More Choices for Manufactured Teardrop Door(s)

[Esteban]

The availability of teardrop trailer doors has increased. Here's a helpful list of suppliers and sellers of manufactured (pre-made) teardrop trailer doors for people who may prefer to buy a door, or a pair of doors, rather than make their own.
There are more pre-made teardrop trailer doors available than most of us knew. Teardrop doors come in a range of prices, sizes, styles, shapes, window types, finishes and colors. Insulated teardrop doors are now available. Some doors can be customized with custom sized trim rings, different door panel colors or finishes, or may be built in custom sizes. Manufactured doors can be big time savers for anyone building a teardrop trailer.

Hope this information makes it easier for you to find the manufactured teardrop trailer door(s) that may best fit your wants, needs and budget. Sometimes sellers offer more, or different, door choices available from their Home Page than what they may offer on ebay. It may be good to look at both.

If you bought or are using one or a pair of these teardrop doors please share your experience with them. How much time and effort did it take to install the doors? How well does the quality and usability of the doors meet your expectations? How good was the service from the seller? Do you have any tips, or blunders, to share? Pictures of your doors and your camper are highly encouraged. If you know of any other good manufactured teardrop trailer doors, and where to buy them, please share that information too.

Working on it shares a tip for choosing a manufactured teardrop trailer door:

working on it wrote:
"The manufactured doors come in two basic designs: one is window as a door, and the second is window in the door. Again, if I had seen the second design, I might've bought one."

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=57301 The "window in the door" is more likely to be an insulated door too.

Disclaimer, many of these teardrop doors and suppliers were found on the internet. I do not vouch for them. Please do your own research before buying.


Vintage Technologies by Frank Bear TeardropTraileerParts.com has several styles of teardrop doors, in two heights, to choose from. One door style has a large window area. The New Generation door style is insulated with an inset vertical sliding window. His website has many other parts useful for building a teardrop trailer.
Doors and windows The doors are available in two sizes, 26" wide x 32" tall, or 26" wide x 36" tall. The standard trim ring fits 3/4" thick walls. There are no screws on the outside of the trim ring and custom trim rings are available at extra cost to fit walls up to 2-1/4" thick, or up to 2-7/8" thick for New Generations doors. New Generation doors come standard with mill finish panels...the panels can be customized in a selection of colors and finishes.

Vintage Technologies also sells the door(s) on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Teardrop-Passenger-Side-Trailer-Door-NEW-26-x-32-/261038448075?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc71a9dcb If you want a 36" tall door you may need to call Vintage to order it.

New 26" x 32" Teardrop Passenger's Side Traditional Trailer Door Tinted Glass With Radius Corners & Black Frame

Vintage Technologies New Generation insulated doors http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Teardrop-Trailer-New-Generation-Foam-Core-Insulated-Door-26-x-32-Passengers-/380712264826?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a438247 If you want a 36" tall door you may need to call Vintage to order it.

New Generation Foam Core Insulated 26" x 32" Teardrop Trailer Door With Tinted High Quality 15" x 24" RV Window With Radius Corners Mill Finnish Panel with Black Trim

He offers 19 aluminum siding colors. Siding and Roof Aluminum 9/27/2013 Update: I called Frank, he said the doors can come in the same finishes and colors as his siding, at no extra cost. Mill finish panels are standard. He said the doors have the same, no outside screws required, trim rings as his other door. The door is 1-1/2" thick.

GoLittleGuy http://www.golittleguy.com/ a teardrop trailer manufacturer, sells two sizes of replacement doors. Their shorter door is 26" wide x 32" tall. Their taller door is 26" wide x 36" tall.
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/store/product/replacement-doors

KMT Service Parts http://kmtparts.com/k805-teardrop-trailer-doors.html sells k805 insulated doors in two standard sizes. KMT can also make teardrop doors in custom sizes and colors.

The doors are available with or without a window. They are insulated and have 4 radius corners. They are 1 1/4" thick and surface mount. They come in many colors. You provide the hole and we fill it with a nice door. Like plug and play type installation. The following 2 doors are pretty common. If you require a special size to make your trailer that something special, just call. 4-corner radius K805 series 32x26 and a 36x28. The window is a 15x24 vertical slide. Door has flush latch with key lock.

KMT ebay shop for doors http://www.ebay.com/itm/111010491762?item=111010491762&viewitem=&category=50069&vxp=mtr

K805 TEARDROP CAMPER TRAILER DOOR. door/window 32x26, key lock, 15x24 window/screen these are VERY high quality made doors!
available in many colors, 3-4 week lead time. ship from Indiana UPS. Passenger side or drivers side. You must tell us which side. Same price.
These doors are pre-hung in an aluminum frame. Continuous hinged, left or right side. The window slides open and has a screen. A larger size, 36x28 is also available. These are built to order one at a time. So they are not mass produced.
YOU MUST TELL US THROUGH EMAIL, OR PHONE CALL THE FOLLOWING DOOR TO BE MOUNTED ON PASSENGER OR DRIVERS SIDE OF YOUR TRAILER.
WHAT COLOR DO YOU WANT THE EXTERIOR SKIN? SOME OF THE COLORS WE HAVE ARE, WHITE, BLACK, PEWTER, CHARCOAL, YELLOW, GREEN, RED BLUE AND A FEW OTHERS, IF YOU DO NOT CONTACT US YOU WILL GET A DRIVERS SIDE MOUNT DOOR IN PEWTER COLOR. NO REFUNDS

Big Woody Campers http://www.bigwoodycampers.com/ builds teardrop trailers and sells parts for them including teardrop doors
http://www.bigwoodycampers.com/index.php/parts-and-accessories/prefab-camper-doors/prefab-camper-doors-detail

Woodland Trailer Factory http://www.woodlandtrailerfactory.com/ builds teardrop trailers and sells insulated teardrop doors
http://www.shop.woodlandtrailerfactory.com/TEARDROP-DOORS-26X32BLK.htm
ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEARDROP-TRAILER-DOOR-RV-WINDOW-26-X-32-/230870906044#vi-content

BLACK ALUMINUM EXTERIOR. BLACK INTERIOR PANEL. DOUBLE SAFETY LOCK WITH DEADBOLT ON INSIDE. KEYED ALIKE FOR RIGHT HAND AND LEFT HAND INSTALLATION. VERTICAL OPENING TINTED WINDOW WITH SLIDING SCREEN. 1-1/4" THICK, FULLY INSULATED COMPOSITE CONSTUCTION. COMES COMPLETE WITH HINGE, FULLY FRAMED AND WEATHERSTRIPPED. COMPLETELY WATERTITE. WHITE INTERIOR PANELS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. PLEASE SPECIFY RH OR LH MOUNTING.

Silver Tears Campers http://silvertearscampers.com/ builds teardrop trailers and sells three different styles of teardrop trailer doors.
http://silvertearscampers.com/parts/parts.html
A rectangular door that is shown in their parts page above.

Teardrop Mitered Trailer Door & Window Unit. These Teardrop doors have double hung windows with a screen, mitered corners, and are colored mill finish aluminum. This door measures 26" by 36" and is 1 1/4" thick. It has locks with 2 keys for each door. Includes mill finish mounting trim.

Tri State Surplus sells a very large teardrop trailer door. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Rv-Trailer-Teardrop-Entry-Entrance-Door-43-x-43-/370872057722

New Rv Trailer Teardrop Entrance Entry Door.
New but may have some minor scratches or dings.
Made for teardrop trailers
Black aluminum frame, lock with keys and window
Cutout Size is 43" x 43"
Overall it is 45 1/2" x 45" tall and approx 2 1/4" thick
Radius Corner, Fiberglass with Aluminum Frame
Tan Color

A hat tip to Grant Whipp

grant whipp
Depending on the shape you want, building your own doors is really not that difficult, and can save you $100 to $200 over the cost of pre-built. I've got the hinges, moldings, latches & handles, seals, and even the windows ... and I'd be happy to send you some guide drawings & photos that will help you along the way! Let me know if I can be of assistance - http://www.LilBear.teardrops.net - [email protected]

Good Luck, and as always ...CHEERS!

My interest in manufactured doors increased because the doors I built didn't work out well. They didn't fit quite right and warped. They most likely warped because the wood for the inner 3/4" thick popular frame was still a little too green/damp (big box store uses swamp coolers) and because I leaned the almost finished doors against my workbench. I had fiberglassed the outside 1/4" plywood so it became stronger and more moisture resistant than the thin inside 1/8" plywood. As the door dried out over several months it warped/cupped a little too much to be usable. I could not straighten them.

With the cost of the windows, trim rings, locks, hinges, weather seals, wood, plywood, screws, staples, glue, primer, paint, varnish, epoxy,, fiberglass, sandpaper, other supplies, and tools (wore out a sander) and a value for my time (I spent well over a month, maybe two months, making 2 doors) I spent close to the cost of a pair of good manufactured doors.

Buying manufactured teardrop door(s) now that there are more of them to choose from may be an increasingly good choice (for some people) to save time (and frustration), maybe save some money, to get a quality door or two.

[aggie79]

Great post!

I built my doors and I can tell you that it took about 3 months of weekends to get them built. And, as you say, I spent as much or more than what these folks charge for a manufactured door.

Take care,
Tom

[Esteban]

Thanks Tom

BTW your teardrop is a real beauty with a lot of pride of workmanship.

I kind of hope this will stick around, grow, and might become a good resource for people who buy their doors. Hope to get feedback from people who have bought and used manufactured doors. Or, maybe like you, have come to better appreciate the advantages of buying, over building, a door. I wonder if there are more, mostly unknown, makers of good teardrop trailer doors? Hope so.

One reason I built my doors is because I preferred insulated doors. Now there are several choices of them. There were none when I started. I hoped to save $$ too. Big Ha Ha to that idea.

Becky's Benroy teardrop came out beautifully using manufactured doors, probably from Vintage Technologies. It is a testament to her construction and design skills to marry her home building with well chosen manufactured parts. Larry's Super Bee looks great too with doors he bought.

Doors take a lot of time to build, are error prone for a critical component, and seem to not provide much if any $$ savings. There are IMNHO many better things to spend your time (and money) on when building a teardrop that will matter more in the end.

[KCStudly]

Sorry if this was covered, my attention span was a little limited and I did not dig into each and every link (BTW, great job putting this together), but did any of the doors mention include screen doors? Not screened windows, but full size screen doors.

The WAZAT I looked at had great manufactured doors with screen doors that swung out with the main door as a unit, or could be kept closed while the main door was open. I wished I had paid better attention to how they were hinged, how they sealed and how they latched. (I seem to recall that there was a little sliding cover that let you reach thru the screen door to operate the main door latch, and that there was catch that kept the doors together when operated as one.)

That would be a feature that would perhaps tip the balance for me to consider buying instead of building.

Again, you have created a great resource here.

[Esteban]

KCStudly » Sun Sep 08, 2013 2:08 pm
Sorry if this was covered, my attention span was a little limited and I did not dig into each and every link (BTW, great job putting this together), but did any of the doors mention include screen doors? Not screened windows, but full size screen doors.

KC, Here's an Australian teardrop door with an inner hinged screen door somewhat like you're looking for!?
http://www.aussieteardrops.com/ Can't seem to link directly to the page its on, so...to see it you need to (1st) click on the Parts and Accessories button, (2nd) click on the door and windows button. You'll soon find...
Euro security door - split screen (black or white) 622x900mm. $650 Australian dollars each, and shipping might be a pretty penny too.
with pictures of the door closed and open.
It looks like the screen door could keep out racoons and other marauders. Or maybe dingos and kangaroos since its an Australian teardrop trailer maker's website.

The WAZAT I looked at had great manufactured doors with screen doors that swung out with the main door as a unit, or could be kept closed while the main door was open. I wished I had paid better attention to how they were hinged, how they sealed and how they latched. (I seem to recall that there was a little sliding cover that let you reach thru the screen door to operate the main door latch, and that there was catch that kept the doors together when operated as one.)

WAZAT trailer link http://www.microlitetrailer.com/MLThome.htm?MLTmojo.htm

[KCStudly]

That sure looks like it is built rugged. The inner "security door" equals bars. Nicely done. Thanks.

I have already built mine, but did not want to complicate things by including full screen door "double doors". I'll probably add some sort of pop in/pop out screen curtain later if it ends up being a big deal. Since I have lift off hinges, I could even make a set of swap doors; just a frame with some screen on it, simple bullet catch that engages the regular striker plate and some duplicate hinge halves.

Guess I'm OT (again).

[Esteban]

Found a very informative Vimeo video to share Door Install On A Trekker Trailers Teardrop Camper made by Trekker Trailers http://trekkertrailers.com/ showing him, step by step, completing the installation of a 3/4" plywood door with an outer aluminum skin and aluminum moldings on a camper. Its a very well done video, a little over 15 minutes long, that's full of good tips. After watching it (maybe a couple of times to best take it all in and to write down notes) I'd feel more confident about making a solid plywood door.

There is a link at the Trekker Trailers website to the Teardrop Fix-It-Shop http://teardropparts.com/index.html which I assume is his supplier for the moldings he uses to make and install doors.

[Ron Dickey]

Sorry if this was covered, my attention span was a little limited and I did not dig into each and every link (BTW, great job putting this together), but did any of the doors mention include screen doors? Not screened windows, but full size screen doors.

The WAZAT I looked at had great manufactured doors with screen doors that swung out with the main door as a unit, or could be kept closed while the main door was open. I wished I had paid better attention to how they were hinged, how they sealed and how they latched. (I seem to recall that there was a little sliding cover that let you reach thru the screen door to operate the main door latch, and that there was catch that kept the doors together when operated as one.)

That would be a feature that would perhaps tip the balance for me to consider buying instead of building.

Again, you have created a great resource here.

look here
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=56673&p=1037430#p1037430

Steve the doors you helped me make for the boxkite are still just fine.
welcome aboard.
Ron

[Esteban]

by working on it

The manufactured doors come in two basic designs: one is window as a door, and the second is window in the door. Again, if I had seen the second design, I might've bought one.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=57301

Well said. I added your quote to the top post.



Discussion about installing Frank Bear's doors Installing factory doors (Frank Bear style)

[Esteban]

I called Frank Bear today. Frank said his New Generation insulated doors can come in any of the siding colors he offers at no extra cost. Mill finish panels are standard. Frank said they use the same, no screws on the outside, trim ring as his other doors and that the insulated doors are 1-1/2" thick. He prefers taking orders over the phone to help people make more informed choices. Frank is a nice man to talk to. A busy man too. Said they make one teardrop trailer every week.

Getting off topic, I asked Frank about torsion axles. He sells axles made by Axis, which he said is owned by Dexter and takes less time to manufacture and ship.

[Esteban]

The Frank Bear insulated doors are no longer available. Frank"s GF (she is the front office person who may answer the phone or take an order) told me the manufacturer raised the prices too much for them (Frank Bear) to continue selling them. These were the doors I was leaning toward using.

I would appreciate feedback about the other door he sells that has the large area of glass.

How is the soundproofing?

Do they conduct cold, and possibly cause condensation inside, in cold weather?

Are there any installation issues?

How do you hang/attach curtains for privacy? Pictures would be appreciated.

There was a thread that brought up weather/water sealing/leaking issues. Installing factory doors (Frank Bear style) Is this a common issue/problem?

Today I sent an email to Frank Bear with a link to the above thread. His GF said she know nothing about any leaks with faulty door seals and didn't think Frank did either.

[tony.latham]

I've got a pair of "Frank's" doors and really like them. If I was going to start another build, I'd order another set. Installing those doors wast just about the easiest part of the build.

I only got to spend five nights in the new tear this fall. Most of those nights were fairly chilly. Upper 30's lower 40's. We did get some condensation on the windows. I didn't consider it a problem. We did have the tear vented.

I don't think my doors will leak but hauling them in a good rainstorm will tell the tale. I think what happened is the manufacturer put the gasket seam on the wrong side –facing forward. My doors were labeled L and R, and had I installed them that way, they woulda opened the wrong way. That would have put the 1/4" gasket seam facing the rear and now it's facing forward. But I sealed the seam.

Quiet? Yes. My new tear is well insulated, except for the doors. The last night we were in Zion, the cops showed up and arrested a half-naked dumbass drunk two camp-pads over. We never heard a peep, never woke up and I consider myself a very light sleeper. Word in the 'hood then next morning was he was quite obnoxious.

Drapes? Heres one solution: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=57065&start=60 We haven't addressed it yet.

The inside trim is bare aluminum. I painted mine –self etching primer, then satin black– and am glad I did. You can see what they look like here:



Tony

[teardropDIY]

For any Canadian Builders out there, just a quick FYI. I am bringing in 5 sets of doors in the near future. I also carry the hurricane hinge in various sizes.
Love to help any newbies out there if I can :-)

[Esteban]

challengerdoor.com manufactures and sells 805 series entrance doors that can be custom built in sizes that fit a teardrop. Here's the 805-Series-Order-Form.pdf and their contact information.

[tony.latham]

challengerdoor.com manufactures and sells 805 series entrance doors that can be custom built in sizes that fit a teardrop. Here's the 805-Series-Order-Form.pdf and their contact information.

Any idea on prices?

T