vjstangelo
virginia
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I am in the market casually looking for a Class C. I spotted what seeems to be a really good deal locally, a 2004 Four Winds Chateau 31' in length. One thing that concerns me is the front bunk is equipped with a front window.
I know there have been horror stories posted regarding leakage around the front bunk window. Is it a given that even with regular maintenance these will always leak and one should in all cases steer clear of Class C RV's with front windows? Are there those out there with front windows that say "Hey, no problem, mine has never leaked".
Thanks in advance for your responses.
P.S. Anyone who has a similar model (2004 or so vintage Chateau) that has advice is welcome to weigh in also.
2003 KZ 2505QSS
2005 Excursion V10
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Mocoondo
Chicago, IL
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If it's a Fourwinds, it probably has already leaked at some point.
I wouldn't necessarily steer clear of the unit. It all depends on how it was maintained. If the previous owner(s) were careful to re-seal everything on a regular basis, it is very possible that you have found a good one.
I also wouldn't be afraid of a Class C with a forward window either. Again, it's all about how the unit was maintained.
Good maintenance goes a long way in keeping the upper bunks dry.
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JOMO
Florida
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I have a 2005 sunseeker and have not had any problems with the front window. I love the view out of that window and would not want one without it. We did have a small leak in the cabover at one time but it wasn't the window. It was one of the seams in the corner up top we put eternabond on the seam and problem solved.
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NewsW
US
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Mocoondo wrote:If it's a Fourwinds, it probably has already leaked at some point.
That is what I thought of Fourwinds from day 1.
The bailing wire and chewing gum don't wear well.
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gotsmart
Aberdeen, WA
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A comfort related issue with the forward bunk window is heat and cold. The large window can heat up the bunk area a lot on a sunny day, and create quite the cold air draft when it is cold outside.
Many have put reflective window foil and small blankets over the inside of the front bunk window to combat the heat and cold.
2005 Cruise America 28R (Four Winds 28R) on a 2004 Ford E450 SD 6.8L V10 4R100
2009 smart fortwo Passion with Roadmaster "Falcon 2" towbar & tail light kit - pictures
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mwebber78
New England
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I personally would steer clear of the front window. This is not based on any specific brand, just the idea of a giant hole in a forward facing wall... Honestly, owners stink (for the most part) at maintaining seals and checking for leaks. In fact, when I was shopping I eliminated any brand that didn't have a fiberglass front cone that was one piece with no window.
2013 Jayco Eagle 334RBTS
Disclaimer for the daft: Don't confuse my opinion with facts.
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vjstangelo
virginia
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Hm. Good point. My current travel trailer developed a leak in the roof and it has been a big mess to repair. I want to minimize a recurrance as much as possible. Regarding the Four Winds camper I am considering, per the owner, it has been garage stored. I will probably go and see it next week if it hasn't sold yet.
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AF_Medic
Cabot, Arkansas
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I got an 05 with front window and it doesn't leak. I'm sure if all four winds leaked then there would be a uge sticky saying Thor sucks etc...... I like having the window as well.
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TRTTrving
Georgia
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We have a Chateau with a front window. Never has leaked. We love having the view and light with the window. As far as the heat, it does have a dark window tint that keeps it cool. It's all about maintenance! Good luck in your search.
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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We don't have one and glad of it. But I wouldn't disqualify a used unit I really liked just because it had one. Given a choice I'd avoid it, and if I were ordering a new one I'd delete it. Our first coach had the window (actually a pair) and we kept it covered. Yes, it got hot on hot days and cold on cold days. But it never leaked.
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
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