Front window on camper

[4x4crazy]

I'm looking at an older truck cabover camper. 2002 lance. It has a window on the front by the bed and I've heard of issues with them. Personally i like them and the look of them but I'm wondering if this should be dealbreaker. I live in California and most going to use it during the summer. I don't see any cold winter and snow camping in my future. This camper seems to be exactly what I've been looking for with the exception of having a front window.

[Eric_Lisa]

In my opinion, the issue comes down to where you store the camper, not how or where you use the camper (full-time excepted). I do an annual inspection of the seams and re-seal my camper as needed. I don't worry about it if I drive or camp in the rain. The camper lives in a heated shop when not in use.

And that is where I would worry about this 2002 Lance.... How has it been stored? Has it sat in the weather for the past 16 years? That's what causes the seals to dry out and start to leak. Or has it been well maintained and properly stored? If so, I wouldn't worry about the front window.

In regard to sleeping under a cold window... My 2003 Lance has double pane glass in the front window. I don't feel any chill coming off it. And I do like being able to look out it. I feel really closed in when DW pulls the blinds down.

HTH,
-Eric

[1971amerigo]

Never had an issue with a front window leak

[1971amerigo]

[Scalcote]

I have an 820 and front window on cabover doesnt leak on mine in pouring rain up to 75 mph. One thing about front window, it does collect leaves so if youre going to clean leaves dont let one get between window and gasket. It will leak. Ive since put another half round gasket around original gasket. The little knee window does leak. I have a long bed truck and short bed camper so im thinking air coming between truck and camper is hitting it at whatever highway speed im at. I used hose at house and sprayed all over it looking for leak but nothing. I have some rubberized canvas and sticky backed velcro to cover window. We'll see if that helps. It only seems to leak up from bottom of the fixed piece of glass. Like its being forced thru sliding window gasket. Its not a huge leak by any means.

[jaycocreek]

av8rds wrote:
I wonder if Cirrus considered this on their models? and if they had a plan to combat it?

Curious because I'm thinking of picking one up.

In reading there review on TC magazine,they said there using the same seal system they used on the Teardrop ,without incident.

[av8rds]

I wonder if Cirrus considered this on their models? and if they had a plan to combat it?

Curious because I'm thinking of picking one up.

[northshore]

I am in Northern Ca looking for a camper also, of the campers I have looked at with a window in the front they have had issues.
I have learned to look for signs of delimitation in the area of the that front window and to inspect the seal around the window closely. From what I have found the campers with the window in front with out issues are far and few apart.
For me its not a deal breaker but it does call for close close inspection and if there is any questions I move on to the next one.

[ticki2]

KKELLER14K wrote:
I have had 2 TC's with front windows and will never do it ever again. It just takes the fun out of it...just another major annoyance that you have to maintain. It's not worth the headache in my opinion....it's hot, it's cold and a single piece of glass between my head and the outside means I might as well be in a tent. It's a bad idea. Do you see any new ones with a window in the front? Wonder why.

Not to doubt anyone else's experience but the front window in my now 50 year old camper has never leaked . It seems the reason most new campers don't have a front window is because most new campers have a north/south bed . I like the ability to look out in all four directions .

[KKELLER14K]

I have had 2 TC's with front windows and will never do it ever again. It just takes the fun out of it...just another major annoyance that you have to maintain. It's not worth the headache in my opinion....it's hot, it's cold and a single piece of glass between my head and the outside means I might as well be in a tent. It's a bad idea. Do you see any new ones with a window in the front? Wonder why.

[HadEnough]

Then there is the unlikely event that happened to me.

I forgot to secure the bathroom door, it jumped the slider track, flew forward... And smashed the forward window while I was coming to a stop at light. Ha ha ha.

Unbelievable bad luck.

The window is not bad though.

[jaycocreek]

I would not worry about the front window if you seal it up right..The most un-noticed source of leaks are the clearance lights,in my opinion.Every camper will leak if the owner does not keep up on maintenance,even new campers.Just because it is new does not mean it will not leak because of human error.

I have been lucky with front window leaks..My last Lance developed a front window leak and I was on it immediately and sealed around it for it never to leak again.

My Jayco FL fifth wheel with a front window never did leak but they had an adjustable fiberglass type cover to open and close it.I think something like that should have been part of front windows on all models.

Keeping any camper from leaking is a full time job..

[Bumpyroad]

windows in the front either have leaked, are leaking, or will leak. is there any protection for rocks, etc.?
bumpy

[jimh406]

It would be for me, but it sounds like you like them. Fwiw, there are a lot of leaks up front from lights even without a window.

[d3500ram]

I agree with Beagle... make sure that it is up to snuff as you do not want a leak especially on the front. If you are handy with tools it is a relatively easy job.

The NorthStar Arrow that I had previous to my current one had the front windows. I had one shatter from a kicked-up rock and replacement was very straightforward.