Hehr Dual-pane Window Failure

gmchamplin · 03-14-2018, 06:15 PM

One half of the driver-side loft window in my 5.0TA has failed. It has internal fogging.

I spoke with ETI and learned that there was a period of time that Hehr delivered windows that were prone to this failure, and it extended into late 2017. My trailer was completed in October.

Of course this is under warranty and ETI has asked Hehr to send me a replacement window. The trick is getting it installed. I have to either return to Chilliwack or find an RV service center near Fort Worth that is willing to do a warranty repair for Hehr. The trip is out of the question, and so far I have not been able to find a place that is willing to do the work for whatever Hehr is willing to pay them.

My third option, and ETI's recommendation, is to replace it myself. It should be a half-hour job, I am told.

Have other people had this problem, how did you solve it, and what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

gbaglo · 03-14-2018, 06:37 PM

Do you need an RV service centre? If you can do it yourself, surely any glass company should be able to do it.

gmchamplin · 03-14-2018, 06:40 PM

As I understand it, the job doesn't have anything to do with the glass. It is removing and re-installing the window frame and all, and then applying some proflex somewhere.

It is probably something I can do, but if I screw it up, it will be my problem.

cpaharley2008 · 03-14-2018, 07:08 PM

I have replaced rv windows several times, these had the compression frames and involved removing the old, pacing butyl tape on the new frame and tightening the frame until the tape oozed out. You may want to have someone on the outside to catch the old window.

Mucram · 03-14-2018, 07:16 PM

I had 2 windows replaced under warranty & escape paid not hehr. Hehr sent the replacement windows I think or escape & escape paid rv place directly.

rubicon327 · 03-14-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmchamplin

Of course this is under warranty and ETI has asked Hehr to send me a replacement window. The trick is getting it installed. I have to either return to Chilliwack or find an RV service center near Fort Worth that is willing to do a warranty repair for Hehr. The trip is out of the question, and so far I have not been able to find a place that is willing to do the work for whatever Hehr is willing to pay them.

If the trailer is under warranty it sounds like the cost issue of the install should be Hehr and ETI’s problem. If Hehr has a set rate then ETI should simply make up the difference. Get a couple estimates to prove your prices are sound. Many of us could and would do a window ourselves, but you shouldn’t have to worry about screwing something up on a new trailer.

padlin · 03-14-2018, 09:34 PM

Sounds like you can...

Call ETI, explain the issue and see if they will pay you back if you have someone install it as no one will do warranty work for Hehr.

if not then either pay for the install yourself or just do it yourself.

Rossue · 03-14-2018, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmchamplin

One half of the driver-side loft window in my 5.0TA has failed. It has internal fogging.

I spoke with ETI and learned that there was a period of time that Hehr delivered windows that were prone to this failure, and it extended into late 2017. My trailer was completed in October.

Of course this is under warranty and ETI has asked Hehr to send me a replacement window. The trick is getting it installed. I have to either return to Chilliwack or find an RV service center near Fort Worth that is willing to do a warranty repair for Hehr. The trip is out of the question, and so far I have not been able to find a place that is willing to do the work for whatever Hehr is willing to pay them.

My third option, and ETI's recommendation, is to replace it myself. It should be a half-hour job, I am told.

Have other people had this problem, how did you solve it, and what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Why would anyone do warranty work themselves? You paid good money for a product with an advertised two year warranty. That ETI would prefer (recommend) that you do it yourself is a red flag. That is putting their interests ahead of yours.

**Donna D.** · 03-14-2018, 10:03 PM

Okay, I'm old and I've rebedded a couple of Scamp windows in my 1988 16' Scamp. It can be a two person job, if there are two people available. But if not, one person and some duct tape works. Yes, your trailer is currently under warranty... but, that won't always be the case. OF ALL the things I've done to both my Scamp and Escape... rebedding the window(s) (solo) was one of the easiest. YMMV

I wish you well

Kent · 03-14-2018, 10:40 PM

Plenty of "How Too" videos on You Tube.

gbaglo · 03-14-2018, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rossue

Why would anyone do warranty work themselves?

Perhaps because they are capable of doing it and it would be the easiest for them of the three options that Escape offered.

Rossue · 03-14-2018, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Perhaps because they are capable of doing it and it would be the easiest for them of the three options that Escape offered.

Lemme tell ya this: when my window screws rusted less than two weeks from pick up ETI offered to send new screws for me to replace. Reace even said if I didn't mind the mismatch he could send stainless screws. Ok;....then the brittle stainless screws broke off.

At that point I told Reace I wanted a pro to take care of it and even then he capped the amount they would pay.

There was another issue with 3" frame recall where Reace set an unrealistic cap on cost of repair then had to raise it after numerous complaints.

You know all this of course Baglo, yet you keep up your apologies and excuses for less than stellar responses from Escape to warranty issues and I will keep calling you on it.

gbaglo · 03-14-2018, 11:53 PM

I'm sure we'll continue to hear from you Rossue.

Rossue · 03-15-2018, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I'm sure we'll continue to hear from you Rossue.

You know it!

**John in Santa Cruz** · 03-15-2018, 12:48 AM

for sure, I have fixed more than a few things over my life that a warranty would have covered... I'll do it myself when its something within my skill set, and where I think I can do a better, more careful job than some random repair guy, because I'm not in a hurry to get to the next job. half the time I've RMA'd something (computer parts, whatever), I've bought a replacement before I even sent off the RMA, then when I get back the RMA replacement part, I've flipped it on craigslist or ebay.

Rossue · 03-15-2018, 01:01 AM

Me too, lots of times I do it myself. Yet in this case it is a loft window in a 5.0 and even if it was a regular window they all require a good amount of prep work to get the surface clean enough for proper adhesion for the new sealant. Most owners out there probably do not have the skill or desire to have to do this.

**John in Santa Cruz** · 03-15-2018, 01:18 AM

Quote:

in this case it is a loft window in a 5.0 and even if it was a regular window they all require a good amount of prep work to get the surface clean enough for proper adhesion for the new sealant

ten-four

gbaglo · 03-15-2018, 02:33 AM

I feel the need to remind some and inform new owners, that Reace traveled North America for several weeks to do warranty repairs for 21' owners that had a plumbing issue.
There are numerous posts on this forum over the years about how ETI went out of their way to facilitate repairs in and sometimes out of warranty.
I guess I'm just not one to complain that my Escape doesn't have double sinks in the bath.

cpaharley2008 · 03-15-2018, 05:39 AM

IMHO the choice to warranty repair at your own or someone else's time is a personal choice, convenience and time are just as important as money involved and with the money issue resolved, it is one less item to worry about. If you can 't fix it then you will have to pay and then seek reimbursement. Either way it will be fixed and that is what is important. Just remember, just because someone else does the work does not mean it will always be correct, somethings in life are better when you do them.

Jim Bennett · 03-15-2018, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmchamplin

.....and so far I have not been able to find a place that is willing to do the work for whatever Hehr is willing to pay them.

Just curious, how much is Hehr offering to pay for the labour to replace? With someone who knows what they are doing I would think an hour should do it, two max.

While it is a fairly easy task for most, if you are not comfortable with it I would look for assistance. I would look for a place that does mostly RV repair, and does not sell RVs. We have one here in Calgary that is always my go to. Lots of locales have a mobile RV repair service that might be helpful. A search for "Forth Worth RV repair" turned up lots of hits for these type places, including this one that got real good reviews.
RV Repair in Dallas - Mobile Repair Specialists, RV Repair in Fort Worth

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

......convenience and time are just as important as money involved and with the money issue resolved, it is one less item to worry about.

Very true. When we are talking a relatively small amount of money compared to the trailer and life in general, I would much rather have the peace of mind of something working as it should than stress over a few bucks. Life is supposed to be fun, so let's go camping.

I will be keeping my eye on my January 2017 build windows. Hopefully all stays well with them, no signs of seals leaking at all yet.

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