RV Myth Busting Thermal Pane Windows • Fact vs Fiction

Dual pane windows in RVs are not without their benefits but they're also probably not what you think they are or have been lead to believe they may be. In this video we'll explain what you're actually getting for your money as well as what benefits they do and DON'T have in a continued effort to assist you in making your most educated purchase decision on your next RV!
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00:00 Welcome
00:38 Normal
01:21 Single Panes
02:17 Not what you think
03:04 R-Values
04:00 Work Around
05:18 Condensation
07:15 Noise
09:37 Euro Windows?
11:13 Subscribe Now!

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[RobertGlazier]

In a world of lies that we live in, it’s good to hear the truth Josh. Thanks for keeping us informed Josh.

[rvnuts]

I’ve had both, gas filled in a high end Motorhome and also the two glued together in a fifth wheel. When it was hot outside, I could feel heat radiating off the glass. When it was cold out, I would have a chill sitting by the window. You are correct that putting the blind down makes all the difference in the world, and there is no real value to having the insulated windows. In fact, I really didn’t even notice the sound difference because where we stay in Arizona for the winter I could be sitting in our coach and still hear our neighbor conversing outside their RV. When we ordered our new fifth wheel, it was $2200 extra for the insulated windows, which I definitely passed on because of having them in other rigs and deeming them worthless.

[MickPsyphon]

Josh, you just settled an argument for me! 😁👍 Talking to a couple of friends, who are looking to buy an RV next year, they got hooked by an RV salesman at a dealership West of Toronto. He had them believing that they could boondock in the summer and never need the AC... and that it would trap 90% of the heat normally lost through the glass in the Winter. They also believed that it would solve the "condensation" problem.

When you pointed out that moisture is still in the air... and it has to go somewhere... I immediately sent this video to them.

They're going to another dealership in the Toronto area, instead of the place they were going to purchase from.

Btw, I heard a rumour that one of the benefits of tinted _"Thermo Dual Pane"_ windows is that Uncle Gary can't see through them after his 6th beer. 🍺🤪👍

[rickkempsell]

Thank you Josh for such an honest review! I’ve used the reflective bubble wrap in all of my trailer windows, not only for its ability to better control heat and cold transfer, but also during storage in order to slow the fading of upholstery. It’s cheap and very effective.

[donchaput]

Hey Josh, I used to sell high quality windows. There are a few things that make better windows. The main thing is a good Low-E coating that's tripple glazed. That helps prevent the RADIANT heat transfer. The Split pane helps with CONDUCTIVE transfer or even a tripple pane. Argon gas fill is good and Krypton is best. Then you have CONVECTION losses which are leaks, which is actually the smallest part of the problem but the part we tend to feel the most.
I would be very interested to use a heat lamp and test one of those "Thermal" Windows and see if they do have a good Low-E coating. If they do it may be worth it to an extent. You can also laminate the window to get rid of a lot of noise. You wont find much of an actual dual pane window because the seals would break and lose gas fill when bouncing it around everywhere.

[kenbrown]

my brothers Outdoor RV actually does have two panes with air in-between. i was actually shocked to even see an RV do that. not sure if its different from house type dual pane, but it is not glued together, its has an airspace between the two. you are correct on noise, huge difference. they do seem to help on heat cool aswell. but never really measured them, just a difference from going from my RV to his is noticable.

[mrhorspwer]

At an RV show earlier this week, I noticed that the Ember Touring Series, with the fancy euro windows, also has reflective foil on the backside of the blackout shade, so when the shades are closed, you're getting some extra heat rejection benefits built right in.

[jasonwheat]

The sky lights is where alot of heat comes in. I know they put the skylight above the shower there for extra head room but id like to see an insulated bubble above the shower with a light in it. Especally for the gulf coast market. I insulated mine and painted the top white and it made a huge difference.

[ericschmidt]

A company, whose name rhymes with “3M” makes a film for home windows that really knocks the heat absorption through glass down tremendously. I’m not sure how it would hold up to the rigors that an RV goes through, but I’d be willing to try it. I really like the Acrylic Euro Style windows. They have some seriously convenient attributes like built in screens and shades, various opening angles and they’re very impact resistant.

[RichardoBrit]

Great summary - dual-pane is for thermal, while laminated is for sound deadening, which is also what cars use and it works very well

[lesliewan]

I know lots of people like lots of windows, but from personal experience, less windows means more privacy and less condensation. Especially if temps less than 50 degrees. Thanks Josh for all your good info. You are the best! Lots of other channels are too busy selling stuff to be taken seriously...

[kenbrown]

LOVE the reflective bubble wrap stuff. i have used that and it really does make a difference.

[boondockduane]

A Great well thought out video.
Dual pane windows are not worth the cost and more than that the added weight.
Have had them both on a travel trailer and a Ocean trawler. Thermo-Lie windows, funny!
Leaks on the wider frames was another issue we endured. Keeping the frames sealed. I recall our old family Airstream had dual panes and my father hated them.
Do not waste your money and especially acrylic Euro/Caravan ones as they scratch way to easy.
As Josh perfectly stated. Just make some insulated window covers if needed

[cindatygart]

Thank you, Josh, for this and all you do to keep us informed. We have an older camper that needs a complete overhaul. Can't afford a new camper, can't afford to fix the old one. But it's a dream. Take care and keep smiling!

[michaele.stewart]

Bigfoot campers from Canada. Very quiet, easy to keep warm and cool. They have the dual pane thermal windows with the air gaps. I think your company sells them in Montana. We love them in ours. Love your videos & enthusiasm. Thanks, Josh.

[mattday]

Thermal pane windows are more for keeping heat IN instead of OUT. After years of doing heat loss calculations for new construction permitting, it's all about keeping heat in, thus conserving energy to heat the home. Even as far as triple pane windows used in northern climates of the country. And yes, there is an airspace between the panes. The more the better. The best way to keep heat OUT is with a Low E coating on the inside of the outter pane. The higher the Low E coating the better the reflective ability of UV rays.

[mahlon]

Thanks Nerd! I like to believe that these lessons of yours lead us to make better decisions at buying time. A couple of weeks ago we picked up our Brookstone 352RLD. It amazed us how liitle the dealership knows about their products.Thank you for educating us as customers even if it wasn't at Bish's(yet!)

[johnfertsch]

Great topic. This past summer was something else. Had to add them reflex sheets to the bedroom windows, reflex Vent inserts and even tape up one roof ac vent to blow more air to the front bedroom, and oh yea the reflex for the side door.

[andrew]

As a former glazier, I can tell you that Josh is very correct on his description of the windows. Think of the "dual pane" windows like your car windshield. If it is not what is called an "insulated unit", that is what you are getting. "Insulated units" are two panes of glasses with gas (usually argon or krypton) sealed in a space between the panes. That space is what creates insulating properties between the inside and outside.

[martyi]

Thanks Josh for the info, We recently ordered a new Flagstaff Micro lite (took delivery this week) and was skeptical of the ThermoPane window option for $1800, we declined that option although we did opt for the Extra Maxxair vent fan w/cover and the Slide Topper!