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angellhill · 08-21-2011, 11:59 AM

I'm new to this, so if this is the wrong forum I apologize. Trying to get as much info as I can before buying an AS. When or on what models did the panoramic windows become available? So many trailers have the small windows front/back. Not many on sides either.

overlander64 · 08-21-2011, 12:08 PM

Greetings AngelHill!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Airstreaming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by angellhill

I'm new to this, so if this is the wrong forum I apologize. Trying to get as much info as I can before buying an AS. When or on what models did the panoramic windows become available? So many trailers have the small windows front/back. Not many on sides either.

The Panoramic Windows (clear only) were introduced in 1971 as a feature on the new 1972 Argosy coaches. Initially, they were only used on the front of the coach. When the rear bedroom floorplans were added around 1975, the Panoramic Windows were added to the rear of the coach to denote the presence of the rear bedroom.

The Panoramic Windows (Solar Gray Tinted) made the transition to Airstreams in the early 1980s. Unlike the Argosy coaches, they weren't automatically added to the rear bedroom coaches and were most often found on the premium models in the line-up.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

angellhill · 08-21-2011, 12:12 PM

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Gene · 08-21-2011, 12:42 PM

Panos have been available on various models as an option and probably as standard on some. As an option I think they appear on either front, rear, or much more commonly, both. This doesn't tell you which models have them, however.

They look cool, but have certain disadvantages. They reduce insulation and are only single pane. The corner windows seem not to be looked through very much. We have put Reflectix on all the bedroom pano windows to reduce heat (or cold) transfer and keep out the light when we want to sleep. And there has been some debate whether the windows reduce the strength of the shell.

Gene

DEWASSINC · 08-21-2011, 01:47 PM

We have a 1990 34' Excella with the panoramic windows in front (with the sun shades). As this is where our living room is (couch, chair and TV), my wife and I love having the panoramic view of what's outside. The sun shades keep out heat and offer a tremendous amount of privacy.

This is probably the main feature that sold us on our AS. There's no other RV on the road that has this feature.

mistermcfrug · 08-21-2011, 03:33 PM

I wouldn't think of owning an A/S without panoramic windows.

Silver Otter · 08-21-2011, 06:12 PM

We took the rock guard/sunshades off when parked looking over the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast this Spring. The panoramic view of the ocean and the sunsets was breathtaking. You'll find them on the high end units, and you'll love it.