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Old 09-22-2017, 07:59 AM   #1
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Forest River Nose Window Changes

We have a 2016 Rockwood Ultra Light Signature 2703 with the covered front window which after looking at the 2017 and 2018 models I seem to prefer…It looks like in 2017 FR went with a non-covered front window the same style front end and in 2018 they left the window non covered and went with the more rounded retro look it looks like FR is doing it across all their lines.

What is the benefit is there any to not having the front window covered ? Other then perhaps cosmetic appeal it would seem to me it can be damaged more easily with flying road debris and let more light in all the time.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:07 AM   #2
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Simple... cost.
Cheaper to not install a cover.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:09 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ejs4029 View Post
We have a 2016 Rockwood Ultra Light Signature 2703 with the covered front window which after looking at the 2017 and 2018 models I seem to prefer…It looks like in 2017 FR went with a non-covered front window the same style front end and in 2018 they left the window non covered and went with the more rounded retro look it looks like FR is doing it across all their lines.

What is the benefit is there any to not having the front window covered ? Other then perhaps cosmetic appeal it would seem to me it can be damaged more easily with flying road debris and let more light in all the time.
I think it looks nicer (the new rounded window), and I really wanted it for my camper. But the deal I got was a great one on a 2016, and it had the old-style flat window with the cover, and now that I have it, I think I might actually like it better.

Tim
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:13 AM   #4
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The old covered window was tempered glass. Think breaking into a million tiny pieces. The new rounded windows are laminated glass like your windshield. Supposedly much tougher.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:22 AM   #5
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Here is more info on the front glass. Seems to me like the new laminated glass uncovered is exposed to more damage unless I am missing something ?
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Old 09-22-2017, 09:20 AM   #6
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On the Windjammer/V-Lite front kitchens they have 2 windows with covers/awning! This is a Big Plus as Bugs that commit suicide can be cleaned with Awsome and the windows are clean underneath! The covers also provide Shade or Privacy! I also like the "Space Alien" look of the new Rockwood/Flagstaff "Automobile Windshield as well! The drawback I see with the 1 BIG front window is like the "Atrium Slide Models" LOTs of Glass to allow HEAT from Mr Sun to enter the units! Youroo!!
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Old 09-22-2017, 09:38 AM   #7
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I have the new style and like it. the window is laminated windshield glass like on your tow vehicle. while it may break easier then a covered one you have the same risk on your TV and it should stay together even if cracked so you have time for proper fix.

How stiff and thick is the cover? could a rock deflect it enough to break the window? Or go through it?

I seem to get far more heat through the smaller side windows then the front.
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Old 09-22-2017, 09:51 AM   #8
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I like the look of the new rounded front and the new window my only concerns were even with the day night shade inside it may let more light through then what I would want and it prone flying debris it wouldn't be a show stopper for me if I was out shopping for a new TT.

By the looks of the cover I would say it is suffice to deflect smaller rocks but then again I have seen even some small rocks and other items like a nut or bolt do major damage to a car/truck windshield.

Cost wise I wonder which would be more $$$ to repair and how easy the job would be ?
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Old 09-22-2017, 12:46 PM   #9
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Our '16 8329ss has the "old style" window and cover and while I like the looks of the new style, the bug and cleaning aspect, as mentioned already is a thing. Even here in California, we get some bugs in different parts of the state and even if the cover is encrusted with bug guts, opening the cover reveals a clean window...

The other side effect of the new window is the whole cap has been redone and at least on our model, the design of the base of the cap is cleaned up quite a bit (before it had cutouts for the frame rails but the cap was fitted inches above the frame, so there are these two funny voids at the bottom of the cap...gone now in the new design)
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Old 09-22-2017, 01:44 PM   #10
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I have a 2015 2608WS that has the wonderful front window but with a cover. I actually like the cover for several of the reasons already stated: reduces heat into TT, easy to clean the cover off, privacy. But I also think the new coverless window is interesting as well. For now though, I am quite happy with my covered window. I appreciate the light it does let in and I appreciate being able to increase/reduce the light at my own choosing.
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Old 09-22-2017, 08:39 PM   #11
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We have a 2018 2604ws with the new front end and exposed front glass. Well...it has already cracked in two places after one trip of less than 180 miles total. However, looking at the entire glass install, it was not centered in the frame and I believe that caused excessive pressure on the side which cracked in two places. Needless to say, my wife and I are extremely upset. We contacted our dealer which stated they contacted the FR Rep. So far I have had no contact after 3 business days. I am wondering if FR will regret not keeping the old system in place with a window cover.
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Old 09-22-2017, 09:28 PM   #12
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This just opens the door for mods and after market stuff.
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Old 09-23-2017, 11:06 AM   #13
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2018 Rockwood 2604ws. Good news, just talked to our dealer, FR will replace the windshield under warranty. Sure hope this was a one time event.
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Old 09-23-2017, 04:35 PM   #14
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We haven't opened the front window cover since we got the trailer. I'd be okay with the rounded front with no window. The rounded front looks like it is more aerodynamic than the recessed window in our 2016. I think the front on ours creates a lot of drag.
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Old 01-18-2018, 04:28 PM   #15
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I have a 2015 2608WS that has the wonderful front window but with a cover. I actually like the cover for several of the reasons already stated: reduces heat into TT, easy to clean the cover off, privacy. But I also think the new coverless window is interesting as well. For now though, I am quite happy with my covered window. I appreciate the light it does let in and I appreciate being able to increase/reduce the light at my own choosing.


I like the cover. Keeps rocks from breaking glass. Provides shade over window. The front cap has little to no insulation. Hot in summer and cold in winter. Better visit factory before you buy any RV. Floors are notorious to soften over time unless thick plywood is used.
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