Windows, Windows?

[MyronL]

I like my front window just fine, especially when boondocking overnight in a public place and hooked up, so I can see out at night to keep an eye out in case there are people walking near my tow vehicle.

[h2owmn]

I have the front window and love the light. I keep a piece of reflectix cut to size behind one of the cushions, and if it's cold outside, i clip it to the bottom metal "anchors" of the shade strings with two plastic clamps. easy to put up and take down from the inside. it's a barrier for both temperature and condensation. I have no Escape decal on it because I did not like that it can be seen from inside.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by h2owmn

I have no Escape decal on it because I did not like that it can be seen from inside.

I didn't know that because if I'm stopped the rock shield is up.

Ron

[casejh]

Originally Posted by MyronL

I like my front window just fine, especially when boondocking overnight in a public place and hooked up, so I can see out at night to keep an eye out in case there are people walking near my tow vehicle.

We have the front window on our E21 for the light and just to see out all four sides. Also have the window over the drawer stack and love all the natural light and visibility. I have two thicknesses of reflectix insulation under the rock guard shield mounted with double sided tape. If it gets very cold at night we can sleep with it closed if we want the additional insulation.

[Ron in BC]

An alternative, which keeps the window functional, is to install an interior storm window. I used lexan but plexiglas would be fine. It is every bit as good as the side double glazed window.

Ron

[YakRV]

This seems like a good place to ask a question about security cameras. Looks like we’re going to go without the front window on our 21C for various reasons. We are concerned about being able to see our tow vehicle and having a blind spot out front, however. We know there are wireless, battery powered security cameras that could give us a view of that front area should the need arise (either from the trailer looking forward or from the tow vehicle looking back). Does anyone use a security camera set up like this? Thanks.

[Fox hunt]

funny I've never thought about it- i guess I cant see my tow either in my 5.0 - but I've never worried about that until now ........

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

funny I've never thought about it- i guess I cant see my tow either in my 5.0 - but I've never worried about that until now ........

A lot depends on your style of usage.

We typically overnight at rest stops, Walmarts and pretty much anywhere that's suitable. In those locations it's nice to be able to take a quick look forward towards the tow vehicle. When in organized campgrounds, not so much.

Ron

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

funny I've never thought about it- i guess I cant see my tow either in my 5.0 - but I've never worried about that until now ........

If you can't see your car in your garage right now is it really there?

No need to worry about things you can't control. Just Lock It Up!

[Ooshkaboo]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

A lot depends on your style of usage.

We typically overnight at rest stops, Walmarts and pretty much anywhere that's suitable. In those locations it's nice to be able to take a quick look forward towards the tow vehicle. When in organized campgrounds, not so much.

Ron

That’s a great point, I am getting a 5.0 and won’t be able to look out front to check on my TV.

At my home I’m ring doorbelled up like it’s stalag 13…

I’ll eventually probably be doing the same on my camper.

Here in STL the zombies are at all hours of the night continually checking for unlocked car doors.

Then a few motivated ones have been going to where people are working and smashing in their windows while they are inside working, locked doors mean nothing.

[YakRV]

If anyone is interested, this is the type of security camera we’re thinking of for being able to see out in front of the trailer without a window. A couple advantages of a camera over a window are night vision and motion detection. Where and how to mount the camera (permanent or “mobile?”) would be something to figure out. Anyway, just an idea we’re considering for our May 2022 expected completion date.


https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Rech.../dp/B07PM2NBGT

[Chamberman]

Originally Posted by YakRV

If anyone is interested, this is the type of security camera we’re thinking of for being able to see out in front of the trailer without a window. A couple advantages of a camera over a window are night vision and motion detection. Where and how to mount the camera (permanent or “mobile?”) would be something to figure out. Anyway, just an idea we’re considering for our May 2022 expected completion date.


https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Rech.../dp/B07PM2NBGT

Be aware that many of these camera systems need internet access in order to function. I use Blink cameras at the house and they work great. However if I lose internet service my camera system is down. I see this one has SD card slot so maybe it operates independently but I don't see it listed in the information.

[YakRV]

Originally Posted by Chamberman

Be aware that many of these camera systems need internet access in order to function. I use Blink cameras at the house and they work great. However if I lose internet service my camera system is down. I see this one has SD card slot so maybe it operates independently but I don't see it listed in the information.

Great advice. We’ll have to make sure of that. Thanks.

[Dave Walter]

Everybody's circumstances and needs are different, but if I was camping in areas where I was so afraid/concerned about security that I needed security cameras, I think that I would stay home.

[YakRV]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Everybody's circumstances and needs are different, but if I was camping in areas where I was so afraid/concerned about security that I needed security cameras, I think that I would stay home.

I see what you’re saying, but this is more in the realm of “you never know” more than anything. We certainly don’t plan on camping anywhere it’s obviously sketchy, but with potential overnight Walmart stops and some isolated off-grid boondocking sites - well, you never know. Also, visibility out front isn’t necessarily for seeing “bad guys,” it could be useful for dealing with animals too.

[Ooshkaboo]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

Everybody's circumstances and needs are different, but if I was camping in areas where I was so afraid/concerned about security that I needed security cameras, I think that I would stay home.

Grasshopper, it is written-an ounce of prevention is a worth a pound of cure…

[WillyB]

Is it illegal to electrify your tow vehicle?

You know, the kind of electrifying you see on a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

Maybe with a solar option?

[Oldtimer]

Yes it is for the fact that it could be a child that comes by n touching things as they do

[John in Santa Cruz]

for home use, the 'good' security cameras are wired, via PoE (Power over Ethernet), and connect to a 'network video recorder' which is really just a small PC running ivdeo recording software. I have a setup I've built at home...

this is the top level summary screen of the NVR


a bobcat (lynx) and a couple coyotes, just a few minutes apart from various cameras...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI2P8TdHga4

I don't think a system like this is practical for RV use.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

Yes it is for the fact that it could be a child that comes by n touching things as they do

any sort of booby-trapping is very illegal.