the rubber. I tried opening the small real window and it would not come open and I was afraid I would break the hardware. Did not know what to do without damage. Dave