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Old 04-24-2015, 09:04 PM   #1
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Sticky Windows

Does anybody else have a heck of a time opening their windows? It seems to me that almost every time I take out the AS, even if just a couple weeks later, I have to go outside to unstick the windows before I can open them. Sometimes just closing them overnight requires a trip outside to assist. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? Gasket treatment that isn't abrasive?
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Old 04-24-2015, 09:22 PM   #2
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Aerospace 303 Protectant is what Airstream Service Center recommended. Works very well to keep windows unstuck, and provides a measure of UV protection for the gaskets.
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Old 04-24-2015, 09:47 PM   #3
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303 in combination with a little patience goes a long way. Unlatch the window, come back in 5-10 minutes and it might open easily, surprising everyone. Failing that we open from the outside, using a plastic CoachNet card to separate the gasket from the window. Best use of a CoachNet card I've found yet, btw, but that's another story.
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Old 04-25-2015, 04:22 AM   #4
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Plain old silicone spray or liquid available at any hardware store works very well. Use a credit card or other thin plastic slipped in around the edges to open them if they get stuck (before you can apply the silicone!)
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Old 04-25-2015, 06:17 AM   #5
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Pain in the neck but still better than having the window seals not work! Lots of good advice here from others. Jim
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Old 04-25-2015, 06:59 AM   #6
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Aerospace 303.. On gasket. Clean widow really well then 303 on it...let dry, reapply.

If closed long unlatch as you pack...then ope before trip.
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Old 04-25-2015, 08:44 AM   #7
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We bought Window poppers this spring and installed them in the trailer.
Window Poppers

Kay
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Old 04-25-2015, 11:21 AM   #8
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We use aerosol PTFE dry-lubricant/mold-release spray on all window seals whenever the windows start to stick. Various brands are available at Walmart, hobby/craft shops and auto parts stores.
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Old 04-25-2015, 12:07 PM   #9
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Dielectric grease is what high end auto manufacturers use on weather seals; it works great on the Airstream.

Larry
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Old 04-25-2015, 06:16 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Minno View Post
We bought Window poppers this spring and installed them in the trailer.
Window Poppers

Kay

Ahhhhh haaaaaa! These are awesome! That's all it would take really....

Aero 303 is a great idea too. Same for dielectric grease. Thanks for the feedback everyone.
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Old 04-25-2015, 08:04 PM   #11
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They are hard to close because the seals are new and take quite a while before there's less tension on the windows. I have a new front door at home that is hard to close because the seals haven't broken in yet and it can take years to do so. Silicone on the seal works for us and as the trailer ages they stick less and less. It takes years, but ever so slowly gets better. I have used a butter knife, screwdriver, putty knife and maybe even my Swiss Army knife. I know everyone says not to use something that can cut the seal, but I just do it very carefully. I don't advise the Swiss Army knife though.

But, we hardly ever open the windows. Between the fans and exterior door, we can get all the air we need. We stay away from really hot places unless we have 120 v. for A/C and most places we stay get quite cool at night. Who needs windows? For boondocking, sometimes we need more ventilation, but the fans do a lot.

In some years, the only time I open them is when I clean them and spray silicone on the seals.

And, don't forget, they are dangerous. Moat of them stick out and you will hit your head on them. At least once, more often is likely until you finally learn your lesson and turn on the fan.

Gene
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Old 04-26-2015, 08:48 AM   #12
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I have been using Gummi Pflege Stif 3.4 fl oz, a.k.a rubber care stick. It conditions the rubber gaskets and keeps them supple and sticky free. I apply it 3 times a year (spring cleaning, summer, fall cleaning) and never had a problem wight windows sticking.

If your windows are stuck I would recommend using a plastic pry tool.
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Old 04-26-2015, 09:20 AM   #13
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Yes, and window poppers do work. Even with silicone, they sometimes stuck after travel and rain. They aren't even expensive! I hate having to run outside to pry open a window, and now I don't have to.

Kay
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Old 04-26-2015, 10:00 AM   #14
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Minno, your solution addresses the real problem... no leverage that far down the window. Those should be standard features. The gasket grease, sealer, treatment is important and I'll start doing it but I suspect the problem will only be resolved once those poppers are in.
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Old 04-26-2015, 01:10 PM   #15
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Wish we could take credit for inventing them. We saw them on another thread....

Kay
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Old 05-17-2015, 06:42 PM   #16
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I use a plastic business card. Like a champ.
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Old 04-24-2016, 07:19 PM   #17
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sticky windows

A credit card is what our AS tech used. Just slide around the gasket.
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Old 04-25-2016, 10:21 AM   #18
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Every year when I open the windows in the spring to clean the inside I tell myself not to walk into them. Every year I walk into them. Best to leave them closed before I crack my head open.

After 9 years, the windows open right away. I still spray the seals with silicone every year, but I'd do better to spray my head and stay away from the windows.

Gene
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Old 04-26-2016, 08:51 AM   #19
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Gene, I don't seem to have that problem... of course, I'm 4'10". My hubby, on the other hand, is 5'10" and DOES have that problem. So when I open windows, I tend to open them to the lowest setting, or the highest, which solves the problem for him. Most of the problem anyway. Maybe you should attach streamers to the open windows... I've thought about it!

Kay
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Old 04-26-2016, 10:05 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaseav View Post
Does anybody else have a heck of a time opening their windows? It seems to me that almost every time I take out the AS, even if just a couple weeks later, I have to go outside to unstick the windows before I can open them. Sometimes just closing them overnight requires a trip outside to assist. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? Gasket treatment that isn't abrasive?
Once a year, spray all the exterior gaskets, door, access doors, windows, with "silicone spray".

Be very generous with the application.

Andy
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