Front sliding window no longer an option at ATC

[FiremanWanderer]

On the verge of ordering our camper and we got the news that they no longer offer the front sliding window. This is important to us so we can grab gear and things from our cooler in the back seat of our tundra. Any thoughts on not having the slider or possibilities of ordering one?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

To me, that is a good thing, It eliminates a potential leak point.

 

[Kolockum]

On the verge of ordering our camper and we got the news that they no longer offer the front sliding window. This is important to us so we can grab gear and things from our cooler in the back seat of our tundra. Any thoughts on not having the slider or possibilities of ordering one?

That is brilliant! Why have I not thought about that?! I will give it a try on my next trip and report back.

 

[klahanie]

I like a slider also so, myself, I'd look at ordering one and having ATC install it. Kicker is, I spent a few minutes searching online and I didn't see any of the old style configuration where by the two middle panes slide out to create a large, centred opening. The other sliding styles would be much less useful to me. So would need to look at custom made availability first from RV and truck canopy window mfrs. And that research might decide it right there.

 

[Ronin]

I ordered my ATC in May and I wanted the slider window since that is what I had in my previous 2 Hawks. I mainly used it for extra ventilation and one time when my friend accidentally locked the doors on my Tundra I was able to barely squeeze through both sliders to retrieve my keys. Marty informed me that they had too many customers experience leaks so they made the decision to not offer the sliders any more. He said the leaks generally happened while driving in the rain. I have a Truckfridge inside my Panther so retrieving food through the slider isn't an issue. I never thought it would be faster/easier to retrieve things through the camper window since it's such a small opening.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I have the combo slider/drop down window on my shell. Wish I had gone with the solid window. Dust and water are definitely an issue.

 

[lqhikers]

When we had a fwc the slider was a must as we always traveled
with our cat and he could go back and forth as he choose !
Should not be to hard to find windows online send opening
size to atc and at least have a frame built, then it would
be easy to install.
(maybe not for everyone, but that is what i would do.)

Les,lqhikers

 

[Vic Harder]

FYI, I just removed a slider from my ATC Puma, as I am doing a shell build out that will have shelving/cupboards along that front wall. Works fine, never leaked for us.

 

[klahanie]

On reflection, I suppose one could use a more common, one pane slide like below and position it so the opening part was centred on the front wall to line up with the truck opening, if the interior layout allowed and ATC was willing. This type shown above may seal better than the older style I referred to earlier (shown at bottom)

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Having a 2009 ATC Bobcat,I have the large slider.
I like it for the air flow it offers.
Also might be handy to pass things through,
although have not used it for that.
No leaks over all our years.
IMO it's something to have.
Frank

 

[Bigfoot Dave]

We really enjoy our front slider. It offers safe, secure ventilation, even in the rain when we are parked. If we are driving in the rain I put a towel under the window to catch any leaks. I also made a couple of hoods over the weep holes that minimize water intrusion.
Happy Trails, Bigfoot Dave

 

[ntsqd]

I guess we're in the minority here. I'd prefer that neither of our campers (previous & present) had that window at all. Major cold leak from both of them, can not see anything thru them, neither of us is inclined to try to fit thru them.

 

[trailrider]

I like having a window to see out the back of the camper while driving with my rear view mirror. I pull some small jet ski trailers sometimes that aren't visible with my side mirrors. At least I can see it is still there. Maybe they could install a fixed glass window (single piece of glass non opening).

 

[villageidiot]

They will install a picture window, have various sizes, just won’t open.

 

[OregonOzzy]

Not sure if it will work in your case, but just wanted to offer a possible solution for a sliding window. This came with my Hawk and is still available. Details in the link below.

https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/18757-front-sliding-window-nos/?hl=%2Bsliding+%2Bwindow

 

[solinski]

My 1980 Perris Valley hard-side,2001 Alpenlite cabover hard-side , 2004 Six Pac t100 s hard-side, and 2005 FWC Eagle all had sliders, no leak issues. I found the added ventilation that a slider provides makes them a must have have.I will be special ordering a slider for my new to be built All Terrain Bobcat.
soloinski

 

[kmcintyre]

We have one in our Eagle but frankly we've never used it. If you have an extended cab pickup, I don't really know how or why you'd want to access the camper via that window. Too small and we normally have "stuff" packed against that window. Plus in an Eagle, there's no really sitting area near that window. So, like others, it could be a potential area for leaks. I could see it as an advantage in other models... maybe.

 

[BrianG]

I have the slider on my 2015 Hawk and love it. It allows for ventilation on rainy days and my dog at night. Have driven through lots of rain and never had a problem, BUT I have a Yakima deflector on the cab of my truck, cuts down the noise and probably helps during rain. I also have a table attached under the bed overhang, so I'm not sure any rain can even get to the window. I also put a screen on mine to keep out the bugs.

My slider isn't as big as the one shown in klahanie's picture.

 

[SkyP]

Does anyone know what brand front slider ATC used on 2018 campers?
Don't see a name on it and need to find a replacement seal for the screen on the driver side.

 

[ski3pin]

(800)-446-1003
Marty or Jeff can answer and maybe tell you where to get what you need.