Traveling with windows open?

[Shultzy]

This seems like a silly question, but is it ok to drive with the awning type windows open on the coach?

[Ralph_Cramden]

Bruce Brown wrote:
I believe he was talking about the new frameless windows so many are using. They look GREAT, but the inability to really open them up would be a concern to me. We're the people who prefer open windows and a nice breeze over running the AC.

There is an easy mod to get the Kinro / Lippert bonded windows to open more, over twice the distance actually.

How to break your Kinro / LCI bonded window in 30 seconds or less

This guy in the link shows you basically how it's done but he misses something. You do not want to remove the entire spacer strip and throw it away, you want to trim it shorter and reinstall it to limit the amount they can open. It's trial and error based on the height of the glass pane.

Once you get the strip out slide the glass back to center then open it to the point just before the glass binds into the aluminum extrusion at the top hinge (The one mounted to the sidewall you removed the keeper screw from). Then measure the distance between the rollers, trim the spacer, and reinstall it. If the window is allowed to open too far as in this Youtube video, it will bind itself against the trailer side hinge channel, eventually causing the glass side extrusions to pull loose from the glass pane, as it's only glued to the glass, or the operator arms to bend / break.

The LCI windows on our 17 Rockwood only opened 3" or so, they now open 9" and it makes a huge difference.


I would not roll with them open as the spring steel used for the operator arms, and the rivets that hold them together, are the cheapest materials LCI could lay their hands on.

[Bruce_Brown]

I believe he was talking about the new frameless windows so many are using. They look GREAT, but the inability to really open them up would be a concern to me. We're the people who prefer open windows and a nice breeze over running the AC.

[Mile_High]

MrWizard wrote:
I believe those are called 'jallosed' Windows

But driving with windows open always seems to create too much noise and too much dirt inside

I thought so too, but they are closer to awning windows. Jallosed are multiple panes that overlap each other.

[MrWizard]

I believe those are called 'jallosed' Windows

But driving with windows open always seems to create too much noise and too much dirt inside

[Ralph_Cramden]

If the windows happen to be Kinro/Lippert "bonded" windows its a bad idea. The hinge and hardware are "bonded" to the glass, as in bonded with an adhesive. Leaving them open while rolling is asking for losing a piece of glass. The operating hardware is cheap and prone to failure just from normal use. Adding additional stress to it is probably not good.

[BobsYourUncle]

Single biggest issue is the influx of dust. Everything will be covered with a layer of dirt.
Been there, done that!

[2gypsies1]

Open windows would also bring in dust.

[the_bear_II]

Also you can run the generator and roof air while traveling if the dash air isn't keeping the coach cool enough.

[discovery4us]

The DW will sometimes open the passenger slide window and if the mutt begs enough the DW will open the slide window over the couch so the mutt can smell for other dogs. Never had an odor problem unless we are passing a dairy or cattle yard.

[Mile_High]

ah, never thought of that. I've never actually traveled with anything open.

[ArchHoagland]

For the same reason as Bruce we always keep all windows and vents closed. Learned that early on.

[jplante4]

On my older coach, even having a vent open will draw a vacuum on the bus and make the windows flex and click. This drives the DW nuts.

[Bruce_Brown]

A bigger issue will be stink. With the windows open you'll cause low pressure inside and your inside will become the best system vent you have. The smell of the tank vents isn't too appealing.

And yes, we learned that years ago when we were rookies, just as you might think we did. :B

[Second_Chance]

I would never drive with any windows open - too much risk to the windows and/or screens. I will, however, drive with roof vents open (we have good vent covers on them to protect the flimsy hatches that come with the OEM vents and fans).

Rob