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Old 01-21-2020, 06:50 AM   #1
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Thermopane windows? What’s the difference?

We’re in the final stages of ordering a 2020 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS. One option is the Thermopane windows. We’ve spent enough cold nights in our current trailer that we’re willing to spend the extra $450 bucks if it means being warmer on those cold nights. But I like the standard windows that flip out and up from the bottom so that they can be left open while it’s raining outside. What is the difference between the Thermopane windows and the standard windows that the trailer comes with? Does anyone have them on their trailer? What are the pros and cons?
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Old 01-21-2020, 06:44 PM   #2
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We have owned 4 large rv's and 2 had the double pane windows. The major advantage is cool/cold weather. These windows did not frost over nor have any condensation on them. Summer months, did not notice any major difference, although the air conditioner did run less often. I would always opt to get the double pane windows.
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Old 01-21-2020, 07:12 PM   #3
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Gotta get terminology right. A standard rv has single pane glass windows. Your house has thermos pane windows which is two panes of glass with a sealed air space. I have not owned an rv with "double pane" windows but it is my understanding that they are not thermo pane (no seal) just two pieces of glass. Glass is extremely inefficient no matter how good the window compared to an insulated wall.
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Old 01-21-2020, 07:18 PM   #4
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450$ would buy a lot of propane depending on how much cold weather camping you do and how long you plan on owning the rig. I would ask about the r value on the windows before investing. the difference is probably minimal at best unless they are truly thermos pane glass with low e glass coating and argon filling. ( I sold windows for 10 years)
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Old 01-21-2020, 07:24 PM   #5
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We’re in the final stages of ordering a 2020 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS. One option is the Thermopane windows. We’ve spent enough cold nights in our current trailer that we’re willing to spend the extra $450 bucks if it means being warmer on those cold nights. But I like the standard windows that flip out and up from the bottom so that they can be left open while it’s raining outside. What is the difference between the Thermopane windows and the standard windows that the trailer comes with? Does anyone have them on their trailer? What are the pros and cons?


I am planning on using Reflectix on my windows
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Old 01-21-2020, 10:51 PM   #6
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What are you coming from? My father in law has a 2608BS and came from a jayco jayflight 28' bunk house. The difference is night and day. Between the furnace and the electric fireplace the heat will run you out of it in 20 degree weather. The jayco also had a huge temp difference between the slide and the main frame of the camper.

I've heard mixed reviews on double pane windows. The biggest advantage is the windows don't get a bunch of condensation on them. I just crack the roof vents and turn on a fan on my minilite to take care of that.
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Old 01-21-2020, 11:15 PM   #7
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When we bought our Heartland Landmark Louisville double pane windows was a must. Quiet, less heat in the summer, no condensation in fall and spring. $450 is cheap. Go for it!
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Old 01-22-2020, 12:53 AM   #8
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Just got our first with dual pane last October...would not be without if nothing else for reduction in outside noise.
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Old 01-22-2020, 06:57 AM   #9
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We did not pay the $1500 FR wanted for two pane.

The difference in r value is virtually nothing. The big deal is cold weather condensation.

Frankly our Cedar Creek Hathaway is quiet inside. Also better insulated than most.
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Old 01-22-2020, 01:05 PM   #10
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The dual pane option in our Cedar Creek Silverback was $1740. We didn't custom order our rig so the pain of the extra $$$ didn't hurt so bad. We got the rig for about a third off retail out the door (1/2% sales tax here). Maybe deal with them and then tell them they have a deal if they throw in the windows. No matter how well your rig is insulated, single pane is single pane and the noise comes through them.
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Old 01-22-2020, 02:13 PM   #11
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Usually the dual pane options use plastic windows instead of glass...which can then be easily scratched...I have not confirmed if FR uses plastic or glass..

Here is a good video from Josh the RV guy on the topic...

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Old 01-22-2020, 03:32 PM   #12
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We’re in the final stages of ordering a 2020 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2608BS. One option is the Thermopane windows. We’ve spent enough cold nights in our current trailer that we’re willing to spend the extra $450 bucks if it means being warmer on those cold nights. But I like the standard windows that flip out and up from the bottom so that they can be left open while it’s raining outside. What is the difference between the Thermopane windows and the standard windows that the trailer comes with? Does anyone have them on their trailer? What are the pros and cons?
It is funny, the number of people that say they have no experience with something, then proclaim that whatever it is, is not worth it!!

I own a Rockwood Windjammer with dual pane windows. They are great, and I would not purchase a coach without them. Mine are the dark, frame-less variety, and look identical to the non- double pane versions. Yes, they open from the bottom, awning style, so they can remain open when it rains.

They are eliminate condensation on the inside when it is cold outside, and they are significantly quieter, especially useful when in close quarters in a noisy RV park. They cost a bit more, but are well worth the difference, in my opinion.
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Old 01-22-2020, 03:58 PM   #13
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I own a 2020 silverback and was told that dual pane windows were not needed. Now after spending 2.5 month in cold weather in the Prescott AZ mountains I beg to differ. Singlecpanecleak cold air real bad and stop zero noise. If I was to order today knowing what I know now I would have the daul pane they wanted 1400 or 1500 I would deal on the price and then buy them . I bet they will be worth having this summer also.
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Old 01-22-2020, 05:07 PM   #14
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We ordered our 2020 2608BS with “insulated” windows. We are currently in Florida and I have noticed that the “insulated” windows do not get as hot as the non-insulated ones (windows on the sides of the slide outs are not insulated).
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Old 01-22-2020, 10:11 PM   #15
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We also have the 2608BS and we ordered it with the dual pane windows. To answer a previous question in this thread, they are glass, not plastic. We are happy we got them as an upgrade.
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Old 01-22-2020, 11:20 PM   #16
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Dual / Thermo pane windows?

Our Columbus has Thermopane sealed radius windows.
The huge back window developed a leak and condensation formed between the panes of glass. (Yes, they are glass, and sealed, and tinted). Fortunately, we were still under warranty and the complete window assembly was replaced. This window is probably seven feet wide by four feet high(?). There are three smaller windows across the bottom, two of which tilt out. BUT they are all part of the single 7’x4’ assembly.
The windows on the SIDES of the slides, slide up and down to open. This prevents leaving the window tilted out and closing the slide, resulting in busted windows! All other windows in the coach tilt out at the bottom. On a hot or cold day you can definitely notice a difference from the standard single pane of glass installed in many RV’s.
$450 would be a very minor amount to pay for the added comfort.... IMHO
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Old 01-22-2020, 11:47 PM   #17
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Dual pane / thermo pane

And maybe Josh the RV guy is correct BUT the condensation between the panes of glass would indicate to me that they are ‘sealed’. I’m not a window specialist or anything, but Two panes of glass with a dead air gap space between them seems to me presents some insulation. In a trailer, I think every little bit helps! Sure, on a real hot or cold day we keep the day night blinds closed. This just adds a little more ‘insulation’.
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:18 AM   #18
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I have had 7 campers of various sizes and shapes. Three of those were single pane windows. The rest were double pane. I wouldn't buy any camper that didn't have double pane windows after seeing the difference.
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Old 01-23-2020, 03:02 PM   #19
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Dual pane

There is not enough R-value to make a difference. The advantage is it does make the trailer quieter. The R factor of the floors, walls, and roof will make a much larger difference than the windows. I had several dealers tell me they do not order them in w/ the dual pane due to more breakage when traveling. I suspect it is more due to the additional cost. In the trailer we were looking at, it was an additional $1500.
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Old 01-23-2020, 03:09 PM   #20
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R value may not be high but sit next to single pane window on a 20 degrees night and a daul pane yes not perfect but a big improvement and yes a improvement in the R valve of the rest of the walls,floors,ceiling would go very well together with a good window package.
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