Do you know how to close (latch) the windows? I thought I did...

Corbinpilo

I created an issue with our night shades during our second trip with our late model 2015 Max S Sofitel. If this has been discussed elsewhere I apologize.  

During our drive from OH to Colo we discovered that 2 of 3 of our accordion style night shades had come out of their frames. We gently put the loose ends back in the tracks but found they bend towards the inside of the trailer when we slide them open (to allow sunlight inside).  

The damaged shades where caused by how I latched the windows closed for travel. I didn't know that window latches have two positions. 

The position I knew (where the latch goes into a groove channel) apparently allows a slight air gap. This is for when you want the windows latched but still want air passing through the trailer while camping, such as when using the fan to pull air through the camper on a warm night. 

This was the way the windows were closed when we purchased the trailer so I thought that's how you latch them closed. 

The slight air gap damaged my night shades while driving at highway speed. Obviously I didn't know about the air gap. 

The other latch position is inward of the groove and fully closes the windows, such as for travel. Oh... ;/

I took the trailer to the factory for this and other very minor repairs/modifications. Thanks to Ed K at the factory for showing me. 

We now have 3,000 miles on our T@B during our first 90 days of ownership. We have been very happy with our purchase. 


Chris C. 
Columbus Ohio 

Nomad

I've had mine get blown out of the track while camping when a big gust of wind came up - have so far managed to get them back in and straight so far. The screen shades are more susceptible since they're lighter flimsier.
My problem right now is getting all the cotton fro cottonwood trees picked out of the screens :-(

gilbutler

PX, you should write a book about your experiences.  Those of us who don't travel as much as you do can learn so much from the comfort of wherever we keep our computers. :-)
Gil

Rad

Yup, I was lucky I noticed the two positions right away.  It is a very clever setup, one of the best window/shade/screen systems I have seen in a trailer. 

Nomad

Yep - Window/shade system and the Alde were big factors in my decision.

Tweedrvr

I just noticed the two window latching positions on a recent trip. I used the groove but only traveled 1 hr to camp. Glad I found this posting. Good to know. 
Martha & Mehit@ble in VT

twocutes

I had one of my screens go out of the track on my latest trip, but it seemed to go back in OK.  Time will tell.  PX - try something like these for the cottonwood fluffs. They really work on my home screens. I don't know if they are anything special, since they look and feel like a baby or hand wipe.

Nomad

Beth - The biggest problem is the screens are so flexible (unlike home screens) - pretty much need to put one hand on one side to stabilize and wipe the other side with the other hand.
Will have to see if I can find those to try or maybe a regular wipe will do.

twocutes

PX - good point on the flexibility of the screens.  You could try a regular wipe.  I suspect it's more about marketing with the "Clean Screens" than magical cleaning ability.

BBchBum

you could always try a clothes lint brush or a hand vacuum with a brush attachment (less force that way)

Nomad

Dbl-Stick tape I think is going to do it. Trouble with traveling full-time, you don't have (or want to carry) all the stuff one is used to. Next hardware store I pass, it'll be mine and nasty mr cottonwood fuzz will be gone.

TABaker

We just had this conversation on Facebook the other day.  The first photo is in "vent mode", and second one is in "closed".

jkjenn

TABaker said:

We just had this conversation on Facebook the other day.  The first photo is in "vent mode", and second one is in "closed".

This cleared things up for me when I saw it in FB. This should go on a sticky for new owners.

Corbinpilo

TABaker, 

What Facebook group? 

Thanks. 

Corbinpilo

Thanks Sandra! I didn't know about second group. 

RollingLagrima

Corbinpilo said:

I created an issue with our night shades during our second trip with our late model 2015 Max S Sofitel. If this has been discussed elsewhere I apologize.  

During our drive from OH to Colo we discovered that 2 of 3 of our accordion style night shades had come out of their frames. We gently put the loose ends back in the tracks but found they bend towards the inside of the trailer when we slide them open (to allow sunlight inside).  

The damaged shades where caused by how I latched the windows closed for travel. I didn't know that window latches have two positions. 

The position I knew (where the latch goes into a groove channel) apparently allows a slight air gap. This is for when you want the windows latched but still want air passing through the trailer while camping, such as when using the fan to pull air through the camper on a warm night. 

This was the way the windows were closed when we purchased the trailer so I thought that's how you latch them closed. 

The slight air gap damaged my night shades while driving at highway speed. Obviously I didn't know about the air gap. 

The other latch position is inward of the groove and fully closes the windows, such as for travel. Oh... ;/

I took the trailer to the factory for this and other very minor repairs/modifications. Thanks to Ed K at the factory for showing me. 

We now have 3,000 miles on our T@B during our first 90 days of ownership. We have been very happy with our purchase. 


Chris C. 
Columbus Ohio 

Excellent piece of intel. I doubt inever would have found that on my own, that is, until something bad happened to my snazzy blinds.  I am glad you were able to put them back to work.

Verna

Luckily I had seen mention of the "vent" position of the windows before I went camping.  I used the vent position for additional air flow when the A/C was running, in addition to the Fantastic Fan vent open just a bit.