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BLUEBELL · 10-15-2008, 02:45 PM

Just got home from short trip and we have 2007 Safari and the plexiglass that actually covers the glass looks warped. It is the middle section not the curved sides. One half of it looks flat and the other looks pushed in or not flat. You can put your hand on the under side of it and push it out flat. That is the best way I can describe it. Any way we did not hit anything. It is on the back side over the hitch. Anyone have any ideas as to what might have caused this. Did see one in the campground where we stayed that looked the same, should have asked the guy what happened to his.

sd90mac · 10-15-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi Bluebell,

Could you please post a picture so we can see it.

Thanks Marie

CanoeStream · 10-15-2008, 03:06 PM

They never are perfectly flat. It's fairly normal for the reflections in that panel to show a small bit of wave. Is it warped more than a quarter inch? Ditto on pictures.

Can we assume the frame is still flat?

BLUEBELL · 10-15-2008, 03:14 PM

It was flat before we left home. I don't have any pictures right now and I am not sure you could appreciate it in a picture. It is not the easiest to see, it is not a big indention and you can really see it better from the side when you look across it, but you can feel it. We are taking it in to BT camper sales in St. Louis to see what they think, but don't know how it got that way. Maybe wind resistance or something.

dogpound · 10-15-2008, 03:57 PM

Our middle section is the same way. It is not enought to write home about but you can definitely see the warp. I figure it is primarily from wind reistance. I did notice that the rubber spline used to hold it in is dropping out of the groove and I need to check that out.

Bob
FCU
#10105
Air # 28748

CanoeStream · 10-15-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpound

I did notice that the rubber spline used to hold it in is dropping out of the groove and I need to check that out.

I've replaced a broken lexan panel in the rockguard on my Argosy. Just push it back in with the dull blade of a screwdriver. If you remove the spline be sure to push in the direction of the already seated part as you insert it. Otherwise it will stretch and you'll have too much when done and the tension will pull it out again.

Justinfinity · 10-07-2021, 02:55 PM

See photo. Airstream is claiming this is normal. Anyone agree/disagree?

ROBERT CROSS · 10-07-2021, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

They never are perfectly flat. It's fairly normal for the reflections in that panel to show a small bit of wave. Is it warped more than a quarter inch? Ditto on pictures.

Can we assume the frame is still flat?

Yes....park in direct sun and the 'never perfectly flat' could very likely move.

Bob
🇺🇸

ROBERT CROSS · 10-07-2021, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justinfinity

See photo. Airstream is claiming this is normal. Anyone agree/disagree?

The reflection deflection makes it hard to determine...it sure looks warrantee eligible.

If you lay a straight edge across it, can you fit a dime on edge under it?

Ours gets whoopee in the direct sun but never has looked quite like that.🤔

It may be time to start insisting on replacement...it looks very un-Airstream'y.

Bob
🇺🇸

DCPAS · 10-07-2021, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justinfinity

See photo. Airstream is claiming this is normal. Anyone agree/disagree?

We had the same experience in Airstream denying a warranty claim on a warped center pane.

KCurtis · 10-07-2021, 04:04 PM

If you store it outdoors in the sun this is pretty normal. Heat will warp it quickly.

Justinfinity · 10-08-2021, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCurtis

If you store it outdoors in the sun this is pretty normal. Heat will warp it quickly.

Nowhere in my owner's manual does it say to not let my Airstream go outside.

Seriously, I have a boat with approximately two dozen composite windows and hatches of all shapes and sizes and I have never had one warp. And it has been outside exposed to the sun for almost ten years.

All it means is that RV quality and durability standards are low.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-08-2021, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justinfinity

Nowhere in my owner's manual does it say to not let my Airstream go outside.

Seriously, I have a boat with approximately two dozen composite windows and hatches of all shapes and sizes and I have never had one warp. And it has been outside exposed to the sun for almost ten years.

All it means is that RV quality and durability standards are low.

POI...They are not windows and they are not 'composite', they are made to defect stones and such from damaging the windows, and made flexible.
The ones in the above photo were not installed properly and should be replaced.

Bob
🇺🇸

**richard5933** · 10-08-2021, 09:22 AM

Curious if the rubber spline holding the plexiglass in place has slipped out of the channel, allowing the plexiglass to move and distort like that. When I got our trailer the rock guards looked horrible, but most of the problem was caused by there only being a small bit of the plexiglass held in by the spline, and any amount of movement/shrinkage of the spline allowed the plexiglass to move.

Ray Eklund · 10-08-2021, 10:19 AM

Even new on the Airstream Dealer's Lot... wavy.

Wavy 2006. Wavy 2014. Wavy 2019. They are thin and under no tension, like the curved side plastics. I have never seen a wavy side plastic.

The curved panels and frames DO NOT FIT the curve of the Airstream. Maybe designed for something else... like a Tractor at a Farm. The soft rubber bordering the frame is suppose to keep water from flowing between the guard and outside the window. I can get my fingers in between the skin and seal.

I know it is raining when the water is running down both curved windows.

The corners of the front window... check the caulking. We applied silicone to stop the street side window from leaking inside on a heavy rain. When you see 'drip trails' on the inside the trailer... start looking. There is a small 'gutter' to move water to the left and right. If you are leaning one way or the other... it improves the leaking opportunity. (Look around the buck rivets. Several aluminum panels overlap.)

There is a one inch or so metal band running from the top to bottom. So when you exceed 20 mph... the plastic is 'protected' from splitting in the center, top to bottom. Look... it no doubt added a cost to your Airstream.

When you cannot tolerate the panel any longer... replace with something thicker... I have not been at that point. Yet. I will look at mine to see what options I will have in the near or distant future. Maybe 125 years, more or less.

The cord that holds the plastic into the frame... shrinks. The top left and right corners will pull out first. The diameter or the cord shrinks. Lowes sells the cord... but not that larger diameter. I will ask my Airstream Dealer if they have some I can purchase or exchange an Original Item for a replacement option.

The cord may be 'special for Airstreams'. Very special. Like the plastic.

This cord needs to be pushed back in... after you pull it out and stuff the top left and right corners, first. What is missing, goes to the center. Leaving an empty space at the top center. Stuff something in there... like better cord, or temporary rolled up Gorilla Tape and cover with a Bumper Sticker. ?

Is this cheap protection? Maybe... When you get a stone that cracks the plastic, take clear packing tape and put it behind the star crack. When you get too many... a bumper sticker. If you get too many bumper stickers... get a thicker piece of plastic.

New tint doesn't match? Then go back to the cord, taping on the inside of rock stars and live with it. Maybe a wildlife scene added... use your imagination. I am just getting warmed up...

SuperTrouper · 10-09-2021, 06:53 AM

I say from the pic it looks pretty normal given heat expansion and contraction. Even the curb side of my 27FB "oil cans" and has a big "bowl" in it when gets hot in direct sunlight. Freaked me out the first time I saw it. - Brad