RV Window Repair: How to Repair Slider Windows

  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 65-200
What You'll Need
Replacement window and sealant strip
Screwdriver set
Utility knife
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Three or four friends to help
What You'll Need
Replacement window and sealant strip
Screwdriver set
Utility knife
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Three or four friends to help

If you are experiencing problems with the slider windows in your recreational vehicle, a DIY RV window repair can save you hundreds of dollars versus taking your RV to the local dealership. You will need a few friends to help you out with this project, but you can do it and save yourself a ton of money. If the window is not broken or cracked, and you are simply having problems sliding the window, giving the tracks of the window a good spraying with WD-40 will usually help. However, if using the penetrating spray doesn't help, you may need to replace the window itself and the sealant strip that helps to hold the window and place. This simple how-to guide will show you what you need to do.

Step 1 - Purchase a Replacement Window

Go to a local auto glass repair shop and order replacement glass for your RV. Many shops will have information about the RV if you give them the make and model. However, if this is not the case, make sure to take them the exact measurements of the glass you will need to replace the broken one.

Step 2 - Remove the Molding Around the Window

Locate the plastic screw cover caps that are used to hold the molding or garnish in place around the slider window. Then, take a utility knife and cut around the screws. In some cases, you be may be able to use a flat head screwdriver to remove them, rather than cutting them away with the utility knife.

Step 3 - Remove the Window Glass

At this point, you'll need three or four people to help you remove the window glass from the RV. Have a couple of people go inside the vehicle and have a couple of your friends stay outside with you as you remove the screws that hold the window into the frame. One should remove the screws, make sure you put them in a safe place as you'll need them later. Depending upon the way your slider windows are installed, you may also have to remove the tracks or sealant strips before you can remove the window glass.

Step 4 - Clear Away Old Caulk

Use the putty knife to scrape away the old caulk. Once you get most of the caulk out of the way, use sandpaper to finish removing the caulk. Don't sand the surface of your RV too much, but sand it just enough so that you can remove the caulk and make it easier to install the new window glass.

Step 5 - Install the New Window Glass

Carefully set the new window glass into place and reattach screws for the tracks or sealant strips as needed.

Step 6 - Reinstall the Molding

Once the window glass is installed, place the molding back into position and reinsert the screws. Next, replace the plastic cover caps that are used to cover the screws. Caulk the cap covers if you need to.

Step 7 - Caulk the Window

Use a quality silicone caulk to caulk around the edges of the window where the old caulk was located. Try to keep the bead of caulk as thin as possible while making sure it will keep moisture and water out of the window opening and your RV.