Frosted/tinted door window

[Claudiaj]

Our new 2016 Airstream FC FB has a frosted/tinted door window which makes it impossible to see who is knocking on the door or just plain taking in the view. Also, we like to keep an eye out for out lab, who just loves to lounge in front of the door. Has any one had experience replacing the door window with just a tinted window like the rest of the windows in the airstream? Any suggestions? I'm not sure why Airstream would use a window you can't see out of, when the rest of the windows are all view friendly. I have not been able to find anything addressing this on the forum.

[AWCHIEF]

Not too long ago there was a company advertising lightly tinted window replacements for the door. Try a Google search for that.

[idroba]

The window is a one piece aluminum framed frosted, tinted glass material. It is factory built with the frame and glass fabricated as a one piece unit, the glass is not replaceable in general. Airstream makes no other. The only way to replace it would be to remove all of the rivets which hold it in place, and fabricate some curved clear glass to fit into the original frame, then re rivet it into the door. A major job. Now, if someone already makes a framed window with another type of glass (I have not seen what AWCHIEF refers to) it would not be quite as difficult, but still, all the door glass frame rivets would have to be replaced. This also would probably require the interior door skin to be removed.

It is one of those things that Airstream does that you essentially must live with.

For years I have wanted Airstream to have a clear glass option on all windows (not tinted), but they simply don't have it. Another thing that must be lived with.

[Tn Traveler]

It seems plausible that the glass is translucent because it is difficult to have shades are draperies on it. The screen door snugs quiet tightly with the door. A clear window at times would be better, but provide no privacy when needed. I rather like the obscuree glass.

[DougHart352]

Many have installed plexi glass inside of the screen so the door can be left open in most weather with screen door closed. It lets in light and makes for good visibility.

[centennialman]

I actually like it for privacy and can see who is at the door by looking out one of the kitchen windows. At first I wondered if I would like it but have grown accustomed to it and it provides more privacy when you are sitting at the table or in the front bed area.

[idroba]

Originally Posted by Tn Traveler

It seems plausible that the glass is translucent because it is difficult to have shades are draperies on it. The screen door snugs quiet tightly with the door. A clear window at times would be better, but provide no privacy when needed. I rather like the obscuree glass.

For what it is worth, older Airstreams with clear glass windows in the doors had a built in shade between the outer glass and the inner door metal. It was a real PITA to raise and lower, and when the snap latch gave way (it always did) the repair was difficult as it required the door inner metal to be removed. So, Airstream apparently just decided on the more permanent obscure glass for all doors with windows in them.