Rear window or Ledgestone Fireplace?

[Stingray75]

We're looking at ordering a 331RETS but can't decide on the rear wall configuration. STD is a rear entertainment and nice large rear window with the Ledgestone Fireplace as an option. We've seen the Std but haven't been able to see the Ledgestone first hand - photos look great. Our concern is that loosing the big rear window will make it pretty dark inside - especially with the Brownstone colors. Thoughts? Experiences?

[dlfeather]

Look at what I did to our 330rlts. The DW loves what I was able to do. The link is in my signature. We do like the big picture window.

[Rustic Eagle]

The 331RETS is a real nice floor plan with or without the fireplace. However, I tend to agree it sure is nice having the large rear window with the darker interiors, and I would see more use of the large rear window then a fireplace. I also prefer perimeter sites to take advantage of the view through the rear window.

Bob

[Yamerhammer]

Check with your dealer. You should be able to get the fireplace and the big rear window. The tv will hide behind the fire place when not being used. When you are watching tv or just have it up and not on, you still have more window to look out of than with the ledgestone. That is what we have on our 361REQS and love the big rear window. But when it is all said and done its what you like. You will enjoy it either way!!!

[Stingray75]

Sorry for not being clearer. You can get the fireplace in the std rear entertainment layout. The Ledgestone changes it to a full wall "stone" unit with a larger TV mounted over a fireplace. The TV on the Std hides in the entertainment unit where the Ledgestone has the TV always in the open.

Odd that the fireplace option when added to the std I'd over $1000 but the Ledgestone fireplace option is $700 and change

[sailor]

We opted for the regular fireplace and the larger rear window. We do not use the television much and like the more light and open feeling that the window provides. It is a matter of individual preference. I suspect the cost difference between the regular fireplace and the ledgestone comes from the cost of the larger window versus the cost of some fake rock.

[norty1]

We have both with the 351rlts fp.

[mwest75]

The fireplace is impressive. We almost went with this model. After comparing both we ended up picking the one with the fireplace. In the end we stepped down a model due to the cost difference.

[dzwiss]

We would not like to be without the rear window, or the extra storage where the fireplace would go. We use a Vornado heater in place of a fireplace, less ambiance but the same amount of heat. The circuitry for the fireplace is still there for the heater.

[robkelly]

We really liked the large rear window but opted for the fireplace for a few reasons: bigger TV (40" vs. 32"), ambiance, lift mechanism for the non-fireplace TV seemed very cheap and flimsy.

[DMRGMC]

We wanted the big window and the fireplace but the option was more expensive than the ledgestone with no window and really small side windows. Instead we bought an insert from Costco. It was part of s glass tv stand that was half price and less expensive than just buying an insert. I removed the centre face frame and installed the insert finishing the project with wood and materials I had on hand. There was a dedicated ac receptacle plumbed in already with a hole drilled to run the cord. I didn't even have to remove the 1/4" plywood between the insert and the tv. There is no concern for fire safety in that the only heat is emitted from the top front grill where the resistance heat and fan are located. The rest of the unit remains cool to the touch. When searching for the proper insert I kept in mind the dimensions of the cavity it had to fit in and the clearances for the slides. Total cost was $150.00 for the insert, materials I had in my workshop and about 8 hours. When we trade for new I will return the original equipment.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by DMRGMC

We wanted the big window and the fireplace but the option was more expensive than the ledgestone with no window and really small side windows. Instead we bought an insert from Costco. It was part of s glass tv stand that was half price and less expensive than just buying an insert. I removed the centre face frame and installed the insert finishing the project with wood and materials I had on hand. There was a dedicated ac receptacle plumbed in already with a hole drilled to run the cord. I didn't even have to remove the 1/4" plywood between the insert and the tv. There is no concern for fire safety in that the only heat is emitted from the top front grill where the resistance heat and fan are located. The rest of the unit remains cool to the touch. When searching for the proper insert I kept in mind the dimensions of the cavity it had to fit in and the clearances for the slides. Total cost was $150.00 for the insert, materials I had in my workshop and about 8 hours. When we trade for new I will return the original equipment.

I sure would like to see a pic of your mod. It sounds interesting.

[djalbrec]

We really like the rear window. TV size wasn't important. Without the rear window, it is pretty dark inside.

[dzwiss]

Originally Posted by djalbrec

We really like the rear window. TV size wasn't important. Without the rear window, it is pretty dark inside.

Also, many times the rear window is the view window.

[Stingray75]

We've really come to appreciate the large curb side window in our current 313RKS and the bright interior. We've found that we can generally score a site that gives us a side view just as often as a rear view. The 331 has large windows on the curb side with the benifit of the dinette in front of one. Wanting to not risk being too dark, the "condo" configuration wins over the "up-nort cabin" look. Time to go make a deal. Thanks for sharing the thoughts and mods

[norty1]

Our rig came with the 40" flat screen that goes down behind the fp. You are right about that often being the best view and natural light source.

[Bearles]

We have a very different model but part of our decision was the large rear window, never regretted the decision, cant buy the view.

[DMRGMC]

Originally Posted by norty1

I sure would like to see a pic of your mod. It sounds interesting.

I will post some pictures eventually Norty. I will have to wait for some warm weather in a few months when I can open the slides. I'll also have to figure out how to post pictures.