Windows not closing

[Deleted]

Can anyone shed some light on our window mystery? When we purchased our van 18 months ago all windows opened, closed and locked properly. But we have now discovered the rear window and one other (might be the front) will wind shut but one side will not lock. The window frame looks like it's out of alignment on the side that won't lock.

When we stored the van for 7 months over winter we forgot to level it with the spirit level. Could this cause the frame to go out of alignment?

Subbie

[Deleted]

Early Aluminum windows were not hinged in the conventional way.
They have a round molding on the actual outer window that in turn runs through a "J" molding in the frame to retain and hinge the window.

If you look closely with the window open, on the outside of the van, look at where the window hinges to the frame.

The only thing stopping the window from sliding completely out of the frame towards the front or the rear of the van are two little rubber stoppers, pushed into the end of that channel, one each end.

When you open or close your windows, sometimes you can accidentally slide the window forwards or rearward in the frame if those little stoppers have some end play in them.

I suggest closing the window from the outside while checking that the window itself is perfectly in line with the window frame.
If it has moved, just slide the window either way required to get it to shut square in the frame.
Then go inside and check the functioning of your window locks.

Sorry if this sounds really complicated, but once you have had a good look and a play it will become very clear as to what is going wrong and when it happens in the future, will only take a couple of seconds to sort if the problem re-occurs.

All the best.....Bob.

[ForumMod]

Yep, subbie, same thing has happened on the Windsor van, and is caused by what docbob says.

Click here to go to the CaravansPlus website for helpful information. Scroll down to the 'Caravan Wind-out Windows' heading, and then the Step-by-Step link under that heading.

cheers,
Al.

[ForumMod]

Subbie, I meant to also add that you can carefully twist the bottom of the window frame so that the lock that won't engage is twisted closer to the frame. Perhaps movement in the window rubbers and frame from higher temps over time leads to slight warping of the frame itself.

Whatever you do, DON'T try and force the window shut by winding harder on the winder handle. All that will do is eventually strip the gears in the winder box and you'll be up for a new box. Until you can solve the problem, you have to get someone to push gently on the outside of the window to make it fit with the lock, and someone else inside engages the lock. Pain in the butt, but cheaper than a $25 replacement winder box and all the hassles that go with refitting it (trust me, I replaced two on the Windsor that someone had previously stuffed up ).

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Thanks Bob & Al,

It may be a bit of both, will check when we go down this weekend. The side of the window that doesn't close had quite a gap, so it would appear it is warped, i.e. the window was bowed away from the caravan frame and looked like it had buckley's luck of ever closing and locking. I had completely forgotten that the windows can be moved within the track and very appreciative that you mentioned that Bob.

Let's hope a bit of gentle persuasion will fix our problem

Subbie

[Deleted]

We gave the back window a few taps and it moved over and now the window lock works perfectly. Thanks for the tip Bob.

Subbie

[ForumMod]

Don'tcha love it when a caravan problem only takes SECONDS to fix! ;D ;D

(Not like most of 'em... )

[Deleted]

Mar 5, 2013 17:29:46 GMT 10 @yellowsubmarine said:

We gave the back window a few taps and it moved over and now the window locks were perfectly. Thanks for the tip Bob.

Subbie

Glad to be of assistance.
I slapped my forehead when it first happened to us and I eventually sussed out what was going wrong.

That's where these forums are invaluable, plenty of experience around here no matter how big or small the problem may be!

Happy Vanning...........Bob.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys, you are brilliant We have a few more things on the "to do" list, but somehow every time we get down to the van we spend our time at the beach or perfecting the angle of the banana lounge.

Subbie

[Deleted]

Mar 7, 2013 23:11:28 GMT 10 @yellowsubmarine said:

but somehow every time we get down to the van we spend our time at the beach or perfecting the angle of the banana lounge.

Subbie

HAhahahahaha ;D can't blame you!
We get the same problem........put van in shed for repairs........
then next day off it's on the towball and gone again!

[Rattles]

Mar 5, 2013 22:03:58 GMT 10 ForumMod said:

Don'tcha love it when a caravan problem only takes SECONDS to fix! ;D ;D

(Not like most of 'em... )

Did you adjust the end plug or are the loose or missing:



www.caravanandrvworld.com.au/doors-windows-and-shades/Wind-out-Window-End-Plug

Rattles

[Deleted]

Hi Rattles,

I didn't look at the outside of the window, I was inside directing which way the window needed to be tapped to get it lined up. But just checked with the other half and he said the end caps are on there. Thanks for you help,

Subbie