My U270 is one without. For my past use of this coach I have not missed them. Mostly used for traveling or going to point A to B. Actually I like the clean lines and less wind noise & drag.
I do know what I'm missing since my 280 was equipped with full window awnings and did use it for months on end.
Tides have turned now I'll be using my 270 for months on end and I'd like to have window awnings maybe. So what to do?
Or just look for an newer upgraded coach with headlights, paint and awnings.....Hmmm. Maybe a trip to Texas this Winter.
...wow...I had no idea they even made FT's without awnings...wonder why they'd do that (is that a stupid question?)
Yes, some year and some model coaches had awnings as an option. Also possible the original owner custom ordered the coach without them.
Here is the spec sheet for your 1996 U270: 1996 U270 Foretravel Specifications (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1996-u270-foretravel-specifications.html)
It does show a patio awning as standard, but no mention of window awnings. If you can find a salvage yard with a coach with the same fabric and length window awnings, that would probably be your least expensive option if you want them.
Makes for a very clean look. We don't miss them (and have never used the main awning on our 95).
The window awnings were optional on the U270 models. When we camp we use the window awnings 100% of the time. They provide shade from the sun inside to coach. And when the weather is inclement, they shelter the rain from coming into the coach.
Yes Dave I do like the look.... Other option if I wanted to spend the coach bucks head to Peninsula glass for some Motion windows. Only a couple hours away in Vancouver Wa., probably a better upgrade.
I would vote for the window upgrade. That is a beautiful coach - very clean and slick! NOT having awnings makes it look quite unique! We have the full awning set, but seldom use them. I would like our coach just as much without them...perhaps even better!
Huge!
[quote That is a beautiful coach - very clean and slick!
[/quote]
Thanks Chuck....I'm thinking window and headlight upgrade would make be a happy camper!
It is a very clean look. I am not sure you are going to see a big reduction in drag, maybe noise. I have often thought about a smooth retractable roof cover that would reduce drag and wind noise.
Like Peter, we use ours all the time. We like the sun shading. If we had MCD shades on all windows then maybe we could get along without them but when it is raining we usually still want the windows open.
Brad Metzger's Phenix has no window awnings just the big roof mounted Girards. He said he misses the window awnings.
I noticed years ago that the awnings seemed to deter people from cutting through our camp site. Mostly non rv'ers
Kind of expands your exclusive zone.
Obviously the main awning but the little ones to a smaller extent.
To add to that effect I built a 89 u300 40' with two main awnings on both sides of the coach. 21' and a 14'? Plus window awnings.
I suppose it's just a matter of personal taste. While I don't think the window awnings detract from the overall appearance when retracted, the coaches without the window awnings definitely have a "clean" appearance. However, we really enjoy ours and definitely wouldn't want to be without them. It's certainly great that we have our individual choices!
I cannot imagine a coach without awnings. When we lived in the PNW, they enabled us to sit outside in the rain and down here in the desert, they keep the inside much cooler!
Window replacement by Motion Windows, nice website if anyone is interested. Check out the tints. Also a beauty of a older 280 in their photo gallery.
Dual Pane RV Window, Series 1800 Windows | Motionwindows.Com (http://www.motionwindows.com/elite-dual-pane-windows-series-1800/)
Our Phenix is our first coach without window awnings (we ordered it that way) and do not miss them.
We met a couple who had a OB without awnings, he looked at ours (with full awnings) and said, "That sure is retro with the awnings". Whatever "Retro" means, it made me feel old and in the way. :'(
Price quote today for 9 windows in Solar Cool Bronze 4.7 coach bucks. Subtract $400 for Dark Grey tint...add $100 per window for installation. I would do it myself, most of the work is R & R window treatments.
We are like Dave, we have the main awning but have used it only once in 8 years mainly to see how it worked.
When we were researching I asked about awnings. I was told that I would want them. We have a full set, and regularly use the small ones. The large patio awning has been out some, but it is a rare thing for it to be out after dark. It is NEVER out with rain or winds over about 15 mph.
Now that we're full-timers we see quite a few different coaches in the various places we've stayed. We've noticed that Foretravels and Airstreams are likely to have full awnings. Some higher-end motor homes will have full awnings, too. Fifth-wheels will usually have only a patio awning. Travel trailers, other than Airstreams, usually don't have any awnings, although some of the newer higher-end ones will have a patio awning.
After some near misses, I learned (no matter what the forecast was) to retract the patio. Nothing like going out in the dark (half nekkid) to retract!
We don't use the big patio awning very often and usually only if we are somewhere for a while. Nice if it is raining. It took some time to figure it out so we can do it rather quickly now. If it is windy we will put a tie from each corner to a ground stake. We were in Big Bend NP shortly after we got the coach when there was a serious wind storm one night. The big awning was out. We were out there in the dark trying to get it rolled up. There was a brief calm and it was rolled up. The ranger station reported 50 mph gusts the night before.
I like the fact that I don't have to get dressed if I want to retract the window awnings during the night. All I do is slide the screen open and then grasp the awning strap and let the awning gently roll up. I don't get too wet or too awake.
I'm torn on this one.
I've got window awnings and they are used at nearly all times during the late spring, summer, and early fall due to the heat gain through the windows. Then again, it has been sub-zero temperatures here the last few nights and the heat gain through the windows during the day is wonderful (furnace doesn't even turn on during the day) makes me rethink wanting the sunblock coatings on the windows.
I suppose in the end, I'd rather have the awnings.
The answer to that question of why the new coaches do not have window awnings is----- ( the bus look ) is what is is desired and wanted . This is the answer from the big cheese when I bought my present coach . But I do indeed miss them . My 2006 Phoenix had them and I used them all the time . So , it is a market effort. Brad Metzger
Great tip, hadn't thought of that! :D