Help please! I need the specs for replacement glass on rear window of 87 Sunrader rear dinette 21ft !!

[D_87_SunRader]

Anyone ever had to replace the glass in the rear window of an 87 Sunrader (21ft rear dinette model)? If so do you still have the exact measurements?  Kids decided to throw a rock and shatter it 😞 The frame is intact. It's currently my full-time home so I'm trying to get the measurements to give to a shop for special order without driving to the shop so they can measure it. Trying to minimize the driving with no window! Any advice would be welcome, I'm currently around the Albuquerque area. Thanks!

[MaineJed]

Can you measure it and let the shop know?

[IdahoDoug]

I do not recommend a first timer attempt to measure the glass for a shop full of experts.  It's not just dimensions, it's the radius of the corners, where the radius starts and ends, and the thickness and glueing/sealing the glass to the metal frame.  The frame can be removed in 10 minutes - zip the screws out from the inside, some easy prying to pull the frame off the outside of the vehicle and off you go.  

 

If the dimensions are off by 1/16th inch, you are responsible.  Many shops (including in my small town) will order the glass itself so they have it on hand when you drive there, then you bring the frame and they'll cut it and mount it while you wait. That's my two cents.

[D_87_SunRader]

Yeah I definitely don't want to measure it myself! Too many variables. I am seriously considering permanently replacing it with grey Poly-carbonate, has anyone done that? I'm in contact with a glass shop and it'll take 5-7 days for the glass to be ready and I have the option to put in the Poly-carbonate the same day as either a temporary fix until the glass is ready or they mentioned it's not uncommon to keep the poly-carbonate. The upside is it's shatter-proof! What are the downsides? It's a very large window, roughly 60inx30in.

[WME]

Poly scratches easily. 

Useful additions for anti scratch.   https://xshield-protect.com   works with glass and poly. 

Also check out window security film, I don't know how it would work on the outside.

 

The have been reports of the front overhead window, on some campers, shattering for unknown reasons. These films would help keep all the bits of glass out of the overhead bed.

[IdahoDoug]

That large rear window is one of the Sunrader's premier features.  It is automotive grade glass, and poly simply won't provide that crystal clarity - especially if you went with a tinted grey polycarbonate which is a serious downgrade to the view.  The comment about scratching is very real.  I have polycarbonate front wraparound windows, and even a tarp rubbing it for a few days scratches it.  I have the ability to polish it clear again, but it's not for everyone.

 

I'd have real glass put back in.  You'll be disappointed a year from now at how the sun will accentuate all the little micro scratches and it's like looking at the world through dirty eyeglasses.

[D_87_SunRader]

I was thinking the same thing about the degradation over time. Any opinions or experience with the difference in insulation properties of glass vs poly-carbonate?

[IdahoDoug]

I can state categorically that they are BOTH very poor insulators, so a difference would be near immaterial.  By far the highest heat loss of an RV is through the windows.  Even if glass was worse, I'd consider the clear view, lack of distracting scratching, and glass being 100% unaffected by UV damage to be insurmountable.