Adding new windows to a 172

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I'm interested in adding some windows to a 172 (though it probably applies to any model). Coming from a popup and tent camping I'm used to and prefer a lot of airflow and natural light inside. The 172 only has three windows, all in the back, plus the door. That just seems like we'll spend a lot of time with the lights on and AC on, which just isn't my idea of camping. I'm thinking a short height window at the head and foot of each of the bunks up front would make the bunks feel less claustrophobic, add a lot of crossflow and light when desired (curtains are another discussion). Possibly the kitchen window from a 193, but I'd have to check dimensions. Presumably other Forest River products would work as well. 
I'm not familiar with the window installation method to know what it would take to properly install a number of new windows. I saw some construction photos and it looks like each window opening has an aluminum frame and the inner and outer skins are cut flush. I assume the window has a flange that clamps it in place on the inside and outside rather than anything under the skin.  It seems possible to retrofit without deskinning anything. That's assuming you don't install an aluminum frame, which is a big assumption, though for small windows with the bunk framework around it, would possibly be OK. 

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cdlong Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote cdlong Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Adding new windows to a 172 Posted: 23 Mar 2022 at 12:54pm
	I'm interested in adding some windows to a 172 (though it probably applies to any model). Coming from a popup and tent camping I'm used to and prefer a lot of airflow and natural light inside. The 172 only has three windows, all in the back, plus the door. That just seems like we'll spend a lot of time with the lights on and AC on, which just isn't my idea of camping. I'm thinking a short height window at the head and foot of each of the bunks up front would make the bunks feel less claustrophobic, add a lot of crossflow and light when desired (curtains are another discussion). Possibly the kitchen window from a 193, but I'd have to check dimensions. Presumably other Forest River products would work as well. I'm not familiar with the window installation method to know what it would take to properly install a number of new windows. I saw some construction photos and it looks like each window opening has an aluminum frame and the inner and outer skins are cut flush. I assume the window has a flange that clamps it in place on the inside and outside rather than anything under the skin. It seems possible to retrofit without deskinning anything. That's assuming you don't install an aluminum frame, which is a big assumption, though for small windows with the bunk framework around it, would possibly be OK.

cdlong Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote cdlong Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 9:39am
	The main concern I had was where the aluminum frame is inside the walls. I saw this for sale post and it looks like the condensation on the side panels makes it pretty clear. And it looks like the cross bar corresponds with the upper bunk frame.

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2706	Post Options Post Reply Quote GlueGuy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 10:23am
	You can also verify the location of the aluminum frame members with a decent stud detector, because I wouldn't assume the location of the aluminum frame members are the same on yours.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

cdlong Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote cdlong Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 10:44am
	Oh yeah, that makes sense. Thanks for the tip.

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1003	Post Options Post Reply Quote marwayne Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 1:26pm
	I put in a window in the door, in the bathroom and one over each bunk. 2011 - 172
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

cdlong Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote cdlong Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 2:04pm
	Did you just cut a hole and stick a window in? Any issues with the install or usage over time?

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1003	Post Options Post Reply Quote marwayne Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 3:14pm
	In 2012 it was very hard to find these type of windows, so I made my own. The windows are 2 halves then screwed together from the inside with the glass in between. The outside part is covered with patio decking the inside is painted.
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

lostagain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2595	Post Options Post Reply Quote lostagain Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2022 at 3:32pm
	I added a round porthole window in the door of our 172. Somewhere in the archives are fotos. I got a standard marine porthole and cut a round hole in the door to install it. One thing to be aware of is any sandwich together two part windows need to accommodate the thickness of the walls. I can't recall the thickness measurements, but if memory serves me the walls are about 2" thick and the door closer to 1½". One thing that you may want to think about is ventilation. You might like a window that opens forward of the front door or bath. I recall camping in along the Colorado river in AZ and it was quite hot. Having the ability to get a little cross ventilation would have been nice. It would also give you some light in that pretty dark part of the trailer. There is a window supplier that is noted in past posts that people said was really reliable and had good quality and prices. A search might be worth a try. We took out the upper bunk and raised the lower bed about 8", leaving a part of it on the bathroom side as a storage shelf. We had plenty of room to add a window on the right side. With the bunkbed in place, you options are much more limited.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost