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Topic: Window Seals & Window Guide Track (Read 440 times) previous topic - next topic
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Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Three (3) of the exterior window weather seals had shrunk about 1" or so leaving gaps.  Some months ago, I called the Factory and they said those seals will shrink over time and are used to keep dirt out of the window track.  I was skeptical and thought perhaps the Factory had not properly installed those seals years ago.  Then I talked to a LD friend who replaced those same window seals because his had shrunk too.  And as a matter of fact, the replacements are beginning to shrunk again.  So we ordered 18" of the windows seals from the Factory and received our order 10 days after mailing the order and check.

In addition, about 10" of the plastic and felt window guide was missing from the BR window and probably since we bought it 3 years ago.  So we ordered a piece of that too.

This morning Margee and I headed off to our storage unit to fix these somewhat minor issues.  We cut the window/weather seal pieces to fit the gaps in the weather seals.  Added the tiniest best of glue to the edges and made a nice snug fit.  We're pleased with the results. (Picture attached)

Then we installed the inside window guide track in the BR window.  This piece is pressed into the window slide/track area and the tension from the flat/bent piece holds it in place.  We also nudged the new window track under a tiny lip on the window frame which helps to hold it in place.  Again, we're pleased with the results.  And of course the sliding window is now snug when closed.  I didn't take a picture.

At the end of the day, we both have a feeling of satisfaction for keeping our rolling home tidy and in good condition.  I hope this helps others with the same problems.
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #1 –
Did you replace the bottom track that the window is guided on I have a mid bath also and my dinette window rattles and looks like the track is worn and im not
 sure it can be replaced without removing the window.
                                  Thanks Jody
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #2 –
The exterior window weather stripping molding shrinks with age, leaving gaps at either ends.
For the short term, remove the molding and reposition it with the gap at the top. It's easy to pop out and reposition, after cleaning.
Do this and when you have a piece of replacement molding, fill the top gap with short piece of the matching Hehr molding .
The gap at the top isn't a big issue, having the gap at the bottom allows more rain to enter the drain channel below, possibly overflowing it in heavy rains, with strong side winds that push rain into the window. If it overflow, water enters the interior of the RV.
if a strong storm is expected, head the nose of the RV into the the predicted direction of the rain, if possible. The front of a LD is better able to withstand intense wind and rain.

Make sure the drain channel and its drain holes are clean.
Blow them out with compressed air or a focused stream of water.
I use compressed air to blow out the window tracks and lubricate them with a dry lube made for for sail boat tracks.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The exterior window weather stripping molding shrinks with age, leaving gaps at either ends.  For the short term, remove the molding and reposition it with the gap at the top. It's easy to pop out and reposition, after cleaning.

That's an excellent suggestion and an elegant solution.  By chance, two of our window gaps were already at the top and only one at the bottom.  I believe the bottom gap molding is going to get an adjustment in a day or so! 
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jody  - 
Did you replace the bottom track that the window is guided on I have a mid bath also and my dinette window rattles and looks like the track is worn and I'm not sure it can be replaced without removing the window.

Hello Jody.  The bottom right side of our bathroom window was "missing" the track inside the window.  Only the Lord knows how a piece of the window track can go missing.  Now please remember, this was our first time replacing a window track, so my information is suspect at best.

At any rate, we ordered a strip of the track from the Lazy Daze Factory.  It's a flat piece with something like felt along both sides and those holes in between.  The track can be folded into a U-shape and pressed into the window frame.  We were able to slide/push the piece under the BR window and snugged it against the remaining piece on the left side of the window.  There's a tiny lip on the inside of window frame on both sides and we pressed the top of the track under that lip.  I don't know if that's the purpose of that lip but that's what we did.  We didn't have to remove any part of the window.   And finally, when Margee was finished she said the window is now snug and rattle-free. : )  There's at least one (1) Youtube video on this issue but with a different window than LD uses.  However, the procedure seems to be the same.   I hope this suspect information is helpful.


Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #5 –
Larry,
Is this the type of dry lube you're referring to?

MCLUBE
SailKote High-Performance Dry Lubricant, 8 oz

Thanks,
Susie
2007 MB
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #6 –
Quote from: sdever2000  - 

Is this the type of dry lube you're referring to?
MCLUBE
SailKote High-Performance Dry Lubricant, 8 oz

That's the stuff.
It's designed for marine applications, the dry coating is resistant to washing out.
It isn't cheap but a can last a long time.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #7 –

I know I'm getting a little off-"track" here (pun intended) but since we are on the subject of windows, does anyone use this product to keep the dark-tinted windows free from water stains?

Amazon.com: Nothin's Better Water Stain Remover - Powder - 8 Oz: Health &...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Window Seals & Window Guide Track
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The exterior window weather stripping molding shrinks with age, leaving gaps at either ends.  For the short term, remove the molding and reposition it with the gap at the top. It's easy to pop out and reposition, after cleaning.

This morning I re-positioned the weather stripping as Larry suggested.  I also cleaned out the track and wiped down the weather stripping before putting it back in place.  I didn't try to stretch the weather stripping, but when I reached the end, there wasn't a gap anymore!  Good as new.  I'm sure it will shrink again and then I'll mess with it again.  It's what we do!