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Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?

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Michelle Dungan

Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« on: October 20, 2016, 03:06:50 am »
Has anyone tried to order or install small windows on diagonal area behind driver and passenger door?  I recall one of the construction videos showing a fairly empty area viewed from inside, with only some wiring to be easily rerouted and a small brace that might be replaceable with a brace above and below a window, assuming what's there simply is mounted into a vertical member on each side of the brace.  They could be like those you see on the front of a Roadtrek roof.  As these don't open leaks are minimized.  Tempered, tinted glass, or plexiglass would probably be necessary.  This would sure (visually) open up that area of the interior.

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2 Frazzled

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2016, 07:32:43 am »
A couple at the Intervec-Phoenix Travel Club Reunion in DC this year had a window on the "wing" wall on the passenger side. They had a captain's chair or Euro chair in front of it so they said it didn't really open up the inside that much. They bought the unit used and were not aware that the window might not have been installed by the manufacturer. After I mentioned it, they said they had noticed the gasket on the window did not fit as well as all the other windows so it was probably an after market addition.

You would need a custom window covering as well or the window would be like a big fish tank viewing port after dark.

I believe there is a lot more going on in that wing wall on the driver's side so it could be a much more difficult modification.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2016, 10:32:29 am »
Hi Michelle,

As you mention, there are at least two horizontal structural steel braces that need to be considered.  I would not try it on a completed PC as there is a lot of unknown consideration because the transition walls are not vacu-bonded like the primary walls which could discourage mounting a window there.  If the factory is building one for you, I would ask them about it.  As of late, the wall on the driver side has become a serious control panel which discourages a window in that position.  The privacy curtains are parked along those walls so they could partially block the windows.  I personally would not request PC add windows in the transition wall if they can't be installed as an identical pair in both walls for cosmetic reasons.  It is a forward facing window which might look funny.  Look at my picture below and imagine uneven windows installed in those walls.  It is your call.  Maybe I am making more of a cosmetic issue than it really is.


Some models like the 2350 for example, there is some wall space just rear of the transition wall on the passenger side to add a window.  Not so long ago, Phoenix offered a now discontinued model that had a long vertical window in that spot.  A low back barrel chair mounted there did not block so much of the view out the window.  Being a seat belted chair, a passenger sitting there could look out that window.  It seems that something similar could be accommodated today on some models.

I took this picture from the 2007 Phoenix Cruiser brochure showing what I describe.  It is strange that the brochure does not show this window in any of their 2007 floor plans.  I think it is safe to assume that if you have a wall there, something like this can be added, maybe even in a used PC.

Ron


« Last Edit: October 20, 2016, 11:19:25 am by ron.dittmer »
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Michelle Dungan

Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2016, 02:09:46 am »
I agree with both of your comments on wiring issues on driver's side, a need for window coverings, a need to do something with the existing privacy curtains, and a need for aesthetic  symmetry.  And, PC may or may not have info re. feasibility of altering structure by relocating and/or adding bracing.  The sidewall window area shown for that 2007 looks a little wider than a 2350, but I could be mistaken.  If there is less room, even a narrow, non-opening window might work, assuming PC could confirm additional bracing needed so it wouldn't affect structural integrity of the wall.

Of course, if no additional windows were feasible, I'd leave it alone.

In the '90's someone else at the office had a TransVan from the '70's, and I think that's where I recalled seeing wingwall windows on Class Cs. Funny thing, though: Apparently, that company couldn't make them work and they're just cosmetic fluorishes, as interior photos show no openings:   http://www.vanning.com/threads/ubbthreads.php/topics/688630/trans-van-restore

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2016, 03:38:20 am »
I agree with you.  That TransVan transition wall looks like a paint job, not a window.  Interesting that a PC-2100 is not all that much different with regards to the exterior foot print.  But inside, the PC is so much more practical.

I would imagine Phoenix could accommodate a window as the picture in the 2007 brochure shows, for 2017 models 2350, 2351, and 2552.  This assuming their window supplier has them available.

On a older used PC being sold on the internet some time ago with a window there, it was a fixed window.  It did not open.  It would be nice if the window could be opened in the same manner the others do (top-hinged) for better air circulation while parked.  This way you could keep the entry door closed for privacy, security, and not to involve the main awning on a rainy day.
« Last Edit: October 21, 2016, 03:58:12 am by ron.dittmer »
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TomHanlon

Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2016, 07:38:48 am »
I don't know about you guys, but I get a lot of dead bugs on my wings when traveling. I don't need to look out a window covered in dead bugs. I would think a small rock throw up might bounce off a thick window shield or maybe put a hole in it would break the thinner side window in a wing.
Just my thoughts.

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Michelle Dungan

Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2016, 01:10:58 am »
Good points, Tom, on bugs and rocks.  I was originally thinking tempered glass or something like Plexiglass but laminated safety glass, like the windshield, might be necessary.  If a narrow one fit ahead of the PC door, that sounds more feasible.  I'm trying to sort out different issues on various rigs of different types, even including the last of the Rexhall Vision / American Clipper that included a 24-foot model on the love it / hate it Workhorse version of the P30 or the 26-foot Airstream Land Yacht (Thor!) on the more modernized (wide track and the 8.1) Workhorse version of that chassis, both small enough to avoid the dreaded GM autopark brake issues.  Of course, these have a more open feel inside than many Class Cs and "B+", incuding PC; hence, my inquries re. more windows.  That Ron and others would know of some with another window on side is helpful.  Thanks!

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2016, 07:34:55 pm »
Hey Michelle!

There is a 2010 PC 2950 in Georgia for sale on Ebay right now HERE with the window we've been discussing.  At a price of $59k, and under 9000 miles and given the options it has, it doesn't look like so bad a deal either.  But if you know me, I'd offer $49K and inch up from there.

Ron
« Last Edit: October 23, 2016, 07:40:16 pm by ron.dittmer »
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Michelle Dungan

Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2016, 01:40:52 am »
Thanks, but way too big for us; in the next year or two if we go PC, it'd be a 2350 or 2351.  However, the timing of your finding that one was perfect; now we can all see more photos inside and out of what one version of that side window looks like.  I think it would be nice if one was seated there, in motion or not.  I am surprised it's not listed standard or optional, unless people found the conventional window coverings were getting thrashed, being next to the seat.  Perhaps some sort of blind-only covering, in a track like an airliner window, would work better there, as I assume might be the case elsewhere in these rigs.  Again, good catch!

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2016, 03:41:23 pm »
I have that side window on my 2900, and am not sure that I could live without it at this point.  I REALLY use it when making a left turn and its angled more like 120 deg than 90.  Before flight, it's a priority to raise that blind. 

When searching for an RV, I went up from the idea of a PW or RT mostly because I'm 6-2 tall.  I really like the idea of the smaller PC's, but I feel very cramped in the length of the bed.  Now, I'm afraid that I cannot go smaller than a 2900.  An older 2700 would probably be suffice for me, since my feet can hang off of the bed. :-D

Rob

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Re: Add Windows to Diagonal Area Behind Driver & Passenger Doors?
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2016, 04:46:39 pm »
You can have a longer bed in the 2351. The 2351 is one foot longer than the 2350 and on the passenger side, that foot can be used to increase size of kitchen, and/or size of corner bed or add a pullout pantry. When we ordered our 2351 we asked for a 80" corner bed with 6 extra inches in kitchen. I think you could ask for a 86" corner bed if you wanted.