In 1940, Hehr introduced their 1st generation windows paving a new innovative way for consumers to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of their camper. It wasn’t until 1947, when Hehr introduces their Standard 14, 18, 21 and their Clearview 10, and Hall-Mark 12 & 17 series windows did the world of RV window manufacturing changed forever.
The introduction of these new windows paved the way for modern design, and opened a whole new world of manufacturing into the weatherstripping industry.
Below, we’re going to walk through some of those changes over the years, bringing to light some of the seals you might come across when repairing or restoring a vintage camper.
In 1950 Hehr introduced their second generation Standard Window which were used on Airstream and Canned Ham type trailers throughout the 1950s.
The standard window seal was used along the edge to keep the glass securely in place between the frame and glass clip. It seals the opening between the window glass pane and the aluminum window frame. The flat part of the backframe gasket provides a seal between the trailer skin and the window/utility door frame while the bubble seal provides a seal between the window pane/utility door and the aluminum frame.
The introduction of the Jalousie window was Hehr’s first ever louvered, multi-pane window. In 1955 Jalousie windows became a popular choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. These windows paved the way for more modern day “awning” or crank style windows.
During the production of Jalousie windows, 2 different seals were used – the D Seal and Wedge Seal. Both styles of seal were used as the top and bottom seal on Series 1600 windows. Unfortunately, these seals are not interchangeable. The arrow head on the wedge seal is larger than the one on the D Seal meaning that the channel along the window can only accept one or the other depending on the width of the channel.
In addition to the 2 main seals, retainer discs were also used behind the window panes to keep the glass from rattling during travel, and protect the glass if they slammed shut.
There were 2 different sizes of Pile Weatherstrip used, so be mindful of the correct sizing when restoring your vintage trailer. Pile weatherstrip slides into the aluminum channel in the aluminum frame of the Hehr Series 1600 1626 Jalousie windows.
By the time 1960 rolled around, several series of multi-pane windows had been introduced by Hehr. The Hall-Mark Jalousie Series 1600 and 1626, and the Lite Aire Louver Series 2400, 2401, 1100 and 1110 all utilized retainer discs in their design.
These discs are squeezed between the glass and aluminum window frame to hold the glass in the window.
In 1965, when the Clearview 10 and 1001 were introduced, Hehr also started using glazing weatherstripping. Glazing strips are used to provide a seal between the glass pane and aluminum window frame.
In 1970, a new type of wedge seal was introduced – called the “closing” seal. It was utilized on the Hall-Mark 17, and 1701 style windows. This seal fits along the top, hinge side of the awning
