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Old 06-10-2015, 03:26 PM   #1
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Winter mods

We lined the metal window frames with closed cell foam to eliminate condensation which occurs on them when it is cold outside. Works well.

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Old 06-10-2015, 03:57 PM   #2
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Wow... that sounds interesting. Would you mind posting a photo sometime, if it isn't too much of a PITA!

Thanks for the idea.
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Old 06-10-2015, 04:27 PM   #3
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Actually the frames will sweat and get wet as they bring the cold inside. I find that it is better to leave the blinds up when practical and allow the air to circulate against the frame and glass, keeps drips to a minimum.
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Old 06-10-2015, 07:40 PM   #4
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Hey Jim,
The frames would build up frost in winter even with the blinds open. This solution eliminates all frost and condensation at least along the frames. Too bad Escape dosen't use plastic frames or metal ones with a thermal break.
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Old 06-10-2015, 08:00 PM   #5
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Too bad Escape dosen't use plastic frames or metal ones with a thermal break.
Do you know of any RV windows like this? Perhaps it might be something ETI would be interested in as another option for those truly desiring winter camping?
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Old 06-10-2015, 08:45 PM   #6
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We lined the metal window frames with closed cell foam to eliminate condensation which occurs on them when it is cold outside. Works well.
Interesting. How cold is it outside for the condensation to happen?
We used to have condensation in our tent trailer. However I am yet to find any in our 17B after spending 19 nights in it. There are 4 of us sleeping in such a small trailer I would expect wet wall waking up, but no. I checked under the mattress, wall and ceiling and couldn't find any. The coldest night we had were during Spring NOG when it was close to freezing and rained the next day. We do have extra insulation, though.
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Old 06-10-2015, 11:01 PM   #7
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Too bad Escape dosen't use plastic frames or metal ones with a thermal break.
Yes, but as previously discussed in another thread...
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Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
... outer and inner frames sections with a "thermal break" of relatively non-conductive material between them. I have not heard of anyone building RV windows this way; I suspect that not enough RV buyers would be willing to pay the premium cost which the RV manufacturer would need to pass on.
If thermal break RV windows are available, I would be interested in more information.
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Old 06-10-2015, 11:33 PM   #8
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Interesting. How cold is it outside for the condensation to happen?
We used to have condensation in our tent trailer. However I am yet to find any in our 17B after spending 19 nights in it. There are 4 of us sleeping in such a small trailer I would expect wet wall waking up, but no. I checked under the mattress, wall and ceiling and couldn't find any. The coldest night we had were during Spring NOG when it was close to freezing and rained the next day. We do have extra insulation, though.
You had heat going, right? You will find condensation soon enough.
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Old 06-10-2015, 11:35 PM   #9
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You had heat going, right? You will find condensation soon enough.
Actually, running the furnace with open vents boosts the air circulation and reduces the humidity level that contributes to condensation.
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Old 06-10-2015, 11:45 PM   #10
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Actually, running the furnace with open vents boosts the air circulation and reduces the humidity level that contributes to condensation.
So the more you run the furnace, the less condensation? As far as I know, it is the result of warm air meeting cold.

Having the vents open is critical to move the air, as you know. I could have mentioned the vents but he is saying that he does not have condensation.
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Old 06-10-2015, 11:59 PM   #11
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More air circulation through the trailer means less condensation in cold weather. Since the furnace is a closed heating system, it does not add humidity produced during combustion.

Also burns up propane faster, though....
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Old 06-11-2015, 06:02 AM   #12
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Akoaka, I think we start to get condensation at 35 F. It turns to frost below 30. Interestingly, the amount of frost does not increase as temps drop from there. The amount of frost we had our coldest night last winter (-23F) was about the same as in more moderate sub freezing temps. I agree with what others have said about outside air circulation and leaving shades up. These strategies help with the windows but not the window frames.

Brian, I suspect you are right. Those of us using this equpment in the winter are a small minority of the market.
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