Why no sun roof in a PUP?

[dkutz]

So DW and I were laying in the PUP last trip looking out the window at the stars, and I wondered why the manufacturers don't put a clear window, IN THE ROOF of the ends?  Kind of like a sun roof?  Wouldn't it be cool?  Yeah I know it would make the ends hot during the day, but maybe they could make a flap or something to cover it with.  

What do you think?

[Jim K in PA]

Two words - potential leaks.

Honestly, unless it was a flat plate of polycarbonate or glass, the distortion would make star-gazing almost impossible.

I also think that the clear vinyl would not stand up well to the stretching and other forces on it.

Call Bear Creek and ask them if they could mod yours!

[dkutz]

Two words - potential leaks.

Honestly, unless it was a flat plate of polycarbonate or glass, the distortion would make star-gazing almost impossible.

I also think that the clear vinyl would not stand up well to the stretching and other forces on it.

Call Bear Creek and ask them if they could mod yours!

you can see out the side windows of the pup why not if it on the roof??  CLear plastic would work just fine...

[CajunCamper]

you can see out the side windows of the pup why not if it on the roof??  CLear plastic would work just fine...

I have a tent that has a clear rain fly on the top. It gives you about a 3' x 3' window directly above your head. It is cool to stargaze from your sleeping bag at night. There's also a panel that attaches on top of that if you don't want the exposure.

I don't see why they couldn't do something like that on a pop up. It would be pretty cool.

CajunCamper

[ScouterMom]

Further, if it was screened and layered like the vinyl windows are on the sidewalls - with a good overlap on the zippers, you could have a screen to see thru instead of just vinyl.  that wouldn't distort and would actually vent the heat from the bunks.

Actually, I've often wondered why they don't make a double wall fly like on a dome tent - where you could fold back the solid top if it wasn't raining?

I have a dome tent that is mostly screen from knee wall on up, and we often leave the fly off when we camp in it to watch the stars.  Why couldn't you do the same with a camper bunk-end? or at least put a large 'window' in the top if you want to retain more privacy but still vent or see out?

laura

['tiredTeacher]

Actually, I've often wondered why they don't make a double wall fly like on a dome tent - where you could fold back the solid top if it wasn't raining?
laura

Hmmmm .... I feel a mod coming on.

[wavery]

Installing a clear window in the top of the bunk-end is easy.

Just get yourself a piece of the Vinyl Window Material:
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Window-Materials;jsessionid=0a0106521f4399f693ea98714177bce4f9f2fdb51758.e3eSc34RbhyRe34Pa38Ta38Sa3r0


And some clear basting tape:
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Basting-Tapes

And some thread:
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Lifetime-Guarantee-Thread-Tenara-Profilen

Remove your bunk-end material and put it on a flat working surface. Tape the window to the inside of roof. Sew it in place (takes a HD sewing machine with a steel case NOT a plastic machine).

After it's sewn in place, you cut the hole in the roof about 1" in from the stitches. Cut a slit in each corner so that you can fold the excess material in, forming a hem. Sew that hem down.

It will not leak. I've done it on boat biminis and dodgers a hundred times. Never had a leak.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, take it to an awning maker or canvas shop. It's a quick cheap job. Maybe $50.

The screen could be done but it is a much more complicated and expensive job with little return on your $ and increased potential for leaks (due to the zipper and thickness of material). Maybe $300.

Now.....if you're really serious about this Dieter. Bring your bunk-end material over here and I'll do it for you. I still have all of my stuff from my old canvas business. I think I may even have some vinyl window material in stock. :sombraro:

BTW.......whn the Sun's up just put your Gizmos back over it.