Big Front Window - Montana Owners Club

Bob Bo · 08-12-2018, 03:08 PM

Our new 3810MS has a big window on front over the the overhang. Has anyone had any issues with them getting damaged while traveling? Are they just as durable as the typical (non-window) front cap?

Thanks,
Bob

dlscott185 · 08-12-2018, 03:18 PM

So far so good on our 380th, but we’ve only had it since March. Other than getting the bugs off....

mtlakejim · 08-12-2018, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bo

Our new 3810MS has a big window on front over the the overhang. Has anyone had any issues with them getting damaged while traveling? Are they just as durable as the typical (non-window) front cap?

Thanks,
Bob

I have wondered about that same issue but no problems yet. I suspect the material they use for the window is almost as sturdy as the fiberglass they would have used IF there had been no window. And since that area is way up high unless you hit a really big bird at speed or maybe a low hanging really large limb or maybe a gas pump awning hopefully you will be fine.

If you do break the window though I suspect it will be easier to replace the entire front cap than try a patch of some sort?? Hopefully they will support replacement caps for a very looonnnngggggg time.......

Bob Bo · 08-12-2018, 06:11 PM

@dslscott and @mtlakejim,

Thanks for the info.

Mikendebbie · 08-12-2018, 07:22 PM

So far no issues since late January and ~6k miles pulled.

jimandlaurie · 08-12-2018, 09:08 PM

We kind of wondered about the window too...we really love having it.Hopefully none of us will experience a failure. I've wondered about a protective cover and how to engineer one that would be easy on and off without using a big ladder to fall off of. Thought about a padded cover made with Sunbrella type for the outside with snaps like we had on our boat ...but still cogitating on it.

As an aside we know of an SOB company that has had many failures and leaks on their units. So fa r Keystone has it figured out.

DanandBrenda · 08-12-2018, 09:17 PM

I think that the window is made of glass like your windshield in the pickup or car. thats what ours looks like.

BuilderBob · 08-12-2018, 09:31 PM

The front cap window is lamented glass just like a auto windshield!

mtlakejim · 08-13-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuilderBob

The front cap window is lamented glass just like a auto windshield!

That sounds very expensive to replace.....

1retired06 · 08-13-2018, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimandlaurie

We kind of wondered about the window too...we really love having it.Hopefully none of us will experience a failure. I've wondered about a protective cover and how to engineer one that would be easy on and off without using a big ladder to fall off of. Thought about a padded cover made with Sunbrella type for the outside with snaps like we had on our boat ...but still cogitating on it.

As an aside we know of an SOB company that has had many failures and leaks on their units. So fa r Keystone has it figured out.

Years ago Alpha Gold had glass in the front and had a lift up cover similar to what you see on Tagalongs.

richfaa · 08-13-2018, 07:56 AM

We saw the large front window as a bug collector and judging were the bugs are on our 13 3402 that is pretty much correct. Our previous TT,s with a front window had a vinyl drop down cover to protect the front window. The 5th wheels would require a power drop down cover which would be an added expense but a good idea..

phillyg · 08-13-2018, 11:49 AM

Two years now and no damage. I think it's similar to auto glass. I hope it never breaks since I suspect KS won't have a replacement in stock. Other than the awkwardness of cleaning the inside, we really like it.

Retire 2022 · 08-13-2018, 07:22 PM

Same here. NO Trouble. Knock on wood.
If it is glass like auto glass then putting RAIN-X on it should be the answer??? It repels water great on auto glass and makes cleaning the bugs off the truck window a breeze. Not tried it yet but might give Rain-X a chance to see if it works. I'll probably just try a small area in the corner to make sure it doesn't cloud over the window. What are any of your thoughts on using Rain-X?

leahbill · 08-19-2018, 01:30 PM

For the bugs try using RainX on the window. I use RainX on all the camper windows. I notice the windows stay clean.

skypilot · 08-19-2018, 06:02 PM

Saw this in TrailerLife this month - don't know how much it would protect that big window from bird / limb strike but would sure help with the bugs. Machine washable or so it says. Video on their youtube site showing how easy to raise / lower once installed.

http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-gear/gear/banner-idea/

BB_TX · 08-19-2018, 07:41 PM

Someone posted today on Montana Owners Facebook page of pictures of their broken front window. Didn’t know it until their next stop. Some one else mentioned theirs had 3 dings.

Hollika · 08-20-2018, 04:24 AM

Our front window broke this weekend. We must have been hit by a big rock or something, broke a hole that is almost all the way though and cracked from top to bottom. Looks like insurance is going to cover it. Not sure how long it will take to be completed though. We still have 3 more trips this fall, wondering how long the window will hold now that it is cracked.

Markra · 08-20-2018, 05:49 AM

2 years and 20k miles and only one problem of a small gap in the rubber seal that let in rain while driving in a storm.I filled the gap with some good silicone sealer and no problems since. It does collect bugs and requires cleaning but the view and light it affords far outweigh the negatives.

fuquatj · 08-20-2018, 06:04 AM

I have the 3921FB and would add that while the windshield is neat to have, it also acts as a magnifying glass when facing the sun. It heats up the front bath to a point where my three A/C units can't keep it cool. And this is with the shade closed, plus I have velcroed a reflective sunshade in there. I would not buy another one.

mtlakejim · 08-20-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuquatj

I have the 3921FB and would add that while the windshield is neat to have, it also acts as a magnifying glass when facing the sun. It heats up the front bath to a point where my three A/C units can't keep it cool. And this is with the shade closed, plus I have velcroed a reflective sunshade in there. I would not buy another one.

I agree. Ours is front living room and a LOT of heat comes in thru that window. Since the TV comes in front of it we rarely look out the window and it is situated too high to provide good viewing while seated. I don’t feel the rare view is worth the downsides. I get the impression this is a flashy sales gimmick add

By contrast the rest of the windows in the unit are well placed

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