What Are RV Window Rain Guards?
Just because it’s raining out doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy having the windows open in your RV.
RV window rain guards (also called wind deflectors) are designed so that you can open the windows of your motorhome by a few inches while they protect the interior of your RV from wind and rain. Having RV window rain guards can also help improve the fuel efficiency of your rig by deflecting wind over the exterior of your vehicle instead of into it, reducing drag.
Rain guards for motorhomes
Rain guards (like these) are designed to mount on the driver and passenger side front windows of trucks, which makes them suitable for all classes of motorhomes. They are only effective at keeping rain out if the windows are only open a few inches. With a little imagination, they could work on certain travel trailer windows as well.
Owners of towable RVs may have to work a little harder to find solutions for keeping the rain out. This is because there just aren’t a lot of ready-made solutions for fifth wheels or travel trailers. Maxxair discontinued the Maxxair Louvre window vent, a favorite with fiberglass travel trailer owners. This simple vent system could be easily popped into vertical window openings to allow circulation in the trailer without the rain getting in.
There haven’t been any similar products since Maxxair discontinued this product. However, some owners of travel trailers with windows with horizontal openings have found that they can successfully use vehicle window rain guards to help protect their open windows from dripping rain.
The video below shows how the owner of a Runaway camper used an automobile sunroof wind deflector to protect his trailer windows from the rain.
Installing RV rain guards is easy to do, and the way they go in is super straightforward. Always wait until you are ready to install them on your RV before you take the protective strip off the adhesive. If you are installing in-channel rain guards, you’ll follow the same instructions as exterior-mounted rain guards except for Step 5.
How to install RV window rain guards
- Clean the area above the windows where the rain guard is going to be installed with soapy water and rinse.
- Use a towel to dry the area or allow it to air dry.
- Use alcohol on a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe the area where the rain guard will go. This will remove any remaining residue.
- Allow it to thoroughly dry.
- Measure exactly where you want the rain guard. Use the rain guard and a torpedo level. Mark it carefully with a water based marker.
- Now take the protective strip off of the rain guard’s adhesive tape.
- Carefully line the window guard up with the line you drew and press into place for about 60 seconds, or according to the manufacturer’s directions.
RVers looking for valuable how-to information have learned to go to the experts. Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.
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