Why do modern motorhomes have such small windows?

[Peter Nick Harvey]

Q. Why do modern motorhomes have such small windows? Our much-loved c.2002 Autocruise Starspirit has massive windows. Perfect for most - frequently gloomy! - days in the UK...

 

[Richard n Ann]

Maybe different layout. The vans with rear lounge can have big windows but on our van the back is the shower/toilet, so we get 2 side windows and a little galley window

 

[The Old Man]

Weight saving VS payload?

 

[Landy Andy]

Loads of windows = hot inside for heat abroad.
big windows = more wall storage

 

[Landy Andy]

More wall is also more structural stability.

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[jockaneezer]

I know what you mean, mine looks like a Group 4 prison van !

 

[Richard n Ann]

I'd like a window in our toilet to aid ventilation, how hard can it be?

 

[Peter Nick Harvey]

I get the heat thing. Mabel is currently 36 degrees inside! Parked near sunny Arundel in West Sussex. Admittedly I forgot to close the blinds this morning . Structural considerations? I don't know. Ours has been all over the place in 18 years and nothing appears to have flexed...

 

[Spriddler]

I've thought the same for ages. I don't like that style at all; few and squinty little windows............
Mine has lovely long and deep windows each side and doesn't seem to become overheated in summer as I can throw them wide open for a cooling draught.
I've concluded it's because 'modern' motorhomes need lots of wall to accommodate cupboards, wall mounted T.V's. plus full height fridges/freezers.

More wall is also more structural stability.

Enabling the constructors to use thinner/cheaper/lighter materials, thereby fitting lots inside without destroying all the payload capability?

 

[spitfire]

I get the heat thing. Mabel is currently 36 degrees inside! Parked near sunny Arundel in West Sussex. Admittedly I forgot to close the blinds this morning . Structural considerations? I don't know. Ours has been all over the place in 18 years and nothing appears to have flexed...

Wouldn’t like big windows in a van here in summer lol Forecast 40 degrees tomorrow . Yah for the house !

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[68c]

I'd like a window in our toilet to aid ventilation, how hard can it be?

It really is not hard to retrofit a window.

 

[Wellington]

The often have biiig skylights, so don’t need so much window, giving you better storage inside and better sun protection. There are way more Motorhomes abroad than in the UK and I think we forget that we are a comparatively small part of the market with our low temps, constant rain and gloomy days!

 

[LesW]

Loads of windows = hot inside for heat abroad

Wrong, more windows to open allowing more air to flow through... at least that's how it works with ours.

 

[Northernraider]

Wrong, more windows to open allowing more air to flow through... at least that's how it works with ours.

I've found the opposite .... skylights are better for letting heat out ...keep windows closed and blinds closed keeps the van cooler

 

[g3cwi]

They have small windows to stop the burglars climbing in after they have gassed you.

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[spitfire]

Cos they aren’t caravans lol

 

[gus-lopez]

I have to own up,I have 2 small windows ,1 in each back door. but fortunately one can't be opened due to the roof ladder & the other is blacked out inside.

 

[Eddystone]

They have been made smaller in order to meet stricter insulation standards.
All based on maintaining 20c inside at various outside temps.
My Avetar shows the large side windows, one each side, on our yr 2000 AutoSleeper.

 

[Hawkstone]

I have a huge lounge window but unfortunately if I open it the sensor cuts out the hot water as it is directly above the outlet. Blooming silly design. However I do have mahoosive Heki in the overhead cab section which is fab at night.

 

[Nanniemate]

I want the views please that's what I travel for

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[Minxy]

Probably partly down to cost, larger windows will cost more.

 

[Raul]

I want the views please that's what I travel for

Open the door/doors and you have a panoramic view.

 

[Nanniemate]

Open the door/doors and you have a panoramic view.

Police are not over keen on that idea when travelling

 

[peterc10]

Generally for travelling everybody faces forward and if there is only two of you the only views you get on the move are from the cab area. That is why we prefer the huge windscreens and cab side windows on A class motorhomes. You get a much better view out of those than you do from a C class or PVC cab.

If there is a view where we park up we point the front towards it so we can continue to enjoy it. Or we get off our backsides and go outside to enjoy it. If we have travelled many miles to see views we find they are often best enjoyed from the outside our our tin shed.

 

[Simon Select]

Bailey Autograph 69-2, big enough??

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[meanders]

I know what you mean, mine looks like a Group 4 prison van !

Is that inside or outside? Handcuffs?

 

[Otter Spotter]

we has various caravans for over 25years and they were always chosen for their panoramic windows ( on holiday you want to see the camp entertainment) thus is our first motorhome and I wanted large windows, so to protect us from sun tinted, and blackout screens to keep noses and sun out. They work a treat.

 

[Tea Bag]

They have been made smaller in order to meet stricter insulation standards.

Hi.
Yes and could also be due to the fact bigger windows lessen the structural integrity of the van. Just a thought.
Tea Bag