If you could do it again, what would be different?

[rbryan4]

I would love an opening front window. I'd love it even more if it was double glazed. We intend to use the shrinking plastic film on the inside of the window when we are camping in the shoulder seasons in order to reduce condensation. Its just a thin film, but it really works.

[Josh.W]

Originally Posted by padlin

Opening loft windows instead of the double pane. Replace the holding tank sensors. Still undecided about the spray foam, if I ever have to work on anything down there I'll update this post.

Thanks for mentioning this Padlin. It's been one of the things that's been bothering Sonya and me about the choices to make with the 5.0TA. We're not happy with the idea of non-opening windows in the loft, but at the same time, we really wanted to go double pane for insulation (both for heating and cooling).

I wrote to Escape about this, asking if there was any way to fit a larger window on the sides, like the ones used in the rear section of the trailer, or even a large, openable window in the front. Unfortunately, the reply was that because of placement of the overhead cabinets, it wasn't possible to put in larger or additional windows, so it's double pane solid, or single pane with a slide.

I'm thinking that the only way to resolve the issue during extremes of temperature is perhaps to go with the single pane windows, and then rig up something with Velcro so we can put up panels of insulating, reflecting bubble-pack material to cover the windows when necessary.

Anyone have a better idea? Crystal (customer service), with whom I've had a lot of helpful exchanges, assures me that we would still get plenty of ventilation through the roof hatch and the Maxifan, but I still feel better about the cross-ventilation possible with windows that can open.

Thanks,
Josh and Sonya Wilkenfeld

[Josh.W]

Does anyone know of a 5.0TA currently within striking distance of Yuma (where we live) or Phoenix (where I work) AZ? Sonya and I are seriously considering one, but we'd really like to see one in person. Have spoken with and corresponded a lot with Alf (he should be made "Honorary Spokesperson" for Escape), but we'd really like to see one in person.

Between the Escape website and lots of photos Alf has been willing to share with us, we know what one looks like, but we'd really like to see one. I'm considering going up to visit the plant, but would sure like to see one down on this side of the border, if that's possible. Alf and his wife are in Florida now, but that's a long way to go (and Sonya and I had our share of Florida summertime mosquitoes many years ago).

Thanks,
Josh and Sonya

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I have an opening front window ( no longer available) which is protected by a rock guard. The rock guard helps keep water out when traveling and serves as an awning at camp so we can have the front window open in the rain. Unfortunately the manufacturer of the window/rock guard discontinued it.

I have this window too. It is nice that it is dual glazed, but with all the other windows that open, we hardly use this one for ventilation. Mine was just about the last trailer that got this window, as stock ran out.

[amirie]

we originally had the front opening window in our 17B (bought used) and it leaked from the very first drive home in the pouring rain...Eventually we got a new non opening window and knowing us and our luck at camping in the pouring rain--it is much better!!

Because that window didn't open and wanting ventilation at that end of the trailer we exchanged our original front side windows for opening ones...

[gbaglo]

Mine hasn't leaked.
Also, it occurred to me that I can open it ( with the rock guard down ), run my fan, and ventilate the trailer during winter storage in my driveway, and nobody is the wiser.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Josh.W

Does anyone know of a 5.0TA currently within striking distance of Yuma (where we live) or Phoenix (where I work) AZ? Sonya and I are seriously considering one, but we'd really like to see one in person.

Ginger (2015 5.0TA) is on her way to Quartzsite right now. She'll be at Dome Rock for the rally. Anne is there in her 17' and I don't know how many others. I do know there's right at 100 all molded towables camping and having fun!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Mine hasn't leaked.
Also, it occurred to me that I can open it ( with the rock guard down ), run my fan, and ventilate the trailer during winter storage in my driveway, and nobody is the wiser.

I haven't had a leak either. Reace did put a plastic strip at the bottom of the rock guard that stops water ingress from below when driving.

[kvermeulen]

Originally Posted by Josh.W

Thanks for mentioning this Padlin. It's been one of the things that's been bothering Sonya and me about the choices to make with the 5.0TA. We're not happy with the idea of non-opening windows in the loft, but at the same time, we really wanted to go double pane for insulation (both for heating and cooling).

I wrote to Escape about this, asking if there was any way to fit a larger window on the sides, like the ones used in the rear section of the trailer, or even a large, openable window in the front. Unfortunately, the reply was that because of placement of the overhead cabinets, it wasn't possible to put in larger or additional windows, so it's double pane solid, or single pane with a slide.

I'm thinking that the only way to resolve the issue during extremes of temperature is perhaps to go with the single pane windows, and then rig up something with Velcro so we can put up panels of insulating, reflecting bubble-pack material to cover the windows when necessary.

Anyone have a better idea? Crystal (customer service), with whom I've had a lot of helpful exchanges, assures me that we would still get plenty of ventilation through the roof hatch and the Maxifan, but I still feel better about the cross-ventilation possible with windows that can open.

Thanks,
Josh and Sonya Wilkenfeld

We had opening non double glaze in loft of 5.0sa and they were not untoward when in colder weather.

ken

[techfan]

Originally Posted by kvermeulen

We had opening non double glaze in loft of 5.0sa and they were not untoward when in colder weather.

ken

I have shown in the thermal pictures I have posted that the frame, not the glass, is the biggest culprit in thermal transfer. It is much easier to add some insulation to an opening window than to increase ventilation with the fixed windows.