We have an Ace Award Tristar 2004.
Love the caravan but the front windows have the star shaped scarring. I have googled this and it appears that it was a problem with some caravans made during this period. Apparently , while towing above 60mph the gap between the two parts of the window become compressed and cause the 'starring'.We don't tow above 60 and I am not too bothered about it but it is getting worse and spreading. Could someone confirm that this is just cosmetic and that the windows will remain safe please? Also can I still get replacements if the need arises?
Thanks for any advice anyone might have. I will also contact Swift and post any reply I get in case it helps anyone else with the same problem. :-(
I'm not sure about the shape of a star, I suppose it depends on your window shape. Our front central one went under warranty and was replaced with a thicker, slightly bowed-out one. We had a haze in the centre, rather like condensation mist, about 10" across and caused by rubbing as described.
If it's similar and not cracking then it is purely cosmetic only.
I believe the makers (Polyplastic in Holland) had a deal whereby they stood about half the cost, that may have lapsed now but they are quite expensive items especially if you need a few, have you tried the second-hand market?
Its not just your road speed, you also have to considder the wind speed and direction (head-on) as well, therefore it can happen well below 60 MPH.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Thank you so much for replying. TBH as long as it is only cosmetic , I can live with it ...it is only the 3 front windows .
It only shows when the sun is on the front windows , all the others are fine. We didn't notice it when we bought it ..it's long out of warranty but sailed through the service ( which had last been done in 2010).
Dave , we tow with a CRV , would that help the wind deflection or make it worse?
Our front windows have the same issue. I was told it was from the air flow when towing (the outside window getting pressed onto the inner window) especially if the towing car was lower than the windows. The last owner towed with a Freelander so not sure how true this is.
This was a common problem with windows deflecting.When we bought a new Bailey we had the front centre window replaced twice under warranty in the first 18 months.They then modified the windows and the next one was fine.We had white spots appear inside them where they touched.Supplier of windows for caravan is Miraid products.
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Topic: windows `flexing`
