Columbus Tip: Windows-Open Sez-a-Me

amxpress · 04-21-2012, 03:45 PM

Here I am in our new Columbus 320RS, sitting along a beautiful stream in the mountains of North Carolina. Tempuratures in the 60's so let's open the windows. Hmmm. these things have never been opened before and guess what? They're stuck. These are the new "automotive" flip out windows. So for those of you with a Columbus that will experience this condition, and you will, here's a tip.
It takes two people to open them. One person to rotate the knob inside. Make sure you rotate it in the correct direction. And another person outside applying pressure to pull the window away from the seal. Man, is it tight! It will come lose with steady pressure. Once you do get them open, try applying a lubricant to the rubber seal. I found the spray used for slide seals worked well. I wouldn't use a petroleum based lubricant as to not damage the rubber seal. Not sure about silicone spray, but it probably would work.
So, the windows are all open and we are enjoying the cool breeze and listening to the babbling brook. Ever hear a brook brabble? Try it sometime.

hotrodj125 · 04-21-2012, 05:11 PM

and on the double window next to the dinette-- take out the plastic tab between the 2 windows and they will will seperatly and easy.

tinkerreknit · 04-21-2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amxpress

Here I am in our new Columbus 320RS, sitting along a beautiful stream in the mountains of North Carolina. Tempuratures in the 60's so let's open the windows. Hmmm. these things have never been opened before and guess what? They're stuck. These are the new "automotive" flip out windows. So for those of you with a Columbus that will experience this condition, and you will, here's a tip.
It takes two people to open them. One person to rotate the knob inside. Make sure you rotate it in the correct direction. And another person outside applying pressure to pull the window away from the seal. Man, is it tight! It will come lose with steady pressure. Once you do get them open, try applying a lubricant to the rubber seal. I found the spray used for slide seals worked well. I wouldn't use a petroleum based lubricant as to not damage the rubber seal. Not sure about silicone spray, but it probably would work.
So, the windows are all open and we are enjoying the cool breeze and listening to the babbling brook. Ever hear a brook brabble? Try it sometime.

Talcum powder will work too, and won't harm anything.

redfinaddict · 04-21-2012, 09:11 PM

Amexpress,
I'm confused, that brook was babbling or brabbling?

Man, I can't wait to hear that sound in a new and strange place I've never been to before.

I had the same issue with all my windows, but only the first time opening them. I do have one of the windows that slides up and down in the dining/theater seating slide that won't release on one side. I'll have to try hotrod's tip on the plastic piece. What is that plastic piece for anyway?
Happy camping!

Earth Station · 04-22-2012, 07:36 AM

We haven't had any trouble with the windows at all. The bedroom windows are a bit difficult to get to but once I do it isn't a problem. Now I am curious and going to go and have to look for plastic pieces between the windows!......... LOVE LOVE a babbling brook...... or a river over rocks

It is almost time to get the kayaks out!!! Now to figure out how to transport them!!!

hotrodj125 · 04-22-2012, 09:44 AM

beat me what its for, but can sure get the windows open e-z'r without it in between them

redfinaddict · 04-22-2012, 09:53 AM

Earthstation,
I have been thinking about going back to the float tube and swim fins. Love my yak but the only way I can figure to transport is with one of the racks that hang it over the cab and hood of the truck. I used a float tube for years before sit on top kayaks got so popular. You can't cover as much ground or be as stealthy but as long as you have a small air compressor should be a real space saver.

hotrod,
I thought about trying to pull those plastic pieces out but was afraid to, now I will have to try it.

hotrodj125 · 04-22-2012, 10:29 AM

I just went outand checked the rest of my windows and the one by the dinette is the only onethat had the clip,I'm thinking it was just for keeping clearence when installing and they forgot to take the one out (theory), ya think????????

Earth Station · 04-22-2012, 12:47 PM

ok I went out and looked at the windows....... though we have had them all open. I did notice a bit of bubbling on one. Will have Jeff take pictures of that. Am sure it is fixable

I did take a pic of the table and of the basement........ now to post them............ok try this link........ the 3 are at the end of the album...... not sure how to add pics here. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...3&l=d9b5126c44

rjshiflet · 04-26-2012, 02:14 PM

We had the same issues on the "stuck" windows. I was afraid to get too physical 'til I read this thread and yesterday...got all of them working fine and removed the TWO plastic pieces. One on each set of double-windows for the front slide-out.

Haven't seen any bubbling on the windows...guess I need to look at that.

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