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tobutton · 06-15-2015, 05:41 AM

Well we prepping our "new to us" 19' FC for the maiden voyage putting in all our supplies, trying to figure out how everything works last week. My wife made a beautiful cover for our bed, loaded up the kitchen and I was trying to figure out the water tanks but it was getting done until it got hot and I decided to open the windows and turn on the fans. I watched the youtube video about being careful opening the windows if they had not been open for a while. Problem is I watched it in January and in haste I cranked to hard without carefully checking the seals on the side window. BAMMM!!! the window blew out. Got an estimate on a new window, $570 plus labor. Uggg. We have decided our "next" maiden voyage will be to the "mother ship" in Ohio. We will take the tour and beg for help in trying to figure everything out. Just a glitch in the long term but disappointing to say the least. For all you newbies out there watch the youtube video on how to carefully open the windows after storage...and take note.

xrvr · 06-15-2015, 05:48 AM

Unfortunately, learning from a mistake can be expensive. Good luck and don't force anything on your AS. Jim

AWCHIEF · 06-15-2015, 06:31 AM

Expensive lesson.

slowmover · 06-15-2015, 09:50 AM

Somewhere along the way we all have expenditures higher than "necessary". If only this, and if only that, in retrospect.

AWCHIEF · 06-15-2015, 10:14 AM

Glad you posted this, reminded me of a project I needed to do. Just went out and siliconed all my window, door and hatch seals.

m.hony · 06-15-2015, 10:43 AM

If the windows give any resistance at all, go outside the trailer and use an expired credit card or driver's license to slip in between the glass and rubber to work the window free. Then, use baby powder or some type of silicone lubricant on the rubber seals.

Protagonist · 06-15-2015, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.hony

Then, use baby powder or some type of silicone lubricant on the rubber seals.

Glycerin, that you can buy in the supermarket or drugstore, is very good for rubber that's drying out. Chemically it's very similar to the volatile compounds that evaporate out of rubber and cause it to harden, and it will soak into the rubber to help keep it flexible. Silicone lubricant or baby powder will keep the seals from sticking, but they won't soften hardened seals. I don't know if your seals are hardened or just stuck, but I thought I'd mention it in case.

robert claus · 06-15-2015, 11:01 AM

My windows are probably a bit different, as they are from Creative (no longer in biz). However, we had a crank out bottom segment on our front window shatter while in Custer State Park a couple of years ago. We'd driven down some washboard roads the day before, and it popped off one end of the crank assembly arm, and opening it twisted the glass, so it shattered into a thousand pieces. Finished the trip with a garbage bag taped into place for weeks. When we got home, I made a template and had a piece of tinted, tempered glass made up at a local glass shop for about $60. I cleaned out the channel the glass fit into and siliconed the new piece into place. That was it. Perhaps you can do the same instead of replacing the entire window.

slowmover · 06-15-2015, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Glycerin, that you can buy in the supermarket or drugstore, is very good for rubber that's drying out. Chemically it's very similar to the volatile compounds that evaporate out of rubber and cause it to harden, and it will soak into the rubber to help keep it flexible. Silicone lubricant or baby powder will keep the seals from sticking, but they won't soften hardened seals. I don't know if your seals are hardened or just stuck, but I thought I'd mention it in case.

I've always got some silicone grease around for w-stripping, but will now try glycerin. Thx

Artvez · 06-15-2015, 11:36 AM

The windows, especially the side one on our 2015 19'FC, still stick like they have been glued even after lubing the gasket. The dealership just pried them open from the outside, lubed them again, but it doesn't seem to help any. Once the seal is broken, the window opens and closes fine for a day or two until the next time the rubber melts back onto the glass once the sun comes out again. Oh well, I guess I can put that airstream membership card to good use popping open the window from outside...

mocus · 06-15-2015, 12:55 PM

I hate to say it....it happened to me. I cranked too hard on the window over the bed on the street side and she shattered in a million pieces. I ordered a replacement for less than $200 and put it in with no problem. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck....

tobutton · 06-15-2015, 12:55 PM

I am wondering if Dielectric Grease would be helpful. I use it on all my trailer electrical connections and it seems very stable and long lasting. Anybody ever try this?

I should have not forced it but I opened the front window and the rear without a problem. The vent/fans stuck a bit but did open. It was the last window I was trying to open and ... well, you know---just get a bigger hammer

JCWDCW · 06-15-2015, 01:01 PM

Be careful with silicone Spray. the solvent in a spray can be bad for rubber. You can buy a small canister if silicone grease from a Pool Supply store or your local auto parts supplier. It is used to lubricate O-rings.

Glycerin is water soluble so it won't last as long as silicone.
My 89 had the same problem after long storage...the credit card thing is one way to release them

Dielectric grease is probably silicone...

JCW

mocus · 06-15-2015, 01:01 PM

Replacement purchased through Andy.

Gsmblue · 06-15-2015, 01:49 PM

Best thing I have found, once the seals have been treated with something like 303 protectant, is once you release the latches, leave it for 5 mins or so, then the windows are easy to open. Works for me every time.

FollySteve · 06-15-2015, 02:17 PM

I use 303 on my 2015 and I think it will improve lifespan of gaskets but they do still stick. What I did find on another thread was this:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f454...et-132014.html

These things are the greatest thing since cheese grits. Super simple, Install in no time, and work perfectly to break the seal from the inside. Look like they were installed at the factory.

Protagonist · 06-15-2015, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCWDCW

Glycerin is water soluble so it won't last as long as silicone.

True. But it's cheap. $6 for a 6-ounce bottle at CVS, and that bottle will last you a couple of years, easy. Apply it regularly as a preventative before putting your unit into storage, and massage it into the rubber.

FollySteve · 06-15-2015, 04:02 PM

BTW, the window poppers do not interfere with the OceanAir roller blinds in our 2015 International. The blinds stop just above them when they are in the down position. I can't say if they would interfere with the standard mini-blinds used in the Flying Cloud.

4Kilefamily · 06-15-2015, 05:14 PM

Try adjusting your locks. They may be took tight. I had to loosen a couple of locks after getting my AS. They don't stick as often but are still water tight. All you need is a small adjustable wrench.

sherrylynne · 06-15-2015, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobutton

Well we prepping our "new to us" 19' FC for the maiden voyage putting in all our supplies, trying to figure out how everything works last week. My wife made a beautiful cover for our bed, loaded up the kitchen and I was trying to figure out the water tanks but it was getting done until it got hot and I decided to open the windows and turn on the fans. I watched the youtube video about being careful opening the windows if they had not been open for a while. Problem is I watched it in January and in haste I cranked to hard without carefully checking the seals on the side window. BAMMM!!! the window blew out. Got an estimate on a new window, $570 plus labor. Uggg. We have decided our "next" maiden voyage will be to the "mother ship" in Ohio. We will take the tour and beg for help in trying to figure everything out. Just a glitch in the long term but disappointing to say the least. For all you newbies out there watch the youtube video on how to carefully open the windows after storage...and take note.

Ok.... First of all... No need to go to Ohio... Just read on Airforums... Then see if somebody close to you can tell you little tricks and pitfalls. If you are in Florida, we will be happy to help. The first year or so is baffling... But soon you will get the hang of it.
People always tell me it was good because I bought a brand new Airstream and therefore everything was perfect. HELLO??!! There were plenty of problems. But, every trip there are issues... But we read Airforums and use the best solutions. I am in my 7th week on the road and almost 6000 miles....
This trip-- we replaced the six year old batteries... ( my son's jeans were "eaten alive" by the old battery acid--- I replaced two halogen bulbs with LED bulbs--- the upper cabinet halogens burned a hole in my pretty blue blanket... My friend keeps forgetting to put the lid down on the toilet ( not a good thing) the brake controller was not working in the Rocky Mountains-- etcetera, etcetera etcetera!
Just part of the fun of towing a trailer across the USA.
Don't worry... Just look at it like a boat... Expect issues... Be safe-- read Airforums... You'll get the hang of it. Super fun-- don't worry!