Lippert Framed Slider window problem

[brroberts]

The run channel in 3 of my windows is too short and was poorly installed. It’s cracked, twisted, loose, and bunched up. Because of this, the windows are hard to use, and some of the run channel is broken.

Dustin at ETI says just put it in and use a sealant to glue it. First, I need more to replace what is messed up, and second, we were on the road so I tried a little silicon since it’s all I had, and didn’t want to make it hard to remove the channel like an adhesive or polyurethane caulk would. It did not work.

Ive not heard from Duncan or Lippert. This should be under warranty since the trailer is a Sept ‘21 E19.

Rather than continue to chase this, I’d buy the correct run channel if I could find it. Google for a few days has not worked.

Does anyone know the correct part number for this so I can get some?

[mfschu]

We had a similar problem with one window in our 21 21NE. Escape sent me a replacement rubber gasket/track. After replacing it seemed to work better, but still not quite as easy to slide as the other windows. "Dry Lube" teflon spray is what we used and does help. In our case I think the vertical seal in the middle of the window is what's making it harder to slide back & forth more than the rubber track, so you might try lubricating this with the teflon spray as well.

[brroberts]

It’s lubed, and I’ll lube new track if I can get it, but without it, I don’t have working windows.

[cpaharley2008]

Another reason to get the awning windows, no lubrication issues down the road!

[Rossue]

Yeah, however this is a one-off; how many problems are reported here about frameless vs. framed? About 100-1.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Yeah, however this is a one-off; how many problems are reported here about frameless vs. framed? About 100-1.

At least they are almost maintenance free for the most part....most issues are caused by over tightening.....

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Another reason to get the awning windows, no lubrication issues down the road!

Twice a year, for the 4-5 opening windows. Maintenance issue. It's not like my sticks 'n bricks where I have more than 20 opening windows. IF you prefer the frameless windows, fine. But I wouldn't get them just because of this issue. D'oh

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Yeah, however this is a one-off; how many problems are reported here about frameless vs. framed? About 100-1.

Tried and true Ross for sure . However kind of like the European acrylic windows ! Pat

[brroberts]

This is the first time I’ve had window problems in any RV. The frameless have had enough recalls I chose slider. The only real plus I see to frameless is less condensation. They excel there. We had some European windows in our last RV with shade like screens. They were awning style, but could open almost straight out. Full ventilation and usability in the rain. They were not double pane, and there was always the risk the screen could break. Overall I really liked them and would gladly get them again if offered.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by brroberts

This is the first time I’ve had window problems in any RV. The frameless have had enough recalls I chose slider. The only real plus I see to frameless is less condensation. They excel there. We had some European windows in our last RV with shade like screens. They were awning style, but could open almost straight out. Full ventilation and usability in the rain. They were not double pane, and there was always the risk the screen could break. Overall I really liked them and would gladly get them again if offered.

We have played around with them when we see them in other RV’s and would definetly like to try them . We also think they would be more appropriate for our trailers then the awning style that Escape offers . Just our opinion. Pat

[rmitch]

Just had the windows in our house replaced. The installers secret to make them slide smooth? Pledge spray wax furniture polish, spray the track then wipe the excess with a rag. They slide smooth as glass. As far as framed vs. frameless we all have our preference and it is only " right " for us. Others might have another preference.

[brroberts]

After contacting both Duncan and Lippert a couple of days before posting here, I’ve still heard from neither. I did get model numbers for my specific windows from ETI which matches the labels on the trim rings, and now have a part number from the web. Lippert only wants $13.24 per foot USD for the run channel which should be about a $1 a foot. I have been unable to source a 3rd party alternative. It seems Lippert warranty folks have been studying at the University of Dometic.

[mfschu]

Randy, Wouldn't the rubber track be under warranty from Escape?

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by mfschu

Randy, Wouldn't the rubber track be under warranty from Escape?

No. The ETI warranty is ( or was ) in the manual that comes with the trailer.

[mfschu]

gbaglo, I don't understand your comment. For me it was covered under warranty from Escape when I had an issue with the rubber window track, they sent me a new one.

[gbaglo]

If it's part of the window ( the track ), it would be covered under the window manufacturer's warranty. If you mean the rubber around the window, that may be covered under ETI warranty. Eg. appliances are not covered by ETI, but by the maker.

[brroberts]

ETI may have in the past offered to help on a Lippert warranty, but they are not under an obligation to do so.

Update: never heard from Lippert. Filed BBB review. after I purchased track and glue, they responded to my poor review of them. Nothing resolved yet, but I do have the parts I bought.

[mfschu]

I didn't use any glue when I replaced the rubber track Escape provided. I don't believe the old track had any glue on it either, and we followed the instructions Escape gave us.

[brroberts]

Mine has no glue either, but the Lippert repair instructions name a specific glue and repair process. I got no instructions from ETI except the window model numbers to pass on to Lippert.

[brroberts]

Update: I heard from Lippert. The BBB bad review seemed to work. It took several days, but heard from Duncan and Lippert. By then I had spent the money and ordered the parts. Since I replied back, I have heard nothing. It was late last week, so, I hope maybe later this week after sending a request for follow up, I’ll get a reply. We’ll see.