I broke the corner off the window next to my entry door

jimcenname
jimcenname Member Posts: 348
in Tips & Tricks
Anybody ever walk into the extended window next the entry door on a T@B400. I've done it a few times, it's right in the way during entry/exit. This time, hitting it from the door/forward side, It slide to the rear of the attachment track and the top right (forward) corner of the window broke off. I am disappointed, since I didn't hit it that hard. The sealing surface of the window still fully contacts the gasket but still disappointing. 
2019 T@B400
TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
Southern California
Full-timer since 2019

Comments

  • falcon1970
    falcon1970 Member Posts: 758
    edited June 2020
    @jimcenname
    You might try a product called "Bondic" to repair the window.  It claims it is a chemical weld and not a glue.  I have had success in some applications and less success in others.  Since the window is a polycarbonate and fairly clear it might work well.

    https://getbondic.io/offer-01/?lpid=895&utm_source=8580&utm_medium=bondic&utm_term=514&utm_content=&utm_campaign=0&aff_id=8580&camp_id=0&sub_id=bondic&req_id=68eb324f4aa24f38a97e5ead5e859472&contract_id=0&oid=514&device_type=PC&country_name=United+States
  • ChrisFix
    ChrisFix Member Posts: 743
    @jimcenname
    I only have two trips under my belt so far, but also discovered the head hazard of the kitchen window when it isn't fully deployed as high as it can open.
    My wife had opened it about half way, which was the first time it had been left in that position, and I promptly ran right into it too!
    Good luck with getting it fixed. Replacement is easy with these windows, but I imagine a bit pricey for the new one.

    2025 T@B 400 Boondock Black Canyon with 400Ah Battle Born and Victron Multiplus 3000
    2025 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition with Redarc Trailer Brake Controller
  • Gliddenwoods
    Gliddenwoods Member Posts: 43
    I (6' 4") did the same last year on my second TAB 400 camping trip! I replaced the similarly broken window with a new one. I now place a table in that location during site set-up.

    Now have a spare window for parts...
    2019 TAB 400 Boondock
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    pool noodles are frequently used pool noodles or frequently used on the sides, corners and bottom edge of the side and sometimes the front window. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,430
    The widows are Acrylic material, not polycarbonate, so not as tough as a polycarbonate window would be.  Acrylic is a little softer.
    cheers
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
  • jimcenname
    jimcenname Member Posts: 348
    I bought some super-glue type stuff today, I'll try that tomorrow after it stops raining. 
    2019 T@B400
    TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    Southern California
    Full-timer since 2019
  • tabiphile
    tabiphile Member Posts: 472
    Super glues (cyanoacrylates) are not typically used for bonding acrylics. Acrylics need to be fused. A quick set super glue will simply bond to the surfaces and create a very weak join that will fail (been there, done that). Weld-on 4 has the charactristics that are required. Be careful applying it. It's a two step process that requires applying some to one surface, assembly and then allowing capilary action to draw the adhesive into the broken area using a special needle tipped applicator bottle.
  • falcon1970
    falcon1970 Member Posts: 758
    I agree with @tabiphile--although I didn't know about the chemistry involved.  Superglue always seems to have a fragile joint.
    Bondic works similar to what @tabiphile said about Weld-On 4 except it seems easier to use.  Just run a line of bondic along the edge to be joined, put the pieces together, and then use the supplied UV light to cause a bond.
  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 749
    Glad to see you are trying to repair. Murphy says if you replace it now, the new window will get broken within a year.  If you repair, the window will outlast the trailer. 😁
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



  • jimcenname
    jimcenname Member Posts: 348
    @falcon1970 and @tabiphile: Thanks for the heads up about fixing Acrylic. 
    2019 T@B400
    TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    Southern California
    Full-timer since 2019
  • jimcenname
    jimcenname Member Posts: 348
    Upon further research I find that Acrylic bonding or welding agents contain Methylene chloride which is bad stuff. It's also used in paint strippers and HD and Lowes won't carry any product with Methylene chloride because it is so bad.
    2019 T@B400
    TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    Southern California
    Full-timer since 2019
  • Marceline
    Marceline Member Posts: 1,770
    edited June 2020
    jimcenname said:
    Upon further research I find that Acrylic bonding or welding agents contain Methylene chloride which is bad stuff. It's also used in paint strippers and HD and Lowes won't carry any product with Methylene chloride because it is so bad.
    Judging by the TAP Plastics website this might be an issue specific to SoCal.
    Yes, it's nasty stuff and you will have to ensure good ventilation.
    https://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/weld_on_16_cement/132
    https://www.tapplastics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=69_123&product_id=608
    Maybe you can pick some up if you make it further north this summer. 
    https://www.tapplastics.com/about/locations

    San Francisco Bay Area | 2013 CS-S us@gi | 2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab

  • tabiphile
    tabiphile Member Posts: 472
    Whatever you decide to use, acrylic must be melted to fuse. It cannot be surface bonded. 
  • falcon1970
    falcon1970 Member Posts: 758
    But acrylic can be chemical welded.  Check with TAP plastics for the proper solvent to use for acrylic.
  • Marceline
    Marceline Member Posts: 1,770
    falcon1970 said:
    But acrylic can be chemical welded.  Check with TAP plastics for the proper solvent to use for acrylic.
    I posted that info above.

    San Francisco Bay Area | 2013 CS-S us@gi | 2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab

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