Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I used the sliders, but for a different reason than most. I installed them in the vertical plain because I wanted the open part of the window at the lowest practical point to improve the ventilation on me when laying in bed because it's hot down here. Most of my camping is done without power at Radio Control flying fields.

Bdosborn,

That's not a problem with my TTT. The RV door I'm getting has a vertical sliding window in it, and it hinges on the right side, so it opens away from my other side window to the rear.

MJ,

That must be the slider I was looking at in the Redneck catalog. They have three heights, 12", 15" and 18". The larger two are 15" x 24" and 18" x 42". The larger of the two looks better on my TTT drawing and that's what I will check prices on when I call them today. I thought 28" might be a little narrow for a door, but my neighbor has their pop-up open, so I measured it. It's only 22 1/2" wide. So, I am going with the 24" wide door. That will give me 4 more inches of wall space for door molding and my galley counter width.

Arnereil,

I'll probably install one of those storm door restraints (light chain and a spring on it) to keep the door from opening all the way, just to keep it from banging into the front of the trailer and messing up the paint. Either that or a stop unit that holds the door open.

SteveH,

If I use vertical sliders (because they're cheap), I'll get those that are wider than high because they'll look better. They'll be large enough that I can see out the top while sitting on the couch, and the bottom will be just above my head while laying in the bed. I've always wanted to get into RC flying, but that's always been pushed aside for something else. There are literally hundreds of lakes in my county, four within 2 or 3 minutes of my house, so I've made full size plans for a Pondmaster with twin electric motors to build when I finally get the chance to try it. I did go to the 2004 Top Gun event held here in Lakeland. That was awesome.

I've just about given up on trying to find windows locally that I would like AND can afford. I visited a so-called mobile home parts dealer, and found a junky hardware/MH/RV parts warehouse, everything covered in dirt and dust. The guy had told me that he had or could get crankouts. He dug out one crankout "from the back" that I'd have bought, dirty as it was, but he only had one each in 3 different sizes. He checked his catalog and said the dealers stopped making crankouts for mobile homes. He had other RF stuff like interior lights, but they cost more than at good RV dealers, even online buying with shipping would be cheaper.

The Redneck trailer dealer has RV sliders, but the set of two 18"x42" would cost me $220 with tax. I can get a pair of Grant's 15" x 30" crankouts for $145 with shipping, and that's a better deal, as the total open window area would be greater than with the larger sliders. So, now it's a choice between Grant's windows, or cheap single hung sash windows for a MH. Would I be happy with the cheap ones? Probably not. I think I'd rather have windows I can open in the rain. I've still some time to decide, but I think I already know my decision.

I made it to tampa and back to get my axle, and on the way stopped at a couple of RV dealers to check on doors and windows. None had any, but I got the name of a place a few miles off my route and stopped on the way back. No windows, but I did get a door. It has a slight bend in part of the mounting flange that can be straightened out. It's on the inside and can hardly be seen anyway. And, it has a slight scratch in the paint, so I'll have to repaint it (smooth polar white FG finish, so no problem with painting). But, it was $75 bucks cheaper than my other source. It is a 23 1/2" x 68" with an integrated screen door and flush locking handle. The window is frosted, and doesn't open, but that's no big deal. I can replace the glass with clear if I want to. I also picked up some interior lights, a 30 amp cord, cord outlet door, and jack stands. It's finally begun. I'm actually buying parts!!! I also got my steel for the chassis, so as soon as I cut it, I'll be ready to start.

cracker39 wrote:It's finally begun. I'm actually buying parts!!! I also got my steel for the chassis, so as soon as I cut it, I'll be ready to start.

Give me a few hours and I'll figure out SOME way to add the cost of that door to your chassis.

Ira, I'm sure you will. At least, I've got you to keep me straight on chassis costs. I almost bought chains today, but I think I can buy 4' of cut chain and a pair of hooks at HD cheaper than ready made at a trailer place.

Have you tried camper shell dealers. With a few phone calls he located split windows. When cranked out they don't stick out quite as far as the single window. There's still a chance of them hitting the side though.


Rick

Rick, I've only checked with Truckmasters so far. They didn't seem inclined to want to help me, or didn't really understand what I was trying to tell them I wanted. Probably both. I can only find one more dealer in the area, and one an hour or more north of here. I'll probably call and check with them. Your split window is what I really want, and yours is the right height, but I want them wider, about 30" to 40". I will have one in each side, between the door and the back end of the cabin. Shells used to be made with those type windows, but now, you only see sliders in them.

I used a short piece of nylon strap that limits how far the door can swing open. It is turned under at the ends with some metal plates screwing it to the surfaces.

Denny

Denny,

I did the samething on mine and it works like a champ!

Here's a pic of the window's I'm installing; once I build the door, and sides and frame.....well you get the idea. They are fixed on top, and the bottom section cranks out. They are 15"w x 30" l.

I went to an old junk yard and salvaged old crank out windows from an old 50's or 60's camper. The good part was I got 5 windows for $20. I sas not sure what sizes I would use so I just took them all which gave me some choices. I spent hours cleaning the aluminum and the old seals are dry and will have to replace them using generic seals from the local home store. Somethign to consider.

Hey Ken , where did you get that window?

Ken,

Great looking window. Didn't know they made crankouts that looked like that.

I bought mine where I buy most of my stuff, eBay.

Here's the seller, who currently has more for sale. They also have a couple different styles.

EBAY LINK