Installing windows in living room slide-out

dougrainer wrote:

Berner2 wrote:
I have a 2004 Cross Country and I'm thinking about the same thing. I don't see it as a big problem. Some of the other models from Coachmen have the same slide and also have windows in the slide ends. I believe the Encore from that era and maybe the Mirada gasser(?). I know there are a couple of models. I think that the the model I have, 354mbs, doesn't have them because it is/was the entry level DP and the absence of windows was a cost saver.

I haven't had the time to really research the project. My thought is to find a Coachmen with the windows on a lot or in a campground and take measurements of window size and placement in the slide wall and proceed from there.

I think the cross ventilation would make a big difference. To me it comes down to nothin ventured nothing gained.

Your thought process is wrong. Just because other models have those windows does not mean YOURS does. For instance, a LOT of Towables do NOT have roof ladders. 90% of the time, if NOT installed by the OEM, they leave out the interior wall decking that the ladder feet mount too. If they did NOT install a window, then the odds are there are no structural supports. IF you do cut a hole and cut one of the few studs, then you have a weak wall. Doug

Thanks, Doug. Glad you talked some sense into me! Heck I was just gonna take a sawzall and cut a big a** hole in the end of my slide and stick a window in it.

I believe I said I would take some measurements and proceed from there. I realize that it is very possible that my slide isn't framed for windows, but, it is just as possible that it is. Even based on your own statement regarding 90% of the time, I have a 10% chance of it working out. So apparently my thought process isn't completely wrong! I was simply expressing my views on a subject brought up by the OP. If you never try anything, you never know for sure. Besides, I can't do anything to that MH that can't be fixed.
Terry

Berner2 wrote:
I have a 2004 Cross Country and I'm thinking about the same thing. I don't see it as a big problem. Some of the other models from Coachmen have the same slide and also have windows in the slide ends. I believe the Encore from that era and maybe the Mirada gasser(?). I know there are a couple of models. I think that the the model I have, 354mbs, doesn't have them because it is/was the entry level DP and the absence of windows was a cost saver.

I haven't had the time to really research the project. My thought is to find a Coachmen with the windows on a lot or in a campground and take measurements of window size and placement in the slide wall and proceed from there.

I think the cross ventilation would make a big difference. To me it comes down to nothin ventured nothing gained.

Your thought process is wrong. Just because other models have those windows does not mean YOURS does. For instance, a LOT of Towables do NOT have roof ladders. 90% of the time, if NOT installed by the OEM, they leave out the interior wall decking that the ladder feet mount too. If they did NOT install a window, then the odds are there are no structural supports. IF you do cut a hole and cut one of the few studs, then you have a weak wall. Doug

I'd certainly look into it.
Our monaco has small, up/down open windows in the slide-ends in the bedroom, and the main living room slide.
I couldn't see doing without them.
I'm considering studying on doing a high headboard window in the bedroom...

Call the manufacturer. Have them send you engineering drawings of the areas you plan to cut. Most likely, there is no good reason not too.

I didn't think air conditioners at first but it is completely understandable that some would make that conclusion. No need to get all offended.

With windows, my 2 concerns would be structural integrity and clearance when closing the slide. Your eyes will tell you on the second one.

I see it as the slide NEVER Closing correctly.

I have a 2004 Cross Country and I'm thinking about the same thing. I don't see it as a big problem. Some of the other models from Coachmen have the same slide and also have windows in the slide ends. I believe the Encore from that era and maybe the Mirada gasser(?). I know there are a couple of models. I think that the the model I have, 354mbs, doesn't have them because it is/was the entry level DP and the absence of windows was a cost saver.

I haven't had the time to really research the project. My thought is to find a Coachmen with the windows on a lot or in a campground and take measurements of window size and placement in the slide wall and proceed from there.

I think the cross ventilation would make a big difference. To me it comes down to nothin ventured nothing gained.

mike brez wrote:

dadd wrote:

past-MIdirector wrote:
Not unless you plan on never bring the slide in or out again. It would have to be a small A/C and would not cool a very large area. What's wrong with your roof air?

A/C????? We're apparently on different wavelengths here......I want to put WINDOWS (like I've seen in other DP slides)in the ends of my living/dining slide.......and my info is IN my sig, 2004 Coachmen Cross Country

I think if you would have said just WINDOWS and not WINDOW UNITS in your original post there would be no confusion.
Funny I don't see your info in your sig. :h

My apologies.....but I assumed since I was talking about the ENTIRE window assembly including framing that it would be considered a "unit"....I made no mention of A/C anywhere

mike brez wrote:

dadd wrote:

past-MIdirector wrote:
Not unless you plan on never bring the slide in or out again. It would have to be a small A/C and would not cool a very large area. What's wrong with your roof air?

A/C????? We're apparently on different wavelengths here......I want to put WINDOWS (like I've seen in other DP slides)in the ends of my living/dining slide.......and my info is IN my sig, 2004 Coachmen Cross Country

I think if you would have said just WINDOWS and not WINDOW UNITS in your original post there would be no confusion.
Funny I don't see your info in your sig. :h

I stand corrected on SIG......however my "topic" line DID say "windows

dadd, Unless the slide is constructed for windows in the ends, I would forget it. Your slide is probably aluminum framed, and would have a window frame welded into the structure. Without major disassembly to do the job correctly, you would be setting yourself up for problems. As mentioned, try contacting the manufacture for more information.

I think is doable. I would try and keep the window size to no more than 1/2 the total depth of the slide. The big unknown is if there are aluminum studs in the slide wall. Not even sure how to check considering a stud finder senses the steel nails in the stud. Easy enough to cut thru the slide wall with either a saber saw or saws-all but once you start cutting there's no turning back. :E

Personally I wouldn't do it. Risk is too high for the gain.