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Old 11-28-2014, 10:00 PM   #1
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Why no front window on Travel Trailers Anymore

We used to have a Wilderness TT and many of the older TTs had a window on the front of the trailer that was just above the bed, where a headboard would be. They would have a fiberglass panel that would cover the window and act as a rock shield when travelling, and when opened up at the campground, the cover would act as an awning.

But very few (none?) of the models from the past several years seem to have a front window. I really miss that window for several reasons.
  • Better ventilation
  • More light when you want it
  • Being able to see out the front of the trailer
  • Being able to hear the sounds of nature when boondocking

Why have they done away with the front windows?
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Old 11-28-2014, 10:02 PM   #2
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This is the window I want.
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Old 11-28-2014, 10:25 PM   #3
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Great question. I have no idea, but I have some guesses...
Leakage?
Weight?
The manufacturer doesn't make the frames?

Total guesses
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Old 11-29-2014, 12:23 AM   #4
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All of the Airstreams still have them and I'll admit, they add quite a bit to the interior ambiance.
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Old 11-29-2014, 07:25 AM   #5
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I never liked the front window. It's more susceptible to leaking when you drive in the rain, it isn't as insulated as the walls and lets more heat in the summer and cold in the spring/fall making the bedroom uncomfortable. It lets in a LOT of light early in the morning too. The bride and I like to sleep past sunrise, and we need all the help we can get keeping our 2 year old asleep in the morning.
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Old 11-29-2014, 07:51 AM   #6
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Probably many reasons - cost, design constraints, aerodynamics...
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Old 11-29-2014, 08:14 AM   #7
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Looks like the shift is to the rear of the trailer and many of the new units have living rooms. The rear makes more sense to me because I back into the view weather it be the ocean or river. The front is always street side view,at least for me anyway.
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Old 11-29-2014, 09:42 AM   #8
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I too had a wilderness with the front window. The wife and I both miss it in our jayco.
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Old 11-29-2014, 10:55 AM   #9
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I had a front window in my 2007 Jayflight. I would suspect that water intrusion when driving at high speeds is the reason for not seeing as many.
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Old 11-29-2014, 01:33 PM   #10
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I have 2 windows on the front of my 40FER.

Notice also the lack of windows on the front overhang of class "C" motorhomes.
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Old 11-29-2014, 03:47 PM   #11
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As is usually the answer, I'm positive that dollars are the reason. More specifically, the front windows causing dollars to fall off of the manufacturers bottom line.
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Old 11-29-2014, 04:27 PM   #12
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We don't care for the front window, we had a mallard TT and the window always leaked when it rained,and than the fiberglass widow cover cracked...
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Old 11-29-2014, 08:10 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey02 View Post
We used to have a Wilderness TT and many of the older TTs had a window on the front of the trailer that was just above the bed, where a headboard would be. They would have a fiberglass panel that would cover the window and act as a rock shield when travelling, and when opened up at the campground, the cover would act as an awning.

But very few (none?) of the models from the past several years seem to have a front window. I really miss that window for several reasons.
  • Better ventilation
  • More light when you want it
  • Being able to see out the front of the trailer
  • Being able to hear the sounds of nature when boondocking

Why have they done away with the front windows?
Well actually they do. it may not be a unit of floor plan you desire but the Jayco 185RB does in fact have a front window and outside cover/rock guard that can open or be closed for privacy and especially for travel...
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Old 11-29-2014, 08:23 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by LBL 1206 View Post
Well actually they do. it may not be a unit of floor plan you desire but the Jayco 185RB does in fact have a front window and outside cover/rock guard that can open or be closed for privacy and especially for travel...
OK thanks, but I did say very few in my original post, along with wondering if any had front windows. So you did answer that any question. But that just begs the question: If they can put a front window on this unit, then aren't they concerned about leaking on this very basic unit? (If leaking is really why they quit putting front windows on almost all of their other units).

Still seems strange that they had been putting front windows on many/most units for 30 some years and now they don't.

I've adjusted, but would appreciate a view and better ventilation during the camping season.
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Old 11-30-2014, 09:03 AM   #15
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Leaks!! Any opening or penetration in an RV is an opportunity for a leak. Seals etc are at best attempts to prevent leaks from 70 mph highway winds etc. The fact that in most setups, the TT front is facing toward the road, is another strong reason that it is not a highly demanded feature in a TT layout. In the end, they cost $$ to add into a design and the frontal opening is suseptable to leaks.
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Old 11-30-2014, 10:39 AM   #16
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A handyman can easily install a front window. Those front windows you can buy complete with cover through the dealer or search the web. Ask Jayco for a print out of the front studding design. Otherwise you have to look at the staple markings on the paneling. You have to cut the studs and put a header and bottom plate in. For sealing the window use automotive butyl tape which is better than the construction grade.
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Old 11-30-2014, 10:48 AM   #17
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Front Window

I had an Eagle 282FKS, with a front window, and had leak issues, dealer repaired several times. I have a 2010 322FKS Eagle, with solid glass window, (282 had a window that opened), and no issues with the window in the present model. Noticed the 2015 Eagle Front Kitchen does not have a window, hope they added more light. I am sure it was the leak issues.

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Old 11-30-2014, 06:10 PM   #18
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Most trailers now have onepiece Fiberglass on the front(Less time& labor!).
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Old 11-30-2014, 10:51 PM   #19
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As mentioned, easier to assemble without a window and a lot cheaper.
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Old 12-01-2014, 07:00 AM   #20
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It may also have something to do with adding cabinet space inside
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