Window and Door Size - Can this work?

[Toytaco2]

Being totally new to building a TD, or anything else to do with RV windows and hardware for that matter, I need to ask a question about how big a window I can fit in my doors. My door rough openings are 30wx42h and I'd like to use the biggest windows practical for the doors. I can pick up some windows that require a rough opening of 24wx29h. The actual outside demensions of the window would be 25 1/2w x 30 1/2h. Not being familiar with the various options for door hardware, trim, handles, etc. my question is: Are these windows workable at all and do RV windows and frames have sufficient rigidity for this idea?

[Ken Fincher]

Toytaco2

I used just an RV window to make my doors.



I did have a member ask me about my doors today and I tried to explain what I used in another topic on this great forum it is on the bottom of pg.2
( http://tnttt.com/viewto ... c&start=15 )

Or you can check out my construction page on my site.
( http://vegasteardrop.com/TD_and_Misc_Const_.html )

But what I understand is that you want to put RV windows in an existing door.
If this is correct you should be able to do this, I do not know how the door that you plan to use is constructed, But most likely long as you leave 4 or 5" around the RV window I do not see any problems, You may have to make sure that the hinges that hold the door are substancial enough to accomodate the window. ( Most RV windows are not very heavy do to most of them are made out of aluminum. )
I know that there are many people within this great forum that have done the same thing that you are continplateing on doing and they will be responding to your post real soon.

Good luck keep us informed of your progress.
And anyone out there building a TD is more then welcome to check out my Construction page on my website & remember take what you want & leave the rest.(New TD Build Has Begun)
( http://vegasteardrop.com/TD_and_Misc_Const_.html )

The Sin City Teardropper.
Ken F.
( www.VegasTeardrop.com )

[Toytaco2]

Perhaps I need to clarify my question. My doors will be 30wx42h less clearance for moldings and seals. I'm wondering if I can accomodate a window with a rough opening of 24wx29h (actual outside dimensions of 25 1/2w x 30 1/2h) and still have room for necessary handles, locks, etc. Would the door be rigid enough assuming I am using sandwich style construction with 3/4" inch thick framing, 1/4" outer skin, and 1/8" inner skin?

[G-force]

My door, of the same construction you spelled out, is 30" wide with an 18" wide window. Its is plenty ridgid. I have room for the standard door handle setup, yours might be a little too narrow with only 3" on each side. Austin Hardware has measured drawings of the door latches, I printed one out and scaled it to size and used it as a template to make sure everything would fit.

[Miriam C.]

Standard RV windows are fine for what you want. We even have another member who turned one on it's end to be the door. I think they had a minimal wood framing.

My window is 19" on the outside and the door is 24 1/2"x48". I framed in with pine 1"x4" and covered it with plywood, then cut the window out making sure the curves came out of the pine. Makes a real strong door. You do need to make sure you have a hard backing for the door handle.

[Toytaco2]

It sounds like the door would be plenty rigid and strong enough to work with these windows. Using these windows would result in about 2 inches of clearance between the door edge and the window frame.

Would this be enough room for typical molding, door handles, hinges etc? I'm sure the answer to this should be obvious to me, but its difficult to visualize how everything fits together through internet sites alone and returning unworkable parts to the seller is a real hassle. I'd like to get it right the first time.

Thanks,

Mike

[Dean_A]

Mike,
There's no substitute for careful measuring! When I hear things like "about 2 inches", I get nervous.
Just sketch it out on paper. It doesn't have to be to scale as long as you have the right numbers in there. You already know the size of the rough opening, and the window size. Just source your molding, hinges and handles, and get measurements before you order. Try to order from folks that provide CAD drawings. It helps!
http://www.socalteardrops.com/trimmolding.html
Then it's just a matter of simple math. And don't forget to figure in clearance between the door and the jamb.
As far as whether or not it would be structurally sound, it depends on the construction of your door. Is is solid, hollow, etc.
Good luck