Thermal Windows

[reace]

Thermal windows is still a relatively new option for the Escape and, until now, have not received much feedback on the benefits. Ian Waymark had a 17' for a two years and last January moved up to the 5.0. He and his wife Paddy have traveled extensively in both units in all climates all over North America putting the Escape through the paces. He has recently upgraded his unit from single glaze to thermal windows and is currently traveling the Oregon coast.....trying them out.

Pros: With the thermal windows, the unit will maintain heat better and the windows will get some condensation, but far less than the single windows.

Cons: The windows frames are thicker and protrude approximately 3/8" more into the trailer. The frame on the single windows sweat, these are worse.

He is obviously in a very humid area being on the coast and all the conditions are right for high condensation build up. This experience is with the roof vent open a bit with a heater on low.

Hope this info helps.....

Reace

 

[Jim Bennett]

Reace, what would be the reason the frame would sweat more on the thermal unit? Is it build different? Are they aluminum and if they have a larger surface area inside I could see this being a reason. What are you doing posting at 4:00AM your time?

I definitely would go with thermal windows, it would be of benefit not only keeping the heat in in cooler temps, but keeping the heat out in hotter climates.

Is the glazing available tinted with these units too?

 

[PGDriver]

Hi Reace

With the double glazed windows protruding 3/8 more into the trailer, if you put
the extra layer of insulation as I have ordered it should sit about flush shouldn't it?
4:00 AM?......

 

[Jim Bennett]

I can't seem to find a price on doubling up on the insulation. Without a doubt, something I would want to do. What is the cost for this?

 

[gocamp-ESC]

reading the feedback from the other fiberglass forum, folks seem pretty happy with Thermal windows. They said they have noticed a difference in both hot and cold areas. Now how big of a difference? Guess you would have to talk with the owner and get their impression. I personally would just pay the exrra 400 dollars and try them out. I would think they would help the re-sale value some day too.

 

[cheryls]

The Oregon coast is our very favorite place to camp....

I've talked my husband into the thermal windows, thinking there would be less overall condensation. Maybe there won't be, but I think they're still preferable. Everything's a bit on the damp side when you're camping in 95% humidity...

 

[Sandra L]

Hi Reace

With the double glazed windows protruding 3/8 more into the trailer, if you put
the extra layer of insulation as I have ordered it should sit about flush shouldn't it?
4:00 AM?......

That is a question that never occurred, since I've ordered the thermals, tinted and extra insulation, I too am curious. Jim, I'm sure will now be communicating to have his questions answered.
My sample of liner (where not squished since I carry it at the bottom of my purse) is approximately 3/8". I didn't ask re: the thickness of the extra insulation and do not know of what it is composed.
Sandra

 

[Hokie Escape]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the extra insulation is just on the ceiling. Be nice if not, but...... We ordered all the above too!

 

[Sandra L]

Maybe Reace can enlighten us. I got a Verizon international calling card at Costco, since my cell phone & home carrier ATT was going to charge through the kazoo. It makes it a bit easier to call that way. I figure by the time the Suite Escape is built, I won't have much time on it left.

 

[JeffZ]

Sandra:

Use Skype! I use all the time.. I have at home, a regular phone w/basic service (for emergencies & alarm system) and my cell.. Skype is VOIP via your PC, it's free to call other Skype users (worldwide) or to call regular phone lines (or Cells) in No America it's $3.00/mo.. It supports video calling as well (which I use with my Mom in FL). You do need to have a microphone (usually in your PC anyway..) I went out and got a "Bluetooth" USB card ($14 at Amazon) and use my Bluetooth headset (for my Cell Phone and just paired it w/PC) to call .. works great..

Anyway, just thought it maybe helpful ..

 

[PGDriver]

I can't seem to find a price on doubling up on the insulation. Without a doubt, something I would want to do. What is the cost for this?

Hi Jim

Reace quoted me $300.00 for the extra layer of insulation. I think it will be well worth every penny
in both the summer and winter.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Thanks Doug. Was this insulation on the walls and ceiling too?

 

[PGDriver]

I thought it was everywhere except behind cabinets and places like that.
I will have to look Reace told me about it and I wrote it down in my notes
about a year and a half ago when I first stopped in at the factory.

 

[reace]

You know when you wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat knowing you should have done something....I forgot to let you guys know about the windows!!!

The windows have an aluminum frame that protrudes into the trailer with a clamp ring on the interior that holds it in place. I would presume stick built trailers with a 1.5" wall thickness handle this better as the frame is flush with the inside wall.

My point to this was to let everyone know the potential problem.

The extra insulation is in the walls and ceiling. You won't notice any difference around the windows as the clamp ring compresses everthing.

 

[PGDriver]

Hi Reace

Can you post some pictures of the windows and how they fit when you install them in the next unit?

 

[gocamp-ESC]

There used to be a Thermal Window Upgrade photo under trailer options but its gone now.

 

[JeffZ]

FYI - we have the thermal windows and extra insulation.. we have nothing to compare it to (since this is our first TT) so, I couldn't really say the impact over the regular windows.. But we have little condensation so far and it seems to help in the keeping the temperature in check.. We have one of those indoor/outdoor wireless weather stations (I think we paid $20 @ Walmart).. it has a small outside sensor that we attached to the back bumper..When we wake up in the morning it's always warmer inside than out (w/o the furnace on..by more than 5 degrees) we haven't stayed anywhere too warm (more coastal) so can't comment on when it's hot outside vs inside..

Don't know if this helps anyone..

 

[Sandra L]

I just looked at the Escape site and the thermal window upgrade is there, just not highlighted. I'm wondering if the protrusion is noticeable and/or a dust catcher.
Jeff, where on the bumper did you place the temperature sensor? I too would like to have to have one, as I really use mine at home. I was trying to think of a spot where it wouldn't get damaged and yet give a fair idea of whether I should bundle up prior to stepping out.
Thanks for all your help and input on the discussion topics.
I wonder how many California owners there are and if they'd be interested in a gtg (all would be welcome of course) (especially those in the frigid zones.)
Sandra

 

[mosquitodirk]

Sandra - a rolling Escape gathers no dust.....

California gtg? Sounds like fun. When. (I'm in Moab for early March, then wherever for a bit).

 

[JeffZ]

Sandra:

We just used cable ties to attach it to the back bumper, worked perfectly..on ours we have the "bike rack hitch receiver" option which is right smack in the middle of the bumper (under it)..we attached it there..

As for the gtg.. what the heck I don't think we're going to the Oregon thang, so if there's a place we can hang out and meet everyone we would definitely up for it!