Windows don't close

[77Overlander]

Searched but didn't find an answer to this. 77 Overlander - several of the windows don't fully close at the bottom even when the handles are fully up. Have to have a person on the outside push the bottoms in to engage the latches. As this is happening on more than one window I'd think there's something out of adjustment after the rig sitting for 8+ years but don't see anywhere to tweak the mechanism. TIA

[Minno]

Are your windows the same as on Little Girl, with hardware that looks like this? If yes, then the top nut and pivot where the arm goes through the window is too tight. Loosen the nut – better yet, take the nut off and clean the hinge point, lube with silicone spray, and put the nut back on. Don’t over tighten the nut. It’s a lock nut and will stay in place.

Chris

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 77Overlander

Searched but didn't find an answer to this. 77 Overlander - several of the windows don't fully close at the bottom even when the handles are fully up. Have to have a person on the outside push the bottoms in to engage the latches. As this is happening on more than one window I'd think there's something out of adjustment after the rig sitting for 8+ years but don't see anywhere to tweak the mechanism. TIA

That problem can happen, if the window position guides were replaced and improperly positioned.

Andy

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by 77Overlander

Searched but didn't find an answer to this. 77 Overlander - several of the windows don't fully close at the bottom even when the handles are fully up. Have to have a person on the outside push the bottoms in to engage the latches. As this is happening on more than one window I'd think there's something out of adjustment after the rig sitting for 8+ years but don't see anywhere to tweak the mechanism. TIA

I can think of several things.

Have they always done it? Or has it just started? Is the Airstream in stress, as in sitting twisted a bit? Clean the slides and tracks and lube with some silicone spray. Look to see if the arms are bent at all.

Aaron

[dwightdi]

The rubber gaskets have most likely gotten hard with age and have too high a modulus now and are holding the window open at the top of the sides. This prevents the window from closing at the bottom. Buy new softer gaskets and adjust the pivot point properly.

[redhawkerII]

My window may not be exactly the same make, but it was a new one we installed, and the rubber gasket did not want to go in well at first, and like the other said- one person stood outside and with a butter knife slid the gasket into place by sliding to one side carfully and at the right moment moved the knobs inside to shut...this we remedied with a good oil and with time the rubber 'trained' itself to fit. Try this oil, it's pretty neat.

[77Overlander]

All,

Thanks for all the good information. As far as "have they always done this" - have no idea, as I said the rig sat for 8+ years in Death Valley, CA and then was just given to me. The PO had inherited it from her folks and knew almost nothing about it.

The window issue only became important yesterday when the temperature dropped 40 degrees and the wind is blowing 50+ mph. Of course we're using it for temporary sleeping quarters so it was a bit chilly last night.