Crazy Question: Can a front window be added by factory?

AldebaranJill

I keep seeing photos of the T@B's with front windows. When I bought mine it wasn't common, and the sales person dissuaded me. I really like my stainless steel backsplash, but was wondering if it was even possible for the factory to add a front window to my 2013. 

Nomad

Don't quote me but I seem to recall that the answer is no. Think there's a different substructure required.

AldebaranJill

Hmmm, maybe they need beams in different places or something. I'll keep my fingers crossed to see what others say. I wonder if there's another size window that would fit within the existing substructure. 

Nomad

Hard to find curved windows so I wouldn't hold out hope for another sized one.

Verna

The factory's answer is no.  Search the forum as a couple of other people have asked the factory and the answer is no, the proper support has to be initially built into the front wall. 

Photomom

Verna is correct. We looked at a nearly new T@B that would have been perfect for us but it didn't have a front window. I called the factory to see if one could be retrofitted and they said no, they don't do it. The guy said they were aware that some people had done it themselves but they discouraged it. 

Tabaz

The reason it's a bad idea is there is an aluminum frame that supports anything structural in the walls and ceiling (i.e. the ceiling fan opening, entry door and each window - not to mention the A/C unit).  Somewhere on this forum are some photos taken during a factory tour that showed the aluminum framework.

ScottG

I was thinking of those same photos. I can't seem to find them, but I think they came from @Cyclonic.

Cyclonic, can you redirect or repost? I'd like to have the photos in the event I ever install the Outback rack. Thanks!

AldebaranJill

Got it, makes sense. I wish the sales person had told me this decision was something I could not reverse later. At least now I can stop wondering. Does the porthole window have the same framework around it? 

Nomad

Cyclonic

ScottG said:

I was thinking of those same photos. I can't seem to find them, but I think they came from @Cyclonic.

Cyclonic, can you redirect or repost? I'd like to have the photos in the event I ever install the Outback rack. Thanks!

Looks like @PXLated found it

I have done three tours, they can be found on my photo site, cyclonic.smugmug.com, under Our Adventures>Tours

Verna

@AldebaranJill, knowing that the side walls are created with aluminum frames in the correct spots for windows or A/C, etc., the port hole would also need support to keep it in place.  If the support isn't in place, the window can't be installed. 

AldebaranJill

Thanks everyone! I can now stop wondering if it is possible. If I want to see out the front will just have to install a peep hole or video camera.

AldebaranJill

Cyclonic said:

I have done three tours, they can be found on my photo site, cyclonic.smugmug.com, under Our Adventures>Tours

Wonderful resource, thank you!