New Windows for 2026?

[TimD]

On 5/2/2023 at 10:57 AM, RoadKingsofGA said:

Well, I was so inspired by your video, I went right out this morning to clean ours. I gathered my wand sprayer, flathead screw driver, rags, pip cleaners, etc.   I first pulled the white rubber gasket, then found the cut place of the black track and began to pry it up...lots of cracking and tearing sounds.  I could barely raise it a bit.  I pulled out past the furry inset.  So we stopped and forced it back down.  It seems very brittle and is tearing up rather than pulling out.  This is the second time we've tried this.  Same results.  I'll just keep the dirty window tracks.  🙂

Reviving an older thread.  First, thanks for posting this.  These tracks - in which the glass panes slide and which are NOT the flexible rubber 1/2" black or white seal easily available from Pelland - are cracked in spots on our hull #701.  I'm trying to identify model of the (we think) Hehr windows and the specific part number and description of these tracks.  

There are both straight and curved pieces, which conform to the perimeter of the glass.  They appear to be segmented into 4" or 6" lengths.

If anyone has more info on these please post it. I'll share what I learn, if anything.

Thanks!!!
Tim

 

Edited May 22 by TimD
Added photo

[TimD]

Today's update.

After getting a mild runaround at Lippert, I was connected to a "CS" rep in Direct Sales Customer Service, from whom I learned the following:

• The Hehr manufacturing plant in Chesaning, MI, where at least some of the RV windows are made, is closing in the immediate future.  Whether the windows used in our LE2 were made at this plant isn't 100% clear, but I think they were based on the discussion.
• Per the Lippert "CS" representative, that plant cannot provide spare parts, or any information on the parts  used in the window, the window model number, or whether the plastic bits of interest are manufactured on-site or by an outside supplier.  They don't give that information out - obviously it is top secret - but were unable to provide any rational explanation why.
• The Lippert "CS" representative was unwilling to provide a contact at the plant.
• The explicit suggestion was that I replace the window (!!!), which oh by the way might require modification before it would fit.
• The Lippert "CS" representative's position, on which they have been coached, was that window obsolescence in the RV industry was common practice and, implicitly, that I deal with it.

I made clear that there were approximately 2000 Oliver travel trailer customers who were being stranded by Lippert.

I'm not quite done on this path but the situation isn't looking promising right now.  Oliver, if you are reading this, a phone call to Lippert might be in order.

Tim

 

[topgun2]

1 minute ago, TimD said:

The Hehr manufacturing plant in Chesaning, MI, where at least some of the RV windows are made, is closing in the immediate future.

 

2 minutes ago, TimD said:

Oliver, if you are reading this, a phone call to Lippert might be in order.

Tim - 

The RUMOR that I've heard is that Oliver is changing windows for the 2026 models.  The information that you cite about the closing of the plant and the "wonderful" service you obtained from Lippert just may explain why/how this RUMOR started.

I believe that it is still too early to know if this RUMOR  is true or not given we are still only about 1/2 way through the 2025 model year.

Bill

[Jason Foster]

2 hours ago, TimD said:

Today's update.

After getting a mild runaround at Lippert, I was connected to a "CS" rep in Direct Sales Customer Service, from whom I learned the following:

• The Hehr manufacturing plant in Chesaning, MI, where at least some of the RV windows are made, is closing in the immediate future.  Whether the windows used in our LE2 were made at this plant isn't 100% clear, but I think they were based on the discussion.
• Per the Lippert "CS" representative, that plant cannot provide spare parts, or any information on the parts  used in the window, the window model number, or whether the plastic bits of interest are manufactured on-site or by an outside supplier.  They don't give that information out - obviously it is top secret - but were unable to provide any rational explanation why.
• The Lippert "CS" representative was unwilling to provide a contact at the plant.
• The explicit suggestion was that I replace the window (!!!), which oh by the way might require modification before it would fit.
• The Lippert "CS" representative's position, on which they have been coached, was that window obsolescence in the RV industry was common practice and, implicitly, that I deal with it.

I made clear that there were approximately 2000 Oliver travel trailer customers who were being stranded by Lippert.

I'm not quite done on this path but the situation isn't looking promising right now.  Oliver, if you are reading this, a phone call to Lippert might be in order.

Tim

 

Sadly, this is typical when it comes to parts made by a third party.  Even parts made an RV manufacturer like Oliver can be be discontinued for various reasons.  The best we can do, once our trailers are beyond the warranty period, is to "make it work".  This means we have to find parts from non-mainstream sources and even make them ourselves.    Obviously, this is not ideal, but it is realistic.

[rich.dev]

2 hours ago, topgun2 said:

The RUMOR that I've heard is that Oliver is changing windows for the 2026 models.

Hoping for the new owners they will be awning style windows. The sliding windows in our 2023 is probably my biggest pet peeve, and I will seriously consider switching them out! 

[TimD]

10 minutes ago, Jason Foster said:

Sadly, this is typical when it comes to parts made by a third party.  Even parts made an RV manufacturer like Oliver can be be discontinued for various reasons.  The best we can do, once our trailers are beyond the warranty period, is to "make it work".  This means we have to find parts from non-mainstream sources and even make them ourselves.    Obviously, this is not ideal, but it is realistic.

Having worked as a design engineer for 40+ years, including 20 at the world's #1 telecom manufacturer, I think I can say that this is emphatically not how you should treat your customers.  I can accept assemblies going EOL (though just why a sliding window becomes "obsolete" isn't at all clear), but refusing to provide even basic information with which a customer can identify an alternative parts supplier is simply not OK.

Tim

[John Dorrer]

3 hours ago, topgun2 said:

 

Tim - 

The RUMOR that I've heard is that Oliver is changing windows for the 2026 models.  The information that you cite about the closing of the plant and the "wonderful" service you obtained from Lippert just may explain why/how this RUMOR started.

I believe that it is still too early to know if this RUMOR  is true or not given we are still only about 1/2 way through the 2025 model year.

Bill

Wonder whether this will affect the purchase of the interior shade frame and shades. We just had one go bad and the string on another  is fraying. So it looks like I'm going to need 2 new frames. I believe this is a Lippert supplied product. 

 

This could be a big issue moving forward.

 

 

[Jason Foster]

Perhaps a company like this one can help.

https://www.steelerubber.com/camper-rv/window-sliding

[Jason Foster]

53 minutes ago, TimD said:

Having worked as a design engineer for 40+ years, including 20 at the world's #1 telecom manufacturer, I think I can say that this is emphatically not how you should treat your customers.  I can accept assemblies going EOL (though just why a sliding window becomes "obsolete" isn't at all clear), but refusing to provide even basic information with which a customer can identify an alternative parts supplier is simply not OK.

Tim

I agree, but if they are going out of business, they simply don't owe us anything.

[Patriot]

Do all you can to take care of your existing windows much as possible. A friend just had Oliver replace one on his LE2 that a neighbors lawnmower shot a rock at. He was all in for $1000 including labor at Oliver😳. Oliver had to special order his replacement. And of course the neighbor denied any liability that his mower did the damage. 

When we roll in to a CG and if they are mowing we usually wait until they finish and the area is clear of weed eaters and mowers before set up. We have even nicely asked some CG’s to not mow or weed eat around our site until we depart. Surprisingly most owners are pretty cool and understand.  Sounds like overkill I know…but beats the alternative of a big ding in the Oliver gelcoat or worse yet replacing a window.

 

Edited May 24 by Patriot

[topgun2]

13 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

Wonder whether this will affect the purchase of the interior shade frame and shades. We just had one go bad and the string on another  is fraying. So it looks like I'm going to need 2 new frames. I believe this is a Lippert supplied product. 

Off the top of my head, I can't remember the name of the window frame mfg - but - I do know that it is not Lippert.

There are a number of posts here on the Forum regarding the re-stringing of these window frames.  I know from personal experience that doing this job is not the most fun but it is not really all that difficult either.  And doing the re-stringing is a bunch less expensive compared to the purchase of a new frame unit.

Bill

[topgun2]

13 hours ago, TimD said:

refusing to provide even basic information with which a customer can identify an alternative parts supplier is simply not OK.

I'd bet that Lippert does not manufacturer that plastic/rubber part you are looking for.  However, finding the real manufacturer is going to be very difficult unless you can find a sympathetic ear at Lippert OR  -

have you contacted Oliver Service in this regard concerning getting a new window track?

Bill

[John Dorrer]

3 hours ago, topgun2 said:

Off the top of my head, I can't remember the name of the window frame mfg - but - I do know that it is not Lippert.

There are a number of posts here on the Forum regarding the re-stringing of these window frames.  I know from personal experience that doing this job is not the most fun but it is not really all that difficult either.  And doing the re-stringing is a bunch less expensive compared to the purchase of a new frame unit.

Bill

I'm just going to purchase the whole shebang. I would like to stay married🤣

[davekaro]

17 hours ago, rich.dev said:

Hoping for the new owners they will be awning style windows. The sliding windows in our 2023 is probably my biggest pet peeve, and I will seriously consider switching them out! 

I don't own an Oliver, but am going to the factory tour next week. What don't you like about the sliding window? I think awning style would provide a better seal, but less airflow when windows open, making me prefer sliding. Though awning style could be left open in rain without needing to have the trailer awning open. What else am I not thinking about?

[rich.dev]

On 5/24/2025 at 2:20 PM, davekaro said:

Though awning style could be left open in rain without needing to have the trailer awning open. 

1) This☝️

On 5/24/2025 at 2:20 PM, davekaro said:

I think awning style would provide a better seal, but less airflow when windows open, making me prefer sliding.

2) Yes, depending on the style of the awning window, I prefer the awning style windows where the entire window can be pushed out (see pic) vs just a small section at the bottom awning style, or half of a sliding window (like the Oliver window)

Please report back on what style windows Oliver will be switching to.

 

Edited Wednesday at 12:10 AM by rich.dev
“Switching to” NOT “swinging to”!

[Jason Foster]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

1) This☝️

2) Yes, depending on the style of the awning window, I prefer the awning style windows where the entire window can be pushed out (see pic) vs just a small section at the bottom awning style, or half of a sliding window (like the Oliver window)

Please report back on what style windows Oliver will be swinging to.

 

The windows you pictured are very nice double pane acrylic Overlands.  I have them in my Black Series.  The only downside is that they don’t come with integrated screens and they are very expensive.  I also worry about scratching them. As far as I know, they dont make these in double pane glass. The frameless are nice but only single pane. 

[rich.dev]

45 minutes ago, Jason Foster said:

 The only downside is that they don’t come with integrated screens and they are very expensive.

Jason, I’m not sure about the Overland brand, but there are brands available with integrated day/night shade screens.

46 minutes ago, Jason Foster said:

I also worry about scratching them. As far as I know, they dont make these in double pane glass.

Yes I have seen people complain about scratching, but you can polish them out.
https://youtu.be/N1vh-ETtRgE?si=-CqN8-Kbm2MV50VI

Here’s a good video from The Fit RV on why you want dual pane acrylic windows in your RV.

 

[CRM]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

Jason, I’m not sure about the Overland brand, but there are brands available with integrated day/night shade screens.

 

Interesting... What brand is this?

[Jason Foster]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

Jason, I’m not sure about the Overland brand, but there are brands available with integrated day/night shade screens.

Yes I have seen people complain about scratching, but you can polish them out.
https://youtu.be/N1vh-ETtRgE?si=-CqN8-Kbm2MV50VI

Here’s a good video from The Fit RV on why you want dual pane acrylic windows in your RV.

 

I certainly love these windows.  It was one of the selling points of the Black Series trailer.  I took some pictures of mine since the rain finally stopped. The outside:

 

Integrated bugscreen and thermal shield not only work great, they also eliminate 99 percent of light coming into or out of the trailer.  
 

My only real concern is with scratching.  However, if they can be buffed or covered with a protective film, that solves it.  Except for one addition item.  They are quite expensive.

 

[Jason Foster]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

Jason, I’m not sure about the Overland brand, but there are brands available with integrated day/night shade screens.

Have you been able to source some that will fit the openings of your oliver?

Edited Monday at 04:55 PM by Jason Foster

[jd1923]

I like the OEM equipped sliders! Though until I added the fan, we had not used the rear slider and it’s very difficult to slide.

Laying in bed, it’s a simple one-handed slide to open and to close when it gets colder late at night. Can’t do that with an awning, lock bolts on each side, requiring you to stand up, lean over using both hands. I’ll keep our sliders and with new external rubber they are in great shape considering 10 years of age.

Now we could wish for blinds 3/4” thick vs. these clumsy things that stick out 3” into our living space, my big body or arms hitting them every night, and you can't fully lean back sideways at the dinette table. We don’t, though some have issues with them falling off on bumpy roads.

Edited Monday at 05:52 PM by jd1923

[Jason Foster]

36 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

I like the OEM equipped sliders! Though until I added the fan, we had not used the rear slider and it’s very difficult to slide.

Laying in bed, it’s a simple one-handed slide to open and to close when it gets colder late at night. Can’t do that with an awning, lock bolts on each side, requiring you to stand up, lean over using both hands. I’ll keep our sliders and with new external rubber they are in great shape considering 10 years of age.

Now we could wish for blinds 3/4” thick vs. these clumsy things that stick out 3” into our living space, my big body or arms hitting them every night, and you can't fully lean back sideways at the dinette table. We don’t, though some have issues with them falling off on bumpy roads.

My windows are basically brand new, so I don’t have any reason to replace them. However, it seems replacing them with oem products might not be possible if for some reason they need it.  If I did need to replace one, I would likely consider the double pane acrylics.  Yes, one would look weird, so I would do them all. That would likely cost about $1,500. Not bad for an upgrade, but definitely not something I would do unless I had to. 

[rich.dev]

7 hours ago, CRM said:

Interesting... What brand is this?

Amazon, many brands but here’s just one 

https://a.co/d/1oQhfJi

[rich.dev]

7 hours ago, Jason Foster said:

Have you been able to source some that will fit the openings of your oliver?

No, I haven’t really looked much, but this could be a close fit

https://a.co/d/1oQhfJi

 

[Jason Foster]

1 hour ago, rich.dev said:

No, I haven’t really looked much, but this could be a close fit

https://a.co/d/1oQhfJi

 

I did think of another negative to the windows.  In fact, I discovered it today when I opened the window to get pictures. They stick out about face level. They do leave an impression upon the foolish or unwary.