Escape 21': front window, or shelf?

[Catchlight]

The build list for our 21' is due in four weeks, and most decisions are made. One that remains is whether to opt for the front window or not.

If you own an Escape 21' and have enjoyed a trip or two please let us know if you chose the window, and how pleased you are with your decision. If you chose no window, how useful has the shelf turned out to be?

If you are like us and awaiting completion of your Escape 21, what are you thinking about the front window option?

In the early morning, darker is certainly better for sleeping, but having more light in the daytime and a view in all four directions is also appealing.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[J Mac]

I'd opt for the window without question.

[gbaglo]

You need to be able to look out the front window to see who is breaking into your vehicle...

[Catchlight]

Glenn, where have you been camping?

[azjack]

Our 19 had a window and Nancy told Reace that she wants one in the 21. She made that decision very early and Reace said he would see what he could do and we had it when we picked it up in Oct. If I forget to open the shield over the window, I hear about it quickly. We don't miss the shelf, the magazines fit next to the mattress and the remote fits in a small pouch that hangs from the window.
Jack

getting ready to head North on Sunday and see if the fridge will stay cold.

[Sandra L]

Since I like a lot of natural light, I'd opt for the window. In fact, Reace allowed me to put the 19' front passenger window on my 17'. While I lost wall space, I've been very happy with that choice.

[tractors1]

No window here. We like it dark when sleeping; with the huge side window that will be plenty - plus the shelf is very handy; decided to spend the $ on extra outlets instead.

[Catchlight]

Originally Posted by tractors1

No window here. We like it dark when sleeping; with the huge side window that will be plenty - plus the shelf is very handy; decided to spend the $ on extra outlets instead.

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. Would it work to get the front window option, then close the f/g cover over the outside of it overnight whenever morning light might interfere with sleep?

[dave macrae]

No window for us. Reasons are, bed is for sleeping and mid afternoon naps so darker is good, front windows are not dual pane so will make bed area cozier, one less place for leaks and easier to clean bugs from the front without the window.

[RickM]

Originally Posted by Catchlight

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. Would it work to get the front window option, then close the f/g cover over the outside of it overnight whenever morning light might interfere with sleep?

That's what we do. The front window for us is a must have.

[paulw]

All my previous trailer have had a front window, but we didn't order one for our 21.
I do miss being able to see out to the front, but prefer the lines of the of the trailer without the off center window.

[cpaharley2008]

I had a front window in the 19, did not like the view and it is single pane thus colder. I like not having a window now, the bed is cozier.

[Burloak]

I have a 19 with the front window and if I would get to order a 19 again I wouldn't have it installed.. To add to Jim's reasons above its also finicky getting it opened and closed, probably more so on the 21 for the centre strut over the trailer frame area already full of storage boxes and propane tanks, also tough to clean.. The view from inside is of the same stuff or worse the back of the TV. Water gets between the cover and the window and the outer rubber seal area becomes a mouldy spot. I think the 15, 19 and especially the 21 just look better without the window up front.

[Jim Bennett]

The front window in our 19 is fantastic, probably the one we view out of the most. Ours is dual glazed though with the old style rock guard.

I would definitely get the window in the 21 if I had one. Light does not bother me at all for sleeping if I need to sleep when it is light out (which is usually just naps), and if you want, you can close it up. The best of both worlds.

What is the upgrade price?

[Catchlight]

Jim, the front window option, with rock shield, adds $300 to the price of the Escape 21.

[Jim Bennett]

Thanks, not that much for what it offers. Though, all those options do start to add up in a furry.

[Donna D.]

On the 21', I like the looks of the window from the inside. From the outside, not so much. Can't help it, I'm visual. Totally different look on the 19' since it's centered on the front of the trailer.

In order to block the sunlight from coming through the closed window guard, perhaps painting the underside would help?