Nest Caravans — Building a new FG trailer, step by step

[Jim Bennett]

I do like Phoenix, and possibly other bird names should abbots model ever be introduced.

[Ken C]

I liked/miss Elitist and proud of it in your profile some name in that realm is my vote.

[Robert Johans]

For those of you who have expressed concern regarding stone strikes on our windshield, a colleague of ours suggested something brilliant: a soft, snap-on "mask."

This mask, with a thin, closed-cell foam center sandwiched between a Sunbrella-like cloth cover, could simply be rolled up and stashed when not needed.

What do you think?

[Bob Miller]

Sounds neat. Can you print Wiley Coyote chasing Roadrunner across the desert on it? LOL

[EcoHeliGuy]

Anything I have ever seen that snaps on. Works awesome.... The first day. Over time no matter the material it will shrink, and no longer lines up.


Sent remotely

[Elizabeth Nevil]

Would the foam cell center be something like the anti-stress or yoga mat materials that are about half an inch thick and very light weight?

On the Sunbrella like cloth cover, what would you think of doing a very subtle design on it that would indicate a pair of eagle or phoenix eyes with a front view of the head down just as it would be if it were taking off in flight? I just could not help but see that done in a few lines woven into your design....but....maybe not...your design is so elegant now anything else no matter how subtle might not look right....just a thought.

I would be happy to just draw a mock up of it for you and pop it in an e-mail for you to use if you like...or not ...lol

Elizabeth

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

For those of you who have expressed concern regarding stone strikes on our windshield, a colleague of ours suggested something brilliant: a soft, snap-on "mask."

This mask, with a thin, closed-cell foam center sandwiched between a Sunbrella-like cloth cover, could simply be rolled up and stashed when not needed.

What do you think?

I would be concerned with the look, especially after time, and that it may look a bit shoddy compared to the rest of the unit. I would have to see it though.

[Ken C]

Escape had them on the front for rock protection a number of years with success. I don't know if the window is glass or a poly-carb, like Kirkman, I don't know about abrasion with dust and freeway wind buffeting.

It sure would help if Brian B-P could chime in here. Come out of retirement Brian! Your help is invaluable.

"Over time no matter the material it will shrink, and no longer lines up."

[kirkman]

My experience with soft covers are they flap in the wind and scratch what ever is under them. So if you go that root the front window will be scratched in no time.


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[TomK]

Snaps are definitely better than velcro. I've used sunbrella covers and snaps on boats with no problem. I would avoid velcro at all costs. I'd also avoid naugahyde (pleather) because of the shrinkage problems. Sunbrella comes in a wide variety of colors and weights. I'm sure they (Dupont?) will advise you on what works best for your application. I think it's a good idea.

Tom

[FRED SMAILES]

I'd have to agree with Jason in post 369.
if it touches the window it will scratch it, just the dust in the air will be the abrasive.
Really the Nest is too cool to be going do the road with covers on it.
fred

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

For those of you who have expressed concern regarding stone strikes on our windshield, a colleague of ours suggested something brilliant: a soft, snap-on "mask."

This mask, with a thin, closed-cell foam center sandwiched between a Sunbrella-like cloth cover, could simply be rolled up and stashed when not needed.

What do you think?

Sort of like a "bra" for your trailer, similar to car bras. Car Bras & Front-End Covers at CARiD.com
Would also help in winter with cold transmission. By the way Robert, are your window frames metal or some other material which would help with condensation.

[MCDenny]

Having the window gradually get dulled would be way better than having it broken by a rock.

Do car bras scratch up the paint underneath?

[Ken C]

There are hardened acrylic solutions for windshields.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post488784

[stevebaz]

You could put down a vinyl cling on material on the window and then the cover. Almost all small electronic devices use this material to protect the screens. I would check with 3M Products to see what they have available. Then a simple sign shop could probably cut it for you. You already have the drawings for the front windscreen.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by MCDenny

Having the window gradually get dulled would be way better than having it broken by a rock.

Do car bras scratch up the paint underneath?

Yes they can. I have seen several Corvettes that had bras attached for long periods and, when removed, substantial scratching could be seen.
Many suppliers recommend removing and washing often to prevent paint damage.

[TomK]

Airstreams have a really nice hinged cover over the windshield. I believe it's a very dark smoked acrylic, hinged for cleaning and ventilation. It appears to "float" a half inch or less above the glass.

It may be protected by patents. Very classy looking.

Tom


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[Robert Johans]

Speaking of Airstreams, anyone see the short story on NBC this weekend? It was reported that they are selling 50 trailers a week, with an 18 month waiting period. Strong indication of a rebounding economy.


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[brian m.]

Yes, I saw that report. They're expanding the factory building to handle the increased demand. Looks like a good time to bring a new travel trailer to the market ...

People will pay for quality things...

[Bob Miller]

Until the 70's Airstream had two factories, the second one was in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Maybe we are returning to those "Good Old Daze"? LOL.