Help -Window glass sticking to seal

[nwclassic]

Not sure how talc powder behaves when wet, so some testing before applying to window seals might be prudent. On windows that are stuck (not extreme heat welded to seals), sometimes a little outward pressure applied when operating the handles helps. Do this by rotating the latches so that the locking arms press against the window frame. Lots of good uses for silicone… window seals surely one of them .

[graysailor]

They both work.

[Ray Eklund]

If off onto dusty roads... be careful with the timing of what might adhere between your window and rubber. Not a stinking mess, but a dusty crust and grit to grind into your window glass edges, after closing, and then vibrating down the highways for six hours with the silicone/grit polishing compound you made possible.

The credit card works, but if you have no credit... something that can slide between the glass and gasket not tearing it made of plastic. You can also open the window from the outside and set the two window rods into their slots. Just have to set them inside to open...

Finger nails. Only if you want to loose them.

Be patient. Work both edges so not to break the window. You wanted big windows and this is your punishment. I liked the small crank vents on our 2006 23 footer. I just do not spend that much time in my trailer. I can sit inside at home all I want and look out of the window without all of this grief.

[cac]

Originally Posted by FollySteve

Window poppers are another great solution. Even with silicon, ours are still hard to open and these work great to break the seal. Not sure if they fit older Airstreams. Might want to check before ordering.

http://www.seeyoudowntheroad.com/window-poppers/

I had Window Poppers installed on my 20' Flying Cloud, and can't wait to get them for the new 26U. They made opening windows EASY, even in rain! : )

[beachbouy]

Which is better the 303 (30324) Rubber Seal Protectant or the 303 (30305) Aerospace Protectant?

[Jacob D]

Silicone spray works well on window seals, door locks and just about anything else you don't want to paint. NAPA has a tube of silicone paste called Silglide that works well too. Annual application is adviseable.

[NWRVR]

Spay silicon on a cloth and rub cloth on entire gasket. Let dry and apply second coat. This lasts a year for me, nice to have stick-free windows.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by beachbouy

Which is better the 303 (30324) Rubber Seal Protectant or the 303 (30305) Aerospace Protectant?

I've never used the rubber seal product, but the uv formula only need to be applied every few years.

[StreamDog]

AS windows: Great looks; lousy operation.

[CruizinDux]

I keep a disposable plastic putty knife in the drawer instead of the credit card. Wouldn't want to break the bank.

Sort of an aside but related. I was having trouble with the Fantastic Vent seals getting pulled out when I opened the dome. I called FV and they 1) suggested I spot glue the seals (I could not locate any evidence of any glue...relying on the ribbed insert to stay in the curb groove which was worthess) and to 303 protectant the dome, especially where it contacts the seal...also used to clean the fan blades apparently per their instructions.

FV doesn't sell itany more but suggested a non-petroleum based silicone oil. I found some on Amazon that was used as a lubricant in air guns and similar product for treadmills for roller lubrication.

I figured if works on the FV seals, it must work on the windows seals too. What I could garner on line is the pet based silicone products deteriorate the rubber over time...hence the non-pet based S/O.

I only did this a few day ago so have no history to report. However the manual in one place suggests 303 and in another "Slipicone" for the window seals. My dealer indicated the latter was silicone oil...base unknown.

The poppers are slick and maybe I'll revisit them down the road.

Bob

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by CruizinDux

I keep a disposable plastic putty knife in the drawer instead of the credit card. Wouldn't want to break the bank.

Sort of an aside but related. I was having trouble with the Fantastic Vent seals getting pulled out when I opened the dome. I called FV and they 1) suggested I spot glue the seals (I could not locate any evidence of any glue...relying on the ribbed insert to stay in the curb groove which was worthess) and to 303 protectant the dome, especially where it contacts the seal...also used to clean the fan blades apparently per their instructions.

FV doesn't sell itany more but suggested a non-petroleum based silicone oil. I found some on Amazon that was used as a lubricant in air guns and similar product for treadmills for roller lubrication.

I figured if works on the FV seals, it must work on the windows seals too. What I could garner on line is the pet based silicone products deteriorate the rubber over time...hence the non-pet based S/O.

I only did this a few day ago so have no history to report. However the manual in one place suggests 303 and in another "Slipicone" for the window seals. My dealer indicated the latter was silicone oil...base unknown.

The poppers are slick and maybe I'll revisit them down the road.

Bob

I'm having the same problem with one of my Fantastic vent seals. What did they say to glue it with?

Mike

[Adiredneck]

I keep one of my old dog tags on my key chain. Flat, with rounded corners, it works perfectly to nudge open a sticky window!

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

I'm having the same problem with one of my Fantastic vent seals. What did they say to glue it with?

Mike

Mike I bought something at a big box that worked with plastic in additional to the wood, metal etc. They mentioned superglue but I got the impression any general purpose glue would work. I wanted to stay away from a silicone caulk approach.

I'll take a look at the tube on Tuesday when I'm at the trailer and report back.


I put very small amounts in the groove at the joint and also at the start and end 4 corners. I tried to limit the glue in case I had to re-do someday.

Bob

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by HCR

Another vote for vaseline.

Vaseline will degrade many types of rubber. Silicone will extend the life of rubber seals while preventing glass from sticking to it.

[OTRA15]

All Airstream systems are designed for active use, including the window gaskets. If used often they don't stick.

303 Protectant is what AS recommends. Amazon carries it as wipes in a small plastic tub which is lightweight, easy to store, and has no liquid to spill.

https://www.amazon.com/303-30910-Aer...XGGFXF6JRA9DXV

All the other suggestions will work but also come with negative side effects IMO. As someone mentioned a very light layer of dust from constant window usage also helps.

[CruizinDux]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

I'm having the same problem with one of my Fantastic vent seals. What did they say to glue it with?

Mike

Mike I used Loctite: Vinyl, fabric & plastic. it is also labeled "Flexible Adhesive" I got mine at Jerry's in Eug but HD/Lowes in addition to AVE probably have it too. I liked that it worked for vinyl & plastic and was flexible.

[CruizinDux]

I went with the silicone since F-Vents recommended the 303 only for the dome but silicone for the seals. AS in different pages indicates both.

Using a rag, I applied the first coat of silicone last Thursday. Today when I opened them the vent popped right up. When I released the latches on the windows...I could see the glass pop away immediately. I tried the arms and and the windows were free.

Today I added another light coat and tended to my other chores for another hour, but before leaving wiped them down and closed the windows.

Surely there is a bit of film about 1/8" wide along the edge of the window and maybe that will attract some dust. But I think I'll clean the windows next time and sty on the S/oil routine for now.

Bob

[Jammer]

I have tried a number of the suggestions upthread.

Talc works best. I use tire talc, which is unscented and designed to ...drum roll... keep rubber from sticking to things.

After five years, I still haven't had to re-apply it.

[Coaster]

I use the blue refrigerator card to hold the doors open when not in use. But a better fix would keep you from getting wet when it rains.