Casita emergency exit window inoperable

[RollinMike]

Anyone find a trailer (Casita in this case) that has an emergency exit window that does not open like it should? I am likely going to replace the entire window for safety. One of the handles is not disengaging the mechanism. Be careful who you buy a Casita from. There is a serious need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection on these to find all the problems.


Also have another window that doesn't lock right. It looks like it was poorly made from the factory. It doesn't close far enough for the lock to engage. The window is too long. It is too wide for the lock to work.


Great time to remove all these low quality windows Casita uses and put in thermal windows.

[ShelbyM]

Originally Posted by RollinMike

Anyone find a trailer (Casita in this case) that has an emergency exit window that does not open like it should? I am likely going to replace the entire window for safety. One of the handles is not disengaging the mechanism. Be careful who you buy a Casita from. There is a serious need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection on these to find all the problems.


Also have another window that doesn't lock right. It looks like it was poorly made from the factory. It doesn't close far enough for the lock to engage. The window is too long. It is too wide for the lock to work.


Great time to remove all these low quality windows Casita uses and put in thermal windows.

It's unlikely your window glass is anything other than standard unless a prior owner bodged a replacement. Check the channel and the latch mechanism for obstruction. Please post when you install the thermal windows.

[Casita Greg]

[QUOTE=Great time to remove all these low quality windows Casita uses and put in thermal windows. [/QUOTE]

Well, they certainly aren't "low quality" windows, and when you price them, you'll find that out. It's also doubtful that you'll save a nickel on energy efficiency by installing double pane windows in a totally uninsulated trailer, (rat fur on the walls is not insulation,) but go ahead if you want to. To me, that would be a total waste of money, but that's just me. As to the windows not latching properly, it is a well documented problem on many Casitas, usually attributable to the "rocker latch" mechanism not being in total alignment with the cut-out in the middle stile of the window frame to allow it to engage properly. Sometimes a little minor filing with a thin Dremel circular blade to slightly widen that slit in the window frame cures that problem. And, many times, it usually takes a good "slam" when pushing it to the closed position to overcome the resistance of the window weather stripping, so that the cut-out will receive the latch mechanism properly.

[JoelInTexas]

Most of the complaints with Casita emergency exit windows I've seen were due to not actually opening the exit occasionally.

With disuse, they get sticky.

[RollinMike]

It's not sticky. One of the latches is broken. Offending latch handle has a different pin than the other. Likely broke and someone "fixed it" like using Zep floor shine on your chalky fiberglass. The latch isn't hooked up to the mechanism. You can feel the difference between the two handles.



You can call it an uninsulated trailer too but the reason it is cold is because of the multiple low quality giant single pane windows that don't even seal, open, close or lock properly. They don't even stop bugs from getting in. Did you read the title of this thread?


It's really just lazy for Casita to leave the floor uninsulated. It wouldn't take more than a few minutes at the factory. Floor and windows are the worst part. They raise prices but don't really offer that much improved. This trailer isn't very old. It shouldn't have any problem whatsoever with the windows in the first 10 years if they were quality.

[JoelInTexas]

You should sell your Casita, and buy something else.

Seriously.

[ShelbyM]

Yep, not a promising beginning. Trailer ownership doesn't suit everyone.

[RollinMike]

Tell that to the Texan who cut the wire to the propane alarm so it doesn't go off. Propane is leaking inside like crazy. Anyone got any Zep floor shine?

[David NY]

I too just discovered this problem. 2020 Liberty deluxe. Used, never tried the window until this week. Seems left handle not letting window open. Will look more into it.
Casita told me Lippert Components is the manufacturer.
I sent them an email asking for a new handle just in case. Will keep you updated.

[Casita Greg]

Not a big fan of that so-called exit window from the get-go, but mine works. Yeah, the RVIA codes require an emergency escape route other than the main entry door, and that it must be installed as far opposite to the main entry as can be installed, hence the reason it is even installed there at all. I would never use it as an exit though. I view that "emergency exit" window as downright dangerous anyway. The rear window is larger, and more accomodating to me, so that would be my preferred exit path if I couldn't use the entry door. (Like that would ever happen either, in a fiberglass trailer shell that only measures 13 1/2 feet from bow to stern.) You're never more than two steps from anywhere inside to get to the door. But if I needed an "alternate" means of egress, the rear window, (along with my Stow-Away rear mounted storage box,) would be my back door. I can just slide the window open and scoot my butt out the window using the Stow-Away box as slide, and arrive on terra firma standing up, instead of trying to vacate out the so-called exit window, probably landing on my head and breaking my neck. I think that exiting standing up would be more dignified. Just my view. (And as to the window screen? What screen? It would be the least of any impediment to me getting out. Like it's not even there.)

[David NY]

Thanks CS, as a newbi and a lurker for a while i picked up many of your opinions especially with the stow away. I too agree about using the larger window. I’m just bummed out about the latch not working. The casita has been sitting in my driveway for last year and half until I finally towed it last week. Now I’ve been getting ready checking things. The broken door lock threads got me thinking. All good.
Love your set up.

[ShelbyM]

Guess we'll never know if RollinMike was able to move on to a better quality trailer.

[jerrybob]

I hope he bought a nice stick built trailer.....talk bout problems!

[David NY]

Long very long day. Reported it on casita forum.
But I loosened up the egress screws. Bad idea. They don’t really tighten. Seems like they are supposed to slide with the handle? Just my guess.

Side note. Water pressure blew kitchen faucet off.
I’m a real owner now,

[David NY]

Oh boy. I saw the plate behind it moved. Stupid is what stupid does. Wife gonna be angry.

[David NY]

Ok, sorry for blabbing. Got the egress window open. Now to put it all back together. I hate puzzles.

[Meira]

Hi David!
I just bought my 2002 Casita and was considering opening the egress window. It’s been a couple months since your adventure with it, did everything turn out ok? I’m afraid to hurt mine lol

[Casita Greg]

And just one more thing regarding that silly exit window. Be careful when you open the slider for ventilation, since the bug screen will usually follow it when you slide it open. When you wake up bitten by every mosquito within flying range occupying the inside of your trailer, you won't make that mistake twice. Always check to be sure that the screen is shut if you slide the window open.

[David NY]

Originally Posted by Meira

Hi David!
I just bought my 2002 Casita and was considering opening the egress window. It’s been a couple months since your adventure with it, did everything turn out ok? I’m afraid to hurt mine lol

I was too and slowly kept nudging it open. The frame flexed a bit then it popped open on the hinges.

I think it’s wise to have someone on the outside keeping a little pressure on it so you don’t pop it out to hard. I took a chance and got lucky. Good luck.

[Casita Greg]

Originally Posted by RollinMike

It's not sticky. One of the latches is broken. Offending latch handle has a different pin than the other. Likely broke and someone "fixed it" like using Zep floor shine on your chalky fiberglass. The latch isn't hooked up to the mechanism. You can feel the difference between the two handles.



You can call it an uninsulated trailer too but the reason it is cold is because of the multiple low quality giant single pane windows that don't even seal, open, close or lock properly. They don't even stop bugs from getting in. Did you read the title of this thread?


It's really just lazy for Casita to leave the floor uninsulated. It wouldn't take more than a few minutes at the factory. Floor and windows are the worst part. They raise prices but don't really offer that much improved. This trailer isn't very old. It shouldn't have any problem whatsoever with the windows in the first 10 years if they were quality.

Dude! You live in Alaska! Did you think that the single-walled trailer would be a warm cozy cabin? Duh!