Window Latch 2015 Casita

[Jerrymcs]

My window's have their own mind as they periodically, partially open when we are in transit. They don't do it every times, but frequently.

I just spent all day drying out a mattress due to a window opened during a rainstorm. No fun!

I don't see an easy fix such as tightening the latch. Suggestions?

[Eddie Longest]

Get an adjustable spring loaded curtain rod. Put between the sliding window and frame during transit. Wal-Mart sells them.
Eddie
Just an example, shorter ones are available.
https://www.amazon.com/Kenney-Spring...in+rod+tension

[mary and bob]

A wood dowel cut to the correct length and laid in the window track should work

[WendyW]

I had the same problem with my back window. What works for me is to open the window about halfway and slam it shut, then lock it. Now it stays put.

Wendy W.

[steve dunham]

We use a metal binder clip to keep our Casita windows in place.
Available at an office supply store .Works well for us plus their cheap , about $1 each.

[Casita Greg]

The problem is not that the window has a lack of a curtain rod, paper clip or wooden dowel to keep it closed. Those are "work-arounds" that don't address the real problem, which is the slit that was cut into the window frame, where the latch blade should be going into, isn't aligned properly, and so the window latch doesn't engage properly in the slit. The solution is to take a Dremel tool and widen the slit where needed to allow it to enter the locking slit. With the window fully closed, look at where your latch is hitting and you will see where you need to remove a little bit of the material so the latch engages the cutout as it should.

[Jon in AZ]

Maybe that's the problem with Casitas, Greg, but in my Scamp the latches fit perfectly into the slots, and they can still vibrate open in transit. I have found inserting the latch into the slot and pulling the window back just a tad to put pressure on the latch usually works. But any of the solutions suggested would be more secure. I like the binder clip idea because it's small to store when you get to camp. I think I've got a few of those lying around...

The problem I see is that the design does not have any kind of positive latch; it relies on friction. Road vibration has a way of overcoming friction. My roof vent will also vibrate open if I don't crank it down pretty tightly.

[Casita Greg]

I agree Jon, that there's a lot of truth in the fact that many of those window latches aren't the best design for staying shut. Like you said, they are a friction fit in the slot instead of being a positive latching mechanism. Casitas seem to have a pretty good "history" of windows not staying shut, particularly the rear one, (of course that's probably the worst one for the station wagon effect, where it pulls all the dust and dirt inside.) While I haven't had this problem personally, I do know of many owners who do have, or have had, this problem. I think that a lot of it could be addressed at the factory with a little better QA and attention to detail on checking for those types of conditions.

[Jerrymcs]

I am so thankful for each of your suggestions, and quite frankly a little bit relieved that I wasn't the only one who had experienced these problems. I love my Casita but it does seem like this would be a relatively easy design fix for all those who follow us. Maybe they will take a looks a it.

I can't begin to express my appreciation for those of you who take the time to reply on this forum. It is a blessings and speaks to your kindness and consideration for others. Have a great 2017 summer!

[YMS137]

Originally Posted by WendyW

I had the same problem with my back window. What works for me is to open the window about halfway and slam it shut, then lock it. Now it stays put.

Wendy W.

This worked for me. I just wasn’t slaming it closed hard enough!