Preventing Window Cracks...

[tisosy11]

What is the best way to prevent window cracks? I was reading in another location warning people to be careful because when its this cold, its easier for windows to crack.

I have a fairly new X2. Should I worry about the windows cracking and at what temperature???

What are things that can be done to better insure yourself against cracked windows.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[sjburnt]

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[blueroof]

 Originally Posted By: tisosy11

I have a fairly new X2.

I've used my X2 a bunch in subzero temps, no problems with cracking yet. LB

[slipperybob]

moisture and frozen ice on those vinyl windows...you fold then frozen, and then you unfold them too quickly, it'll crack on you.

[tisosy11]

So best advice I can get is - when folding up my flip over...make sure the windows lay as flat as possible.

I think i can manage that.

Hopefully the fish will be active this weekend!!!

[jwhjr]

I haven't had issues with my Otter Lodge windows cracking, but both of them in my Frabill Ultra Lite have cracked. The plastic seems to be different between the two.

[Koldfront Kraig]

Dont try to scrape the frost off either.

[Scott K]

Dont let them get heat distorted (wrinkled) from a heater, this will make them brittle in the cold.

[Northlander]

My new Otter Ice Camo house has a new window material that is very plyable and I think it will be the cure for the broken/cracked window syndrom some people have experienced. I think the new Fishtraps and X2 have the same windows this year. Anyone know for sure?

[rockman]

Yep, trying to get the frost off could/will cause a problem.I found out the hard way, on a older model Fishtrap.

[Kyle Sandberg]

I would agree with an above poster. The best way to keep you windows from cracking is by laying them flat after collasping you shelter.

Fish Traps do seem to have pretty good windows tho. I was out tonight in -10 and the windows still felt plyable to me.

[rockman]

That Fishtrap I cracked the window in was a one man model I bought in 1995.I think the window material now is much better than those early generation houses.A guy still has to be careful with the house/windows in cold weather, even with todays models.

[slipperybob]

I think the windows are all made of clear vinyl. Could some be made of different material?

[EyeSkater]

Never had any problems with the windows cracking on the better units I've owned. My advice is keep hands off your windows when it is cold. When setting up or pulling down, just go gentle and don't be forceful with them if it is very cold. Avoid extremely tight folds too. Did I mention: keep your hands off them! lol..

'Eye-Skater

[tisosy11]

Fished roughly 20 hours this weekend up on Pelican Lake north of Brainerd. Had no problem with the windows and house held up great. The bite was pretty good, however no real size to anything except a couple Crappies. Walleyes and Perch were all relatively small.

Looks like the X2 passed its first and hardest test in a while i would imagine...

[dilleyo]

I don't know for sure, but I recently purchased a "Wild 3" that Otter makes and my windows were frozen all to heck on Saturday. It was so cold when I packed it up that I didn't even think about taking any extra precaution with the windows. I took it out of the back of my truck in the garage after work today (I always keep all my stuff with me "just in case") and they were fine. Another thing that is nice about them is that they aren't permanent. They are held in by velcro and could be replaced very easily if they ever did crack. I'm not sure if the other otter shacks are like that as well.

[sodajerk]

The windows in my FT Pro came through what will probably be the coldest weekend of the year with flying colors. They got really cold and frosted up but there was no cracking or any other trouble, though I do wish they were a little clearer to look through.

I like that idea about the Otter windows being held in with velcro for easy replacement if necessary. Fish Trap windows are sewn in with double rows of stitching. Replacing them would be a bit of a chore.

[slipperybob]

Velcrowed windows are awesome...really helps for fresh air. Besides I like taking velcrowed windows off before packing away.

[dilleyo]

Great idea....I don't know why I didn't think about that. I might have to do it just as a precaution. Thanks for the tip.

[swedishpimple]

Go to your local Home Depot. In the "Hardware Department" you will find a weatherstripping aisle. There should be an "all-weather" tape there made by Frost King. It is in a roll about the same size as duct tape. It is crystal clear and sticks in all climates.

It works great to fix windows and to preven them from cracking. I have it on my Quick-Flip III after 2 broke...no problems since then.

[Dave]

When folding up, don't push on the windows. And, like already suggested, lay the windows as flat as you can.