Question for the MCI guys on windows

mike802 · August 20, 2014, 09:09:52 AM

I am converting an MCI MC9 and although I would love to replace my windows with those RV style ones with dbl pane and screens, but at 500.00 bucks a pop last I checked we are going to stick with the original ones for now. My Question is for those of you who also elected to keep the original ones, how have the seals held up? I dont think MCI intended for these windows to be opened and closed on a regular basis and was wondering if the seals would hold up over time.

Oonrahnjay · August 20, 2014, 09:18:13 AM

Quote from: mike802 on August 20, 2014, 09:09:52 AMI am converting an MCI MC9 and although I would love to replace my windows with those RV style ones with dbl pane and screens, but at 500.00 bucks a pop last I checked we are going to stick with the original ones for now. My Question is for those of you who also elected to keep the original ones, how have the seals held up? I dont think MCI intended for these windows to be opened and closed on a regular basis and was wondering if the seals would hold up over time.

Mike. I have a couple of the Peninsula windows. I put them in the most useful places for best airflow (and with a double-decker, you can get good ventilation from the "chimney effect"; air flows up the stairs and circulated upstairs with the windows open). They work really well (even though the ventilation area is only half the window) but I keep asking myself if it was *really* worth the money. Good luck with your solutions.

Ed Hackenbruch · August 20, 2014, 11:13:52 AM

Replaced mine with Motion Windows and have been very happy with them for 11 years now. Spendy yes, but i feel it was worth it.

lostagain · August 20, 2014, 12:30:04 PM

My bus was fitted with Peninsula windows when converted in '89. Single pane. The only advantage is they are bigger than stock windows. Otherwise, they slide roughly with considerable effort. I lube them occasionally, but is still bad. They don't seal really well. And the bug screens are cheaply made and don't fit right. Overrated IMO.

JC

BRUISER · August 20, 2014, 06:18:06 PM

Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on August 20, 2014, 11:13:52 AM
Replaced mine with Motion Windows and have been very happy with them for 11 years now. Spendy yes, but i feel it was worth it.

good to know I am getting ready to order 2 side ones from them

Tikvah · August 20, 2014, 06:25:37 PM

I kept the front two on each side. I don't open them often, although sometimes I wish I could. I have four Fantastic vents in my coach and can move air very nicely. I'm not worried about the seals, they're just hard to open and would need to be propped open somehow. Plus the problem of no screens.

I have RV windows in the kitchen and bedroom and they open nicely and provide fresh air.

I have my mini-split on almost all the time to keep the temp comfortable.

lvmci · August 20, 2014, 06:31:47 PM

Hi Mike, I kept my original mci5A windows, fabricated some screens, and it works fine, lvmci...

Ed Hackenbruch · August 20, 2014, 08:22:33 PM

A couple of my 5A windows were cracked and all of them were de-laminating and fogging. I went with the dual panes.

Lin · August 20, 2014, 08:28:12 PM

My 5a has the original windows in the front and the bedroom. The front ones slide fine if kept lubricated. One of the back ones is okay and one is a bit hard to slide but does work. Only the forward window in each set slides though.

Screens seemed to me to be the issue. I tried different methods and finally settled on using the simplest, which is lining the frames with Velcro and cutting screens with the other Velcro to fit. I find it a little bit of a nuisance to have to peel back the screen to open and close the window, but it does work fine.

I think that the places I would like to replace the windows would be the driver's and the front door with full sliders. I have not noticed a problem with sealing but we do not go into serious winters. The AC's manage fine even in our desert though.

oldfordlover36 · August 20, 2014, 08:43:49 PM

I was considering mounting skylight operators the crank type on the bottom of the window then you could fit a screen and not have to remove it to crank the window open like a casement. Not sure on how the seals will hold up to repeated use but I guess any window the rubber can age and shrink or crack. Just thought I would mention the skylight idea as a cheaper alternative.

luvrbus · August 20, 2014, 08:45:54 PM

In Motion to me are not worth the price I installed 7 in the Eagle I was never impressed.I bought 5 Attwood double panes with screens from a guy in Vegas that bought them from the Country Coach sale I paid hardly nothing he need fuel money I sold them to a friend for what I paid he installed those in his 9 with no major modifications then he found 2 more at a RV surplus someplace installed those he was happy and likes the windows

grantgoold · August 20, 2014, 09:08:55 PM

I have 6 motions in my 9 and used the original frames. I took a few days and made a family trip to the shop and they did the work on the windows (prepaid and ordered) while we spent the day in the area. Love the windows! The ability to open the drivers window and the door window is really nice when moving down the road. I have never had a problem with the slides and screens.

Grant

Boomer · August 21, 2014, 08:26:43 AM

IMO, Penninsula/Motion is a fine product. I have them in my Eagle and they are high quality and never a problem. Did not make sense to me to buy another brand when they are right here in my home town, the shipping would have been killer. The customer service is great too, I have been in the shop quite a few times on other projects. Just deal with Tom, the owner, and not his kid Jeff.

luvrbus · August 21, 2014, 08:30:11 AM

Amen Jeff can be a jerk

mike802 · August 21, 2014, 04:01:29 PM

QuoteI was considering mounting skylight operators the crank type on the bottom of the window then you could fit a screen and not have to remove it to crank the window open like a casement. Not sure on how the seals will hold up to repeated use but I guess any window the rubber can age and shrink or crack. Just thought I would mention the skylight idea as a cheaper alternative.

I gave that a thought as well, but like you said, not sure how everything would mount up. I was also thinking of using gas cylinders, like the type to hold up cabinet doors, or bed frames. Just have to work out the mounting, and screens.

It looks like for now anyway I am using the original windows, the MC9 has really nice windows except they are not dbl. pane and have no screens or a way to hold them open. I think I can work around the draw backs, was just wondering about the seals lasting once we start opening and closing them on a regular basis.