We have stayed in two different situations this year the first was our Forest River Wildcat 28 RK. I did use the plastic over the inside of the windows, stayed in northern MN over the holidays last winter. Then spent the winter in it in N. TX for work. With the plastic over the windows it worked good except where the noise issue was. It still was pretty noisy when someone was outside and talking. You could almost listen to the conversation word for word.
When we ordered our 3400 I wanted a couple of things because of specific reasons. Gel coat for maintaince and longer term looking good. The other was duel pane windows. The duel pane windows have provided us with a couple of things that we really enjoy. The added wieght is something I did consider but as a fulltimer wanted to have my Monty for the longer term so adjusted my weight issues to accomidate.
For us the first thing we noticed with the duel pane windows is the noise level twice as quiet inside. If you happen to have any RV dealer that is near an interstate see if they have one with Duel Pane and one without on the lot. Check it out and see for yourself. The next best thing is that the duel pane windows have given us is the cozy non drafty feeling. It seems like the Monty is so much more solid feeling like the more expensive 75,000 plus 5ers on the market. Insulation value probably not the greatest. I could still put plastic over the windows same window frame as the single pane windows for added insulation. But if I wanted more insulation I would probably like to see it added to the bottom slide areas because of the cold transfer into the rig from those areas of the Monty.
We do have the ability to lessen our weight by keeping heavier things in my tool box behind the cab of my TV and we also have an enclosed trailer that we store our Harley in so the weight factor is not a major issue. When we get ready to retire 12 yrs from now I will probably make major changes in reducing things that we will not want to take with at that time. But one thing is for sure Duel Pane windows will be on our list of options as a must.
As far as a cost factor do not look at the price that is listed, because any option has a very adjustable price when you haggle your best price. The big thing is there is 100+ percent mark up on any option and it is negotiable. If the dealer you are working with really wants the sale they will work with you on a good price just ask for it. Another thing is if you are going to be fulltiming/longtiming in your dream Monty be willing to shop around the country. You will find the right deal and I know one thing I WILL travel for a deal especially when it comes down to thousands of dollars. So use this leverage when picking your dream and go for it. I can say one thing I will never regret ordering exactly what we wanted for the little extra $$$.
