Windows Sticking to Gaskets

[Brian R.]

Hi,


Picked up a new Caravel over the weekend.

The windows keep sticking when closed--they stick to the window gaskets and need to be pried open from the outside. Any suggestions of something to apply to the gaskets so that they're not so sticky?

[OTRA15]

303 Protectant wipes:

https://www.amazon.com/303-Protectan...8869263&sr=8-3

https://www.google.com/search?q=303+...=airforums.com

Works great, easy to store container, lightweight, Airstream recommended per threads/posts above, no overspray using wipes . . .



Happy Trails and congratulations on the new trailer!

[Steamguy]

+1 on the 303. Also get an old credit card or even better, an old AAA membership card to slip between the glass and the rubber. Zip it around the window, unsticks it in a jiffy...

[jcanavera]

I sprayed some silicone on the end of a paper towel and then wiped each gasket. After doing it a few times over the first year of ownership I saw the lessening of the gaskets sticking to the windows. Apparently the more the windows are kept open at first, a light layer of fine dust in the air will accumulate on gaskets which will make them less prone to sticking to the glass.

Jack

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Apparently the more the windows are kept open at first, a light layer of fine dust in the air will accumulate on gaskets which will make them less prone to sticking to the glass.

An old solution to sticky rubber gaskets is rubbing it with talcum powder. Presumably dust has the same effect.

Tim

[dmassey321]

We installed Window Poppers in our Classic and love them. Excellent product.

https://seeyoudowntheroad.com/pages/window-poppers

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by Tim A.

An old solution to sticky rubber gaskets is rubbing it with talcum powder. Presumably dust has the same effect.

Tim

When I was picking up my AS at the dealership and spent a good long time going through it w/ the tech, he said to use talcum, that silicone isn't good for the rubber, but talc won't hurt it.

I've tried talc'ing it so far, but I'm still getting some sticking, need to try to retalc it and see if I just don't have enough, or what...

_ _ _ _

For when it does stick, what I've found that works amazingly well, is a suction cup:
https://www.amazon.com/HASKO-accesso.../dp/B01JMXKX5M

I'd gotten these (in addition to some other HASKO things, like a paper towel holder and a toothbrush cup): my idea for these was to be able to stick them on the outside to let towels hang-dry, when I don't want them in the AS. (I would not leave them on all the time, just stick them up when needed, then put them back in a drawer.)

So on our maiden voyage, the front, rear, and one of the side dinette windows opened, but the other dinette window didn't. I was trying to decide if I should try my drivers license versus a credit card, when I remembered I had the hooks in a drawer: Wow! No effort or fussing, it just opened it right up.

Wouldn't need to be those specific ones: I'd expect even a suncatcher or anything that has a suction cup to go onto a window would easily lift open a window that has just started to stick. (Now, if they've been stuck all winter, that could be another story, you might need something with more oomph...)

[moosetags]

This is a simply, no mess, no cost, no maintenance solution to open a stuck window on your Airstream. This works from the inside without having to get dressed to go outside and pry the bottom of the window. This also works every time and never fails.

Drill a small hole (a little over 1/4") in the bottom of the aluminum screen frame on each window. Take a 12" piece of wooden dowel and put it through the hole in the screen frame. Unlock the window catches and push the dowel against the bottom of the window glass. This will easily loosen the glass from the rubber molding. You can then open the window with the side handles to the desired position.

Brian

[rmkrum]

Or get a set of ‘window poppers’. Little spring-loaded pushers that install neatly, permanently and push the windows open from inside. Google for them.

The ‘seeyoudowntheroad’ folks website sells them. Slick and permanent, and the big advantage is it does not leave a hole for the bugs...

[drbrick]

This is "Normal" apply some silicone grease to the gaskets every once and a while. Make sure it is compatible with rubber - we use "Trident" on Amazon

[oldenavy]

We installed the window poppers last year:
https://seeyoudowntheroad.com/pages/window-poppers
They work great!

We also lubricate the window seals a couple of times a year.

[cosmotini]

I was told by a service tech that olive oil works well. He didn't elaborate on whether it should be virgin or cold pressed. He did say he was told this by a service person at the mother ship.

[ImaTarHeel]

I found putting a small length of dental floss between the window snd gasket when it is closed works great after storing the AS for a while. When ready to open them, slide the dental floss around the perimeter of the window. Doesn’t damage the window or gasket.

[WhereStream]

I've put 303 Protectant on the window gaskets (perhaps not often enough), but they still stick.

I've used a credit card to ease them open but now go at with the classic "bone tool." You can get one at an auto-parts store, cheap.

[Banks87]

We use this bike tire tool that we already have on hand for the bikes to unstick the windows. Works great!

Maifede Bike Tire Lever 4 Pack, Strong & Long Lasting Tire Changing Tool for Road or Mountain Bike Tires https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08MPC1Z...EYEYCS3XADC004

[new2trailer]

I use the credit card method. It is quick and easy. Use an old one so you don't have to have a new one sent to you.

Mike

[soling917]

Well I have stopped using all that stuff and adjusted the tension on the window latch so the seal just seals but does not smash the rubber seal. I open the windows from the inside and have no rubber transfer. It does take a little time to get them right but I can leave the windows latched for months and open them from the inside every time!

[farvernugen]

Interesting posts! I have always washed the windows and seals in the spring, and applied spray silicone to the seals...... We never have a major window stick issue if this is done. The silicone we use is for car seals.....so don't see why it would be different on an RV. Anyway, my 2c, take it for what it's worth.
Cheers, Scott

[suncoasteng]

Buy a can of Bees Wax polish,,,,keeps bugs out too!

[pbfec1]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Hi,


Picked up a new Caravel over the weekend.

The windows keep sticking when closed--they stick to the window gaskets and need to be pried open from the outside. Any suggestions of something to apply to the gaskets so that they're not so sticky?

Credit card or Hotel room key does the trick. Really easy!
Safe travels!