7 Different Types of RV Windows

Single or Double Pane RV Window

Published Date: September 5, 2020

Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front

Windows are a major source of heat loss in an RV, so going for the right one will save you a lot of cost on the heating process.

An RV’s window plays an important role in maintaining the quality of experience that an RV offers. It gives the RV a beautiful exterior outlook and also adds to interior comfort.

One great thing about RV windows is that they can be easily swapped for a different type, so if you don’t like the type of window your RV came with or you are looking to replace a damaged one, here are the different types of RV windows you can choose from.

Read Also: Types of RV Roofs

Types of RV Windows

There are different types of RV windows from sliding panes, fixed panes, frameless, awning, or torque to egress.

Knowing the various types of windows for RV will enable you to make a better choice when you are looking to replace your RV’s window; let’s talk about them in detail.

Single or Double Pane RV Window?

Types of RV Windows

Something to note quickly is that every type of RV window can be ordered as either a single or double pane.

It all depends on your budget and how effective you want the windows to be; this factor actually determines how useful your windows will be in the long run. So before getting into the types of RV windows, this is the first thing to discuss.

1. Single-pane RV windows

A single-pane window in an RV, like everything on earth, has its advantages and its disadvantages; firstly, they are more affordable compared to their double-pane counterpart; you are also more connected to the outdoors with a single-pane window.

You get to feel more of nature’s gentle breeze, birds chirping, and other melodious tunes of nature, but that’s where it ends. It is argued that the disadvantages of a single pane window outweigh the advantages; why?

Well, a single-pane window is made of a single layer of glass. And while they may be great for listening to nature, if you camp in a commercial campsite with a lot of campers, they won’t be able to block out the noise, especially during nighttime.

Their initial cost is less, and while they may be affordable to install, over time, energy bills will be higher.

Single-pane glass treatments also have no insulation. You have only one pane of glass that leaves you at the mercy of outside temperatures and noise that invades your home easily.

If you happen to camp in a quiet area or probably off the grid and you boondock during warm seasons, then single-pane windows might be enough. But using a single pane window during winter or summer will only rake up the costs of cooling or heating up your RV.

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2. Double-pane RV windows

As you might have guessed, a double pane window is the total opposite of a single pane; they are also known as dual pane windows; they come with two panes of glass that are separated from each other by a space filled with air.

That air helps to trap the cold temperatures during winter or summer’s heat in between the two windows and then forms a barrier that blocks the heat and cold from affecting your RV.

This window is a great energy saver and can save as much as 24% during the winter period and 18% during the summer in comparison to a single pane window. That results in lower energy costs and helps to block out noise.

Double-pane window installation is way more expensive compared to single-pane windows because they use double the materials, but the insulation and strength they offer make it worth the cost.

In fact, with double-pane windows, you won’t have to use your air conditioner and your heater as often or as high as you would with a single-pane window because the air inside your RV will be more consistent.

Now that the foundation of an RV window has been established, let’s now talk about the different designs and types of an RV windows.

3. Awning or Torque RV window

Awning rv window

This is also known as louver, crank, and jalousie. And they are quite popular because it provides in-built protection when opened. This type of window pane is hinged at the top that opens outward, which creates an awning.

They open from the bottom by cranking a handle, and they allow the owner to keep the window open even when it is raining.

This RV window type also lets you enjoy some fresh air without worrying about getting the interiors of your RV soaked. This type of window pane repels water from the window opening.

In the past, awing RV windows didn’t have a very good seal to help keep out the cold, so they were more suitable for warmer climates.

Today’s versions have much better seals, and they’re also available with double-paned glass, which provides even greater insulation from the cold as well as the heat.

Read Also: Various Types of Awnings For RV

4. Fixed pane

As the name implies, these types of panes are stationary and do not open, they do not offer any form of ventilation and are the cheapest to install; most fixed panes, however, come with quick-release screens which can be used for emergency exits.

5. Frameless RV Window

This type of window pane gives your RV a sleek and streamlined appearance that makes them look like the windows in an automobile.

Frameless windows have a hidden hinge on top, which enables them to open outwardly from the bottom; they function similarly to an awning window; when this window is opened, the rain is deflected, allowing for maximum ventilation even during a rainstorm.

6. Sliding RV window

Sliding RV windows

These are basically windows that slide open on one or more sides; they have a simple design and are more affordable to install compared to an awning window.

Sliding windows can be opened in different directions; they have horizontal sliders, vertical sliders, and a T-slider, which is a combination of a fixed pane and a sliding pane. The downside to this type of window pane is that they can only be opened halfway, which leaves them open during rainfall.

7. Egress RV Window

They are also known as emergency exits or escape windows. They have a simple design that allows them to be opened quickly and easily.

They are hinged at the top and open outwardly from the bottom. They have quick-release latches, which are usually painted red to firmly secure the bottom of the window.

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Conclusion

So that’s the basic knowledge you need on the different types of RV windows out there to enable you to make the best choice when planning to upgrade your RV’s window.

It all boils down to your budget, taste, and style. Do let us know if you have any questions regarding RV windows.

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