Finding quality rv windows used instead of buying them brand new can save you a mountain of cash, especially if you're working on an older rig or a custom van conversion. Let's be honest: RV parts are notoriously expensive. When you head to a dealership or an official parts website, the price tag for a simple side window can make your eyes water. That's why so many of us in the DIY community spend our weekends scouring salvage yards and online marketplaces.
Getting your hands on a used window isn't just about the money, though. If you're restoring a vintage trailer from the 70s or 80s, the manufacturer might not even exist anymore. In those cases, "used" isn't just a budget choice—it's your only choice. But before you go out and hand over your hard-earned money to some guy on Craigslist, there are a few things you really need to know to make sure you aren't buying someone else's headache.
Why Going Used Makes So Much Sense
The most obvious reason people look for rv windows used is the price. A brand-new, double-pane insulated window for a modern motorhome can easily run you $500 to $800, and that doesn't even include the shipping—which, for glass, is a nightmare. You can often find those same windows at a salvage yard for a fraction of that. If you're lucky, you might even find a complete set from a wrecked unit that looks nearly new.
Another big factor is the environmental side of things. RVs are essentially tiny houses on wheels, and they require a lot of resources to build. By repurposing windows from a unit that's been totaled or decommissioned, you're keeping perfectly good glass and aluminum out of the landfill. It's a win-win for your wallet and the planet. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction in "the hunt." Finding that perfect jalousie window for your vintage Boler or Scamp feels like winning the lottery.
Where to Actually Find Them
So, where do you start looking? You can't exactly walk into a local AutoZone and ask for a 1994 Winnebago slider. You have to get a little bit more creative.
RV Salvage Yards (The Boneyards)
This is the gold mine. There are massive RV salvage yards scattered across the country—places like Visone RV in Kentucky or various "boneyards" in Arizona and Florida. These places are heaven for DIYers. They take in crashed units, burnt-out trailers, and insurance write-offs, then strip them for parts. Most of these yards have a huge inventory of rv windows used for almost every make and model imaginable.
The best part about salvage yards is that you can often see the window before you buy it. If you're lucky enough to live near one, you can bring your old window or your measurements and compare them right there on the spot. Some yards will even let you pull the part yourself, which can save you even more money.
Online Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are the big three here. Facebook is particularly great because you can join specific RV "part-out" groups. People who are gutting an old camper to turn it into a utility trailer often sell off the windows for dirt cheap just to get rid of them.
The downside to buying online is shipping. Shipping glass is risky, and it's heavy. If you're buying a used window on eBay, the shipping cost might actually be more than the window itself. Whenever possible, try to find someone local so you can do a porch pickup and inspect the glass in person.
Crucial Things to Inspect Before You Pay
Buying rv windows used comes with risks. You aren't getting a warranty, and "all sales are final" is pretty much the golden rule of the used parts world. You need to be your own quality control.
Check the Seals and Gaskets
The glass itself is usually fine, but the rubber gaskets and the seals are what usually fail. Look for signs of "creeping"—this is when the seal between double-pane windows starts to fail, leading to that foggy, milky look inside the glass. If a double-pane window is foggy, it's a huge pain to fix. You're better off passing on it. Also, feel the rubber trim. If it's rock hard or cracking, you'll need to factor in the cost and time of replacing those seals.
Frame Integrity
RV walls flex a lot during travel, and if a used window came out of a crashed rig, the frame might be slightly warped. Even a tiny bend in the aluminum frame can make it impossible to get a watertight seal when you install it. Lay the window on a flat surface to make sure it sits flush. If it wobbles, it's bent.
The Operation
Don't just look at it—operate it. If it's a slider, does it slide smoothly, or does it grind? If it's a crank-out (awning style), does the mechanism still work, or is the gear stripped? Finding replacement crank mechanisms for old windows can be a nightmare, so make sure the one attached to it actually functions.
The "Measure Twice, Cry Once" Rule
This is where most people mess up. When you're looking for rv windows used, you need to measure the "rough opening," not the outside frame. The rough opening is the actual hole in the side of the RV.
If you measure the exterior flange (the part that sits on the outside of the wall), you're going to end up with a window that's too small for your hole. Take out your old window if you can, and measure the hole width and height. Also, check the corner radius. Some RV windows have "square" corners, but most have rounded corners with a specific radius (usually 3 inches or something similar). If the radius doesn't match your opening, you're going to have a gap in the corners that's nearly impossible to seal correctly.
Installation Tips for Used Windows
Once you've found your perfect used window, the installation is what stands between you and a dry, draft-free interior. Since you're dealing with a used part, you might not have the original mounting hardware.
Always use Butyl tape. Don't rely on hardware store silicone. Silicone doesn't handle the vibration of the road very well and eventually peels away from the aluminum. Butyl tape stays sticky and flexible for years. Apply a thick layer around the inner flange, press the window into place, and tighten the interior trim ring until the tape starts to ooze out the sides.
Wait a day for it to settle, then trim the excess tape with a plastic putty knife. This creates a gasket that will handle thousands of miles of highway vibration without leaking a drop.
Restoring a Used Window
Sometimes you find a window that's the perfect size but looks a bit rough. Don't let a little oxidation on the aluminum frame scare you off. A bit of fine steel wool and some aluminum polish can bring a dull, pitted frame back to a mirror finish.
If the glass has light scratches, you can actually use a glass polishing kit (the kind they use for car windshields) to buff them out. It's a bit of elbow grease, but it's worth it when you consider you're saving hundreds of dollars over the cost of a new replacement.
Final Thoughts
Searching for rv windows used can feel like a bit of a chore, especially when you just want to get your rig back on the road. But the savings and the chance to find the exact part for an older camper make it well worth the effort. Just remember to bring your measuring tape, check those seals for fogging, and never settle for a warped frame.
With a little patience and a keen eye, you can find exactly what you need to keep your RV looking great and, more importantly, keeping the rain out where it belongs. Happy hunting!