Converting Single windows to Double Pane?

[BobsYourUncle]

I am seriously looking at buying a 2010 Tango 311BHSS TT.

I weathered a nasty last winter in Calgary Alberta with temperatures down to about minus 34C or about -30F in a 97 Triple E Topaz 3 season unit. It was a little on the tough side.

Looks like another Alberta winter in a TT for me this year.

This Tango I am looking at has enclosed heated underbelly and tanks, but has single glazed windows.
It is a bit of a step up for me in size - this TT is nearly 35 feet long overall. But I really like it.

Question is, does anyone know if the typical windows in the late model TT's utilize the same frame whether the glass is single or dual pane?

This unit has everything I want in a newer TT except double glazed windows.

I ask about the same frame from single or dual because my thought is if the frames permit, I will pull the single glass out and replace it with dual pane glass.
Replacing the glass itself in all the windows is no big deal, but replacing the whole window is too much of an expense. I can have the glass made and install it myself for less than a grand.

And another thing, does anyone know what brand windows the Tango uses? If I knew, I could contact the manufacturer and ask them about the frames.

Thanks guys! Uncle Bob just might get the Tango he has been wanting for a few years.

[camperpaul]

I have factory installed double pane windows (part of the Arctic package) and they are good to around 0°F.

Below that temperature, I use two layers of ¼" bubble wrap with the bubbles against bubbles. This allows light in while providing privacy and insulation.

[westend]

I've had good luck with inserting 1 1/2" extruded foam board inside the window cavities. The frame will still ice but the foam board cuts down a lot of the heat transfer. I now have residential, Low-E sliders on two windows and a static Low-E window in one location. I'm real happy about how they perform. Still, at -0, I would insert the foam board at night, it just helps so much.

[TXiceman]

I can guarantee that the Tango will not do much if any better in a Canadian winter. I would not spend the winter in an RV in Canada.

ken

[Bumpyroad]

what ever you do, add some thick drapes to give further insulation.
bumpy

[pianotuna]

Hi Chast,

Unfortunately Bob is going to experience DOUBLE digit cold, for days and even weeks at a time. He needs to do everything he can to cut down on heating losses.

[timmac]

I don't think you can use the same frame to go from single pane to daul pane, it would be cheaper to just use plexiglass or some foil insulation during the cold months, heck even dual pane needs extra insulation during bad cold months.

[chast]

Hi--as a twenty year (and counting) full-timer who has spent many winters in our RVs in single digit temperatures over the years, I second the motion for either Plexiglas or window film instead of going to the trouble of trying to replace single-pane with double-pane windows. Having had both, I can tell you that the double-pain (pane) windows don't make that much difference. You still get much cold from the metal frames plus you have to deal with seal failures and window fogging with the double glazing. Save yourself the money and the aggrevation and insulate what you have. Stay warm!

[dougrainer]

Yes, the double pane window frames are wider(thicker). When we have had new RV's that the OEM forgot to install the double pane, they have to send a complete set of new windows AND the inside retainer rings to R&R the windows. Doug

[mlts22]

If you are staying in the same place, I've seen some RV-ers use double-sided tape and a 3M window insulator kit, using a hair dryer to shrink it into place, for another layer of dead air space between the window and the RV. It might not hurt to find some way to put a small container of desiccant in there as well, so a small leak doesn't make the clear plastic film a spot for condensation to take place.

[bobsallyh]

There is an outfit near Vancouver, WA. that makes dual pane windows and replacement windows for RVs. But get out your BIG checkbook.

[n7bsn]

It's probably either remove and replace with dual-pane, or a DIY project as described

[pianotuna]

Hi Bob,

I would do a sandwich of thin plexiglass. One on the outside of the existing glass and one on the inside. That will give you a triple glazed window.

On the outside I'd cover the entire frame. Add a four inside strip of Styrofoam to the bottom of each window on the outside. It will not look nice, but it will keep the bottom of the glass warm on the inside, so that when condensation forms it will roll down the glass, hit the warm surface, and return to the air inside the RV.

I'd be tempted to cover the entire frame on the inside.

On the inside I'd make up reflectrix or similar covers which would cover the entire window for use after the sun is down. Use industrial velcro so you can put the covers on at night. I leave my expensive Insulbright covers on during the day time on the non sunny side of the RV.

I'm sure you know the grade of clear silicone to use.

I'm also certain you are aware it is the air gap that makes double glazing effective. It needs to be a skinny gap--because you don't want convection currents inside the cavity you are creating.

BTW I'd still add the dual window fans to the cold air return. That way, on days when the 1500 watt heater is enough the heated basement will get some air going through it. Nothing is more frustrating than a fresh water line freeze up.

Be sure to do something with the fridge--either the kit from Norcold, or some sort of thermostatically controlled heat strip in that area. I went through 4 bulbs last winter during wind driven blizzards that destroyed them.

I'm adding the ARP device to my fridge this year.

[Explorer1016]

I have to assume you are talking about the frame around the actual glass and not the frame the glass units insert into. A double pane glazing unit will be thicker/wider and will not fit inside of the same frame the single pane unit is wrapped with. There is also the possibility that new double pane glazed glass assemblies will not fit into the same frame that inserts into the exterior walls of the camper.

You could accomplish a similar affect by placing plexiglass on the inside of the existing windows. I would want to cut the plexiglass to match the height and length of the existing window frames

[Handbasket]

I dunno beans about travel trailers, having only owned B's an a C. My totally-uneducated guess would be to expect the frames to be different, but fit the same holes.

But if Tango is still in business, I'd try calling them and ask whose windows they use. If they're not in business anymore, take some close-up pics of the frames showing distinctive detail. Then go with the pics and see if any of the local RV repair people can identify them.

The only window brand I know of is Hehr. You might visit their website and nose around a bit to see if there's anything to be learned.

Good luck!

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"