I really don't know what the R value is, but they help with condensation, insulation and help a bit with sounds from the outside. I have them and would recommend them. But that's just MO.

Ditto all the other comments.  Keeps heat and cold out, helps with sound insulation.

I would agree with the previous comments and would get them again but you do need to plan on replacing them as the seals go. In 10 years with two different rvs, I have replaced at least 10 windows due to fogging. Have had both Hehr windows as well as Kinro (Lippert) and both fared about the same. Rvs were both purchased new.

Richard, this wasn't same person that told you about "carrying capacity varies with the number of lugs on the wheels" was it? It's true that dual panes do not add a ton of R rating (but even adding 1 to its R rating can be upto 15% more than what was there and more means less AC run time or heater run time adding up to money in your pocket), but that air gap between the panes definitely cuts interior condensation on your windows, and cuts exterior sound considerably all things being equal. Interior humidity is your evil enemy in an RV or a sticks & bricks.  You can alleviate some with proper ventilation, dual panes are a no brainer for keeping it from forming on your windows and subsequently dripping down and then into your walls if you don't stay on top of it constantly. Think mold. YUCK!

-- Edited by BiggarView on Friday 30th of September 2016 06:31:53 PM

So, to recap:

Dual pane windows are definitely worth the investment. Upsides include (a) added insulation value, (b) reduced condensation in the unit and (c) reduced level of outside noise. The only potential downside is that the windows could require replacement around the 10-year mark.

Thank you all very much for taking the time.

-Richard

Unless the RV is for occasional "weekending" don't skimp on dual pane widows.  It's all been pretty well said as to why.  The potential after many years to have to repair them is well worth the advantages.  You likely will regret not having them - especially the first morning you get up with water dripping on the inside of the rig from overnight condensation.

Our last fiver went 8+ years, with 85,000 hard road miles on it, and did not require window repair.  So, "it depends."

I am another dual pane window advocate, personally I really like them.
My Redwood came with dual pane windows standard so even though I bought off the lot, all Redwood 5th Wheels have them.
My dual pane windows are now a little over two years old with no issues yet and I move / travel year round about every two weeks so they really get a work out on these fine roads in our country.
Recently just completed a several month trip to Pensacola FL, Atlanta GA, Charleston SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Virginia Beach VA, Hammonton NJ, Cleveland OH, Shipshewana IN, Branson MO, Tupelo MS and then back to my home base in Florida for a few weeks.

I don't know how much they actually help. But I do know our current RV has them and stays just as comfortable as our house at temps in the 20's or at 105. It's 14 years old and has no fogging on any of the windows. On a new build I wonder how much it increases the cost?

Mark

Thermal pane and dual pane is the same thing. "Thermal Pane" is a brand name that has gained a certain amount of acceptance like Kleenex has become the defacto name for facial tissue. However, any type of window can be manufactured to different tolerances and, in the case of your house, with inert gas as an insulating medium between glass layers and special coatings reflect radiant solar heat. Most, if not all, RV windows come in either single or dual pane windows. I have yet to find one that uses triple pane or that uses inert gas between them, but I could be wrong. Since RV are not typically built the the same construction standards as a full fledged house, I doubt you will ever see truly energy efficient windows beyond simple dual panes owing to the cost.

JHMO, Brian