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04-20-2021, 02:52 PM
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#21
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3 Rivet Member
2018 30' Flying Cloud
Cameron Park
, California
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 124
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Sticking Windows #1
Thank you on the Window Popper heads-up—4-pack order just completed. I talked to Roger on the phone. He’s got a second product available, Switch Aware, a rocker switch replacement that lights up when on. Mighty useful for Step light and Side light switches, which have a way of being overlooked when getting underway.
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04-20-2021, 02:53 PM
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#22
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3 Rivet Member
2018 30' Flying Cloud
Cameron Park
, California
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 124
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Stickig Windows #2
Following Rich Luhr’s advice in his The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming re cleaning and lubricating window seals, we’ve been using silicone lubricant sprayed onto a folded paper towel and wiped on, necessary, in our experience, most every campsite.
Window Popper may clear this up.
Roberta, strong and capable, finds it almost impossible to open the two windows beside our dinette without me on the outside helping . . . the latch design is just too cockamamie. Airstream, come on! Something with a ratchet mechanism so the leverage is on our side, not the window’s.
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04-20-2021, 02:57 PM
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#23
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3 Rivet Member
2018 30' Flying Cloud
Cameron Park
, California
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 124
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Sticking Windows #3
WEATHER hot or cold, when one wants windows closed, one wants windows CLOSED. On our 2018 Flying Cloud 30RB, JB found three of five operable windows would not lay flat against their respective seals. Solution? A pair of ½-inch open-end wrenches.
Identify the loose latch and from outside work latch “capture” nuts inward. One is seeking closure all four window edges. Properly sealed windows keep highway gunk outside where it belongs.
(see attached images)
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04-20-2021, 03:00 PM
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#24
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Freedom
2023 30' Classic
Dallas
, TX
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 586
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I have been using Thetford Corporation 40015 Rubber Seal Treatment - 17 oz. I bought off Amazon. It spays foam, so no overspray issues. I just spay in on an old cotton T-shirt rag and rub it on 3 to 4 times a year. No suck windows even from in the Texas heat in the summer months. The seals look like new.
__________________
-------------------------------------------
2023 30 Foot Classic
2022 Ram 3500 Dually
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04-20-2021, 08:36 PM
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#25
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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Silicone rejuvenates rubber. The military has used it for years on escape hatch seals to protect them.
guskmg
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04-25-2021, 09:54 AM
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#26
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2 Rivet Member
2018 27' Tommy Bahama
Napa
, California
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 38
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Lubricant+special tool
Our fave AS Fixit guy in West uses a “bone” tool to loosen window glass from gasket then lubricates gasket with CRC Silicone spray* I found a great tool at harbor freight that does the job well and not have to go the credit card routine:
.
https://www.harborfreight.com/nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-4-pc-63594.html
* This same spray he uses to lubricate awning arms frequently.
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04-25-2021, 11:06 AM
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#27
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Arroyo Grande
, California
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 25
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The major problem with grease, oil, bees wax, and similar is that the lubricated sticky surface continues to pick up road dust until the entire rubber-seal surface is covered with dirt. While the accumulated dirt prevents the window from sticking, it also prevents the window from having a proper rubber-to-metal seal. Further, not all of the lubricants may be good for the rubber. The WindowPoppers folks mentioned work great to allow the seal to be easily released so that the windows can be raised with the two levers.
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04-25-2021, 12:18 PM
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#28
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John & Roberta
Identify the loose latch and from outside work latch “capture” nuts inward. One is seeking closure all four window edges. Properly sealed windows keep highway gunk outside where it belongs.
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Yes! I noticed that most of my windows were out of "perfect" and that adjustment is easy and effective. I had the opposite problem, mine were so tight I was afraid the glass would shatter when I clamped the latches!
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04-25-2021, 12:24 PM
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#29
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4 Rivet Member
2006 16' International CCD
Salt Lake City
, Utah
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 301
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Airstream recommends 303. That's what I use and don't have any issues.
__________________
Stan
Salt Lake City
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04-25-2021, 12:27 PM
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#30
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John & Roberta
Identify the loose latch and from outside work latch “capture” nuts inward. One is seeking closure all four window edges. Properly sealed windows keep highway gunk outside where it belongs.
(see attached images)
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Yes! I had the opposite problem, a couple of mine were so tight I was concerned the glass would shatter when I closed the latch completely.
I also tried this product for the sticky seals.
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04-25-2021, 01:24 PM
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#32
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Rivet Master
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 682
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“”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.””
Boo, so wrong. Silicone, pure silicone, is outstanding for rubber. I would bet that talc, if anything, would dry the rubber out.
Just use 303.
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04-25-2021, 01:38 PM
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#33
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Rivet Master
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 682
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Bill came up with this. Works great. Use the 303, but these little pushers make sure they always open even if a little sticky.
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04-25-2021, 01:47 PM
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#34
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New Member
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 1
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303 Protectant
I concur, use 303 Protectant on every couple of months to protect the rubber and remove oils which destroy them. I think Air Forum had a great article last summer about this and cleaning your RV. Great article. Also use an expired membership card or credit card to run around the windows to loosen the window from the rubber when you want to open after setting up a while. It will make opening the windows easy and minimize any damage to the window openers, etc. Congrats on your opportunity
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04-25-2021, 01:59 PM
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#35
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Rivet Master
2021 30' Flying Cloud
2020 25' International
minneapolis
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,468
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There has been a lot of conversations started on this subject. I also use the 303...it isn’t magic sauce. I still continue with my routine of unlocking all of the windows then opening from the outside using a c.c., aaa card, plastic scraper etc as needed. You should only need to open from the outside once during a stay.
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04-25-2021, 02:11 PM
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#36
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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Quote:
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?
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Congratulations! And, welcome to the forum.
There is a section in your owners manual regarding window maintenance, on page 8-15. That's a good place to get the answer you need. Note the warning about prying on the windows!!!
My experience over the past 25+ years of being an Airstream owner is;
I've been using plumbers silicone grease every year or three on the window gaskets. That works great to keep the windows unstuck. This is what my owners manual recommends.
I've noticed recently that the newer manuals say to use 303 Protectant.
If the gaskets are not protected in some way they will be in need of replacement more often from UV damage. So the pop out kit, or whatever mechanical device might be used, is not the total answer. The seals still should be maintained with a lubricating protectant.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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04-25-2021, 02:53 PM
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#37
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1 Rivet Member
2015 27' FB International
Currently Looking...
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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
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I second the Silicone Grease method. We have a 2015 trailer, and of course the windows were stuck. Just Google "Plumber's Silicone Grease". I put a light film of it on the rubber. I used the Oatey brand from Lowe's, and have not had the problem since for the last 6 years. Plumber's silicone grease is meant to NOT degrade rubber since it is meant to be used with rubber "O" rings.
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04-26-2021, 09:29 AM
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#38
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4 Rivet Member
2016 30' Classic
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 344
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I use 303 Protectant periodically throughout the year, particularly prior to a trip. Recent installed window poppers on the most problematic windows. Always keep a plastic bone tool in a convenient place. Good luck.
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04-26-2021, 05:14 PM
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#39
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JorgenLloyd Boys & Girls
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Sacramento
, California
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
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We carry a bicycle tire iron. Look up bicycle tire iron or tire lever on Amazon or check a bicycle shop. One of us is inside unlocking the windows, the other is outside using the tire iron to pry open the window from the gasket. We use an inexpensive plastic one.
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04-28-2021, 08:04 AM
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#40
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1 Rivet Member
2012 25' International
Oshkosh
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
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Window Poppers
Window Poppers work the best and once installed work all the time. Someone sent you the info earlier.
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