'Nice' Windows vs. 'Cheap' Windows on New Units

[AZ-JH]

We'll probably be buying a new unit. I've seen quite a few comments on this forum about some models have the "cheap" windows. What are the features that makes it a quality window? Do they open out and all the way or what? Are any of them sliding (which I wouldn't care for).

Importantly, what new units offer the better windows? Is it all the Classic and all the Internationals? Do the Safari SEs have "quality" windows?

[FordTruck]

We took delivery of an '08 Safari 27 FB SE earlier this year. In talking with the salesman (who we purchased our earlier AS from) his advice was to go with the windows with the riveted frame that come with the SE model rather than the rubber sealed windows. His opinion was that they are sturdier, provide better ventilation based on the way they open and are more attractive.

Our earlier AS also had the riveted frame windows so we have what we've had all along.

[CanoeStream]

I'm not sure just how this will translate with the basic Safari line turning into the '09 Flying Cloud. I'd hope a savvy dealer will speak up if they look in on this thread.

Traditional Safaris (not Special Editions) have Hehr windows -- anodized black frame with a small-ish lower section that opens. Circulation is related to openable window area and this is the sometime complaint about Hehrs. You'll see this type of window on some SOBs.

Classics, Internationals and Safari Special Editions have windows that hinge at the top with the whole window opening. Circulation is much better. I've loved this type window since my Argosy-owning days.

[Fiamma]

The Vista View windows are double paned, but are the other windows, of either type?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Fiamma

The Vista View windows are double paned, but are the other windows, of either type?

Usually not. An exception I know of is the front hinged window in our Sovereign. It is a double pane non-glass window. I can only assume it is non-glass to save weight hanging from the top when open.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by AZ-JH

...What are the features that makes it a quality window? Do they open out and all the way or what? ....Importantly, what new units offer the better windows? Is it all the Classic and all the Internationals? Do the Safari SEs have "quality" windows?

hi az...

what IS nice is that all a/s windows are safety glass.

the less expensive and quicker to install windows look like this......

http://www.airforums.com/forums/329209-post35.html

a/s has used window from this company for 50+ years....

these black framed versions are painted black (this might be a powdercoat),

have a black butyl gasket and a small amount of black butyl sealant.

besides being less expensive and quicker to install, it's obvious they don't open far either.

rickL had 1 or 2 of his upgraded (by a dealer) to the classic style for better ventilation,

as u suggest the classics, internationals and s-se have riveted frame full opening windows like these...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/517358-post50.html

and the neat thing about that picture is inner and outer views are in each pic...

Originally Posted by Fiamma

The Vista View windows are double paned...

nope, only the old vistas were doubles.

the vistas used the last several years are single layers only...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/212497-post32.html

a/s did use double layer windows 20 years ago for the vistas and all the side opening windows...

which looked like these...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/550696-post1265.html

'sliders' of the better style have been used (see the last pix) but mostly on the moho side...

where an open window during travel is useful...

but they claim the current design is MORE thermally efficient...

cheers
2air'

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by AZ-JH

We'll probably be buying a new unit. I've seen quite a few comments on this forum about some models have the "cheap" windows. What are the features that makes it a quality window? Do they open out and all the way or what? Are any of them sliding (which I wouldn't care for).

Importantly, what new units offer the better windows? Is it all the Classic and all the Internationals? Do the Safari SEs have "quality" windows?

Hi, the way I see it, is either you have the pretty, high dollar, prom dress windows that are prone to leaking, breaking, and transferring heat into an already hot trailer or transferring cold into a cold trailer. Or, as you say, "cheap" like in Levi's pants windows that give you better insulation, partly because of their smaller size, much less prone to breakage, don't leak, more durable, and easier to replace as a complete unit.

Also the word "quality" [assume good] means nothing unless another word is placed in front of it like: good, poor, excellent, crappy, or marginal Etc.

[AZ-JH]

Thanks for the input! We're fair weather campers and would love those nice looking riveted windows that open all the way for a nice breeze and fresh air.

[overlander63]

If you want lots of open area for breezes, then the fully-opening windows are for you. If, on the other hand, you won't have many windows open, and use the heat/air conditioning more than an open window, the better insulated windows that don't allow as much air inside are the better choice. I like the fully-openable windows, but that is a personal choice.

[Sky]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

blah blah blah

ROFLAO

Good luck AZ-JH, I'm sure its as clear as mud now.

[vswingfield]

The fully opening windows on my ’83 Excella are double paned. I like them a lot. Very easy to open and close.