Imurphy907 Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 We are moving from a Class A to a huge 5er. I really love the MDT's due to the crew cab and viability. But reality is they are not going to perform. We have 3 children who are the driving factor in our travel plans. We are trying to show them the country, and allow them to put their hands on our history. Being stuffed in the back of the Class 8 does not seem like it would offer them the views and experience. If we rebuilt the sleeper to seat them. What would it take to put in larger lower windows so they may be able to see the sights while moving around? Thank you for your time. 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beyerjf Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Any place that does custom rv work would be able to put in as large a window configuation as you wish. Logical move for your application which is different than the original. Jeff Beyer temporarily retired from Trailer Transit 2000 Freightliner Argosy Cabover 2008 Work and Play 34FK Homebase NW Indiana, no longer full time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 You might also want to ask an auto shop that installs sunroofs. Custom RV shop might be the best though. The new/bigger windows will have to be as secure as OEM in a coach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkennell Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 A number of our members have done this. I bought my toter with big tinted windows already installed and they are a big improvement for the kids. Just make sure you also add shades or curtains for those "bright sunny" traveling days--even with the tinting it can get HOT. You might want to check the Resource Guide for info on these. I know that there were some previous threads as well, but I can't find them. No camper at present. Way too many farm machines to maintain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 For sure it can be done. You may have to reinforce the window area, depending on where you put them and how large. There are braces/stiffeners on the sides of most trucks and if you cut them out you have to replace the functionality. Not all that hard to do, but something to be aware of. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imurphy907 Posted July 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Guess I will make a few calls to the RV shops in town. See if any of them would be willing to do it. May have to wait till we find a shop down south. Our options in Alaska are thin... 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steiny93 Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 I have this same task on my list; just haven't gotten to it yet here a link to an article about it in the resource guide: http://www.hhrvresource.com/node/186 more details from the source: http://rjnatter.tripod.com/id2.html looks very doable and pretty straightforward I did look at a couple hdt's where people had added sleeper windows; they all looked good and didn't have signs of leaks or issues. 2000 volvo 6102013 cyclone 3950 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 HERE is an album of adding a back window. Concepts are the same no matter where you add it. On the sides you WILL have to reinforce for any good sized window. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imurphy907 Posted July 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 Thanks for the info folks. Not sure how I missed those sections on HHRV. Must have been cut off the screen. The website works great on a computer, but is impossible on a mobile device. 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted July 8, 2015 Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 We are moving from a Class A to a huge 5er. I really love the MDT's due to the crew cab and viability. But reality is they are not going to perform. We have 3 children who are the driving factor in our travel plans. We are trying to show them the country, and allow them to put their hands on our history. Being stuffed in the back of the Class 8 does not seem like it would offer them the views and experience. If we rebuilt the sleeper to seat them. What would it take to put in larger lower windows so they may be able to see the sights while moving around? Thank you for your time. You might want to take a look at a Freightliner M2-112 crew cab truck. They use a Detroit DD-13 engine with 450 HP and 1650 lb-ft of torque. It will pull ANYTHING you want to put behind it. They can be equipped with air brakes, air ride cab, air ride seats and can be had in a manual tranny if desired (mine has an Allison 4000 auto). They will come with a backseat setup for 3 people and can be had with a single rear axle or with tandems. Mine is a class 7 that will fit in a 10x10 garage door. That engine is the same one you get in a full size, class 8 Freightliner Cascadia. 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdonlybob Posted July 8, 2015 Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 Go to an HDT with windows in the sleeper... you will never look back JMHO, Bob 1989 Safari Serengeti 34'Towing a 1952 M38A1 Military Willys Past HDT owner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIBERNUT Posted July 8, 2015 Report Share Posted July 8, 2015 I put Fliner sleeper windows in my 610, turned them 90 degrees. Used them because 1) they were cheap, and 2) they have a nice interior finish panel with them. Check inside bracing to see what fits easily between to avoid major surgery. . 2000 Volvo 635 A/S, N-14 Cummins"The Phoenix"'03 KA 38KSWB http://s918.photobucket.com/user/sibernut/library/?sort=6&page=1Furkids- Sibe's CH. Sedona & Tseika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imurphy907 Posted July 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 You might want to take a look at a Freightliner M2-112 crew cab truck. They use a Detroit DD-13 engine with 450 HP and 1650 lb-ft of torque. It will pull ANYTHING you want to put behind it. They can be equipped with air brakes, air ride cab, air ride seats and can be had in a manual tranny if desired (mine has an Allison 4000 auto). They will come with a backseat setup for 3 people and can be had with a single rear axle or with tandems. Mine is a class 7 that will fit in a 10x10 garage door. That engine is the same one you get in a full size, class 8 Freightliner Cascadia. We have looked at the 112. Problem being two fold. The 4 doors are hard to find. When you find them they are quite pricey. We don't have a large purchase budget. But I am a wrench Turner and can transform anything. Willing to buy a cheaper truck. Single it myself build a bed and customize the sleeper. Sounds easier then finding a 112, then finding a crew cab body. And swapping everything out including electronics. I would prefer a manual. But could learn to put up with a 3 or 2 petal auto. 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big5er Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 How is this for a bigger window? I actually stopped this guy a few years back. MY PEOPLE SKILLS ARE JUST FINE.~It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.~ 2005 Volvo 780 VED12 465hp / Freedomline transmission singled mid position / Bed by Larry Herrin2018 customed Mobile Suites 40KSSB3 2014 smart Fortwo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imurphy907 Posted July 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 I am one for overkill (if you ask the DW) but holy smokes. I think that would make my kids think they are falling out of the truck. 2016 Road Warrior 420 2001 Volvo VNL 660 Alaska Based. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G&K Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 The Western Star Stratosphere sleepers have very large windows. George,Suzuki Celerio 998cc Yamaha NMAX scooter Work ride is Western Star N2 Tri-Tri tanker at 56,500kg loaded Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 Kenworth Aerocab B models with 72 and 86 Aerodyne sleepers (T600B, T660B, T800B, W900B, W900L) with the sofabed option have side windows and seat belts for passengers using the sofa in the sofa position. No conversion required. The sofabed option extends back many model years. http://www.kenworth.com/trucks/t660/ "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncohauler Posted July 9, 2015 Report Share Posted July 9, 2015 How is this for a bigger window? I actually stopped this guy a few years back. I'm sorry officer I would've pulled over sooner but I couldn't see you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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