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Topic: Windshield Boot (was Wannabe/Gonnabe) (Read 8 times) previous topic - next topic
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Windshield Boot (was Wannabe/Gonnabe)
Yahoo Message Number: 2903
Larry, thanks to you and Linley for the definition of "Windshield Boot". It sounds as though it could be a useful item. I'll have to check the CW catalog to see what it looks like.

Any other reports on how effective these are?

So let's see... There are "bras" to protect the paint up front, and "boots" to insulate the cab windows. Hopefully the chassis comes with a "muffler". Any other articles of clothing we should be thinking of getting? ;-)

Thanks, Bob
Windshield Boot
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2905
Thanks for the insights, Gus. Maybe I'll skip the windshield boot for now, since the term "cold-weather camping" has (so far) been self-contradictory for some members of the family...

Also, I hate to keep bugging Steve with all these additional options I've learned about here. :-)

A great, informative group here, by the way. Thanks to all. I wish I'd learned of its existence back when, but it has been very helpful nonetheless.

Bob
Windshield Boot
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2909
skip the windshield boot for now, since the term "cold-weather camping" has (so far) been self-contradictory for some members of the family...

Also, I hate to keep bugging Steve with all these additional options I've learned about here. :-)>>

I

purchased the windshield boot when I picked up my new LD last spring. It took the LD people5 minutes to intall the door clips.

It wasn't purchased for cold weather camping, but to protect the interior from sun and keep prying eyes out when the LD is stored outside.

Glenn
Windshield Boot
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2910
"But on the Lazy Daze, the privacy curtain supplied made it unnecessary, and we only used it once when the temperature was in single digits"

Note, though, that older LD used a privacy curtain that pulls straight across - shutting off the cab completely. The cab windows are tinted about the same as any factory automobile, and do NOT offer any privacy. Thus we use the pull-across curtain a lot. While the cab in these is not a seating area, it still has some function at night, particularly the stereo and some of the speakers, a handy 12V outlet, etc, and increases the feeling of 'room'. The windshield cover is handier for these models than with the newer ones, so you don't need the curtain for your privacy.

A little fact completely familiar to owners, but not necessarily to those still waiting for theirs:

The dark window tinting on the coach body gives almost complete indoor privacy in the daytime with the shades up, without restricting the view nor cutting out much light - almost like one-way mirrors. You can enjoy the view out the picture window in our rear bath without passers-by enjoying the view in.

Flip-side - on dreary days, in the early morn or in the eve, you will need to turn on the lights sooner than other coaches.
Then, you can't see out, and outsiders can see in.
Opening the massive escape hatch over the bunk area helps then with lighting. If you also can site such that the cab area is out of the general traffic path of strollers - we ususally aim it towards the 'view' in our front lounge - keeping its windows unshielded lets in more light too. (I DO sit up there reading on dreary mornings. I think of it as the 'solarium' . In a gentle rain, you can have a cab window wide open and the cabover keeps the rain out - something that doesn't work in a class-A.)

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Windshield Boot
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2925
My used LD came with a windshield cover which I have used half a dozen times in eight years. It doesn't insulate the cab enough to be worth the effort in the summer. It blocks the windows completely so there is no air circulation, even if the windows are down.
In the winter we close the curtain and then cover the walk thru with a heavy wool blanket that snaps on to the bunk. This idea was in the LD manual.
I

dislike the cover because it blocks all of the light, making the interior very dark. A major reason why we like our front lounge model is because how bright and open it feels.A rear lounge model would not be effected as much.
The few times I have used the cover was in very high density RV parks where your site is very small. It seems to help isolate yourself.
If your LD has swivel captains chairs, the external cover give you more interior room in the evening when you normally cover your windows(you can leave the front curtain open). I like using a reflective, fold-up windshield sunblocker, the kind you buy at Pep Boys. This for me is a better system.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Windshield Boot
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2938
Our prior LD had the windshield boot (we weren't familar w/ it) however, we used it when cold and when hot for apparent reasons and it works!! From this prior experience our new LD (due July!) will also have one. Until such time as we're able to retire, other than for weekends (long and short) most of our travel is winter and it's VERY useful then and certainly worth the expense.
The downside is that vision through the cab area is non-existent (so pull in rather than back in? and run any hook ups ((if available)) under the coach!) That's how we solved the vision problem.
Windshield Boot (was Wannabe/Gonnabe
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2944
The windshield boot also has the benefit of protecting the glass from acid rain. Perhaps you don't suffer from it as badly in your part of MD as we do here in the DC metro area, but within a year or so, the glass is permanently "etched". I would image the folks in CA, particularly around LA have the same problem.
When we order our LD, we will definitely order it to keep on the rig when not in use, just for the protection.

Madonna
Windshield Boot (was Wannabe/Gonnabe
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2946
"When we order our LD, we will definitely order it to keep on the rig when not in use, just for the protection."

Living in L.A., I haven't noted any etching problem with the window. Note that the windshield only gets wet in a very HARD or wind-driven rain with the vehicle sitting. In our neighborhood, there is a goo deposited from local flora that protects the glass.

Note we use our cover ONLY at night while camping. In rainy weather, we generally don't use it at all. While parked, outside of a campground, the privacy curtain suffices.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Windshield Boot (was Wannabe/Gonnabe
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2949
That goo you refer to is not actually from the flora itself but from aphids and other members from that order of insects feeding on the flora located in CA as well as other parts of the country. The goo is not harmful to the glass but is a bit of a mess at times.