Windows in your RV

[cptqueeg]

We're in the process of having a trailer configured and windows are my next decision to make. I'm posting these questions to gauge your thoughts and opinions on the topic. In the 2 home remodels we've done I've regretted NOT using fewer, smaller windows. Comfort, energy costs, and poor light control were the issues.

We camp in the offseason so cold and rain/snow would be more likely than baking in the heat of summer. Of course we've never had a trailer so likely will be using it differently than our pop up truck camper w few amenities and of course aging always changes things too.


If you had a choice would you have a window in addition to an exhaust fan in the bathroom?


If you had a choice would you maximize or minimize the number of widows?


Do you like having a window behind your seating area - where you spend your time in the evenings after dark?


Is climate comfort(staying warm or cool and dry) more important to you than maximizing window area or do you accept the negatives that come w lots of windows?

 

[team bradfield]

I honestly think only you can make those decisions, we have many windows with shades to control lighting and heat transfer

 

[Russellvh]

We, frequently, wish there was a window to look out from the kitchen sink. Also, the big windows I prefer the ones that tilt open from the bottom of the glass so that opening in the rain, for fresh air, is nice.

My 2cents

 

[Rosy]

I'm of the opinion that I want as many windows as possible to get as much light in as possible. I also like the kind that open wide to get good breezes through the trailer.

However, we only camp in summer in full service sites so I don't mind the AC running all day.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Trailers are marked with difficult to cool or heat space.

Some if this can be fixed with black out curtains. Those curtains are a problem in kitchens.

I blocked kitchen windows completely in my fifth. I blocked 1/3 of the windows over the hitch. As well as 1/2 the bathroom windows. That drastically reduced power consumption.

I simply didn't put windows in My cargo trailer conversion. Same reason.

If I need climate control, I will error on the side of caution. The rest of the time, you will find me outside.

 

[cptqueeg]

One of the builders comments was "you won't be able to go back and add a window, but you can deal w these other issues."



Thanks for the input.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

We're in the process of having a trailer configured and windows are my next decision to make. I'm posting these questions to gauge your thoughts and opinions on the topic. In the 2 home remodels we've done I've regretted NOT using fewer, smaller windows. Comfort, energy costs, and poor light control were the issues.

We camp in the offseason so cold and rain/snow would be more likely than baking in the heat of summer. Of course we've never had a trailer so likely will be using it differently than our pop up truck camper w few amenities and of course aging always changes things too.


If you had a choice would you have a window in addition to an exhaust fan in the bathroom?


If you had a choice would you maximize or minimize the number of widows?


Do you like having a window behind your seating area - where you spend your time in the evenings after dark?


Is climate comfort(staying warm or cool and dry) more important to you than maximizing window area or do you accept the negatives that come w lots of windows?

I definitely like a window in the bathroom as well as the exhaust fan.

I would maximize the windows. You can cover them with Styrofoam (or other insulation) for cold weather use if you need to.

We have windows behind our theater seating and I like it.

You can insulate windows and the R Value will probably be better than the insulation of your walls depending on your rig.

Don't forget, during cold a/o rainy weather you need to dehumidify. We once lived in the Pacific northwest so we have a good dehumidifier.

 

[rjshiflet49]

Personal preference all the way. When we remodeled our home, we went from a few small windows to windows that almost stretch from floor to ceiling. We love letting the light in. When we camp in an exceptionally hot spot with our RV, we have sheets of "foam core" that we can put in the windows to block the sun. But unless it's terribly hot, we prefer the light.

 

[cptqueeg]

Our experience camping so far has been cold and damp in our truck camper. There are windows that haven't ever had the shades drawn, much less opened. Most likely I'm over reacting to those experiences.

These are the 3 views of the trailer(22' box, 27' oal) showing the windows as preferred by the builder. It does show an escape window at the head of the bed but that's leftover from a previous drawing and shouldn't be there.

The ventilation tincludes an exhaust fan in the bathroom, a hood and exhaust fan over the cooktop, a fantastic fan near the kitchen area, and A/C near the bed. I suspect the trailer could be kept properly ventilated w no windows at all.

Plan view

Drivers side

Curbside

These are the changes I'm thinking of.

-Delete bathroom window

-Delete curbside window and prep for wall mounted tv

-Move the window from over the recliners to over the cooktop and make it 36" instead of 48".

Any thoughts or comments?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

For proper ventilation you will need make-up air, with proper flow through.

On My windowless cargo trailer, on good days I drop the gate and open the door. The vent is open almost all the time. The only time it is closed is when I am conditioning the air. My vent is a screened hole in the roof covered by large solar panels. It is closed on the inside when important.

Don't underestimate how important ventilation is. Trailers run hot, as in 20+ degrees over outside temperatures. If cooling mechanically. Shading will work better than any insulation.

Also an emergency exit is, well, prudent. I personally think what the industry passes off as such is a criminal bypass of safety regulations. Consider an escape door if you feel the same way about those stupid window hatches. My gate serves as My escape hatch, It opens via a multi purchase block and tackle system from the inside.

Custom built is a great idea. Be cautious about building to personal. Resale should be considered to some extent.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Vents in the top don’t do anything unless you have a way for new air to get in the trailer.
Agree with Kevin above.