Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Ok what should I use for windows Im building a 4x8 simple my door is 34wx36h and I am looking for windows to fit the frame is 2x3 with 3/8 ply on the outside and lauan on the inside all the glass stores around here tell me they can make widows that won't open to fit but thats it. any Ideas on what I can use one suggested storm windows?

Welcome David:

See this is your first post.

You have many options for windows.

Where do you live?
You could use the Location box in your profile if you wish?
I ask because maybe you could picuP windows close to you?

Many get their windows from Grant.

Anyway if others don't piPe uP... go uP to the top and click on the Index
and search on windows or Salvage and like stars in the sky threads and
links will come into your view.

I am sure people will school here like sharks to a feeding so stick around,
and again welcome to the forum.

Steve

David....I've used Grants crank out windows on 4 tears. A number in the 12x 18 size and the 15x18's. It's the modern reproduction of what was originally used on many tears. I prefer these as they can be left open in the rain without allowing any into the trailer. EZ install. They aren't tinted and do have a screen on them. I put 4 in the last one...lots of light and plenty of ventilation. Just my opinion. Doug

doug hodder wrote:David....I've used Grants crank out windows on 4 tears. A number in the 12x 18 size and the 15x18's. It's the modern reproduction of what was originally used on many tears. I prefer these as they can be left open in the rain without allowing any into the trailer. EZ install. They aren't tinted and do have a screen on them. I put 4 in the last one...lots of light and plenty of ventilation. Just my opinion. Doug

+1

If you have a decent salvage yard around you might look there.
Our local auto salvage yard has a couple of old RV's that I've gotten lots of parts from.

Admittedly you get what you pay for, they've been good but I'll be replacing my windows this spring and will probably go with Grants also.

Here's another option. Homemade!

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... 411#178411

Mike...

When I built my last tear, I checked out all kinds of windows... some custom made ones came in at $400.....

After sifting all the info, I went back to Grant and got his.... easy to install, and as mentioned (unlike sliders), they can be left open a bit in the rain.

homemade is fine if you have the time and the inclination. By the time I got to the windows, I had neither. Also, if all the materials had to be purchased, there would be little cost savings, considering the time involved...

Another thing in my case is my trailer is white. I suspect having homemade white trimmed windows in my white trailer would make it look like trailer trash.

Welcome to the forum David Martin,

Even master Googlers and internet searchers use Grant's windows. His pricing is fair and the packaging is very good.

I've never done homemade windows.

I've done Grant's windows...



And I've done the windows from TJ trailers...


I guess it depends on the design and look you are trying to achieve.

Mike...

Thanks for the great responses now to sift through and decide what to do.

DavidnMartin,

You might consider using clear deckplates. I used them for my galley rear window and skylight on Todah 1. You can get them as large as 10" frame(8" clear window). The mounting insert is 1/2". Because they are designed to keep water out of areas under the deck of a boat, they are designed to be water tight.

Here are some pics of mine:

Galley





One not installed and the




Profile of mounting insert.

I might add that the pic of the one installed as my rear galley window has a black mesh screen that I made over it in the picture. The viewing plate is clear, but not tented. The white lip goes on the interior of the tear because you want to be able to use the pry lever to open the window. Deckplates can be purchased with the "screw open" design as well.

Not expensive, very easy to install and they provide sufficient visibility.

Todah

Now that's a great idea. Just getting our parts list together for our first build and I can't find suitable windows anywhere here in France, just VERY expensive once!! However Living on the South coast means there lots of boats!!

Cheers

davidnmartin wrote:Ok what should I use for windows Im building a 4x8 simple my door is 34wx36h and I am looking for windows to fit the frame is 2x3 with 3/8 ply on the outside and lauan on the inside all the glass stores around here tell me they can make widows that won't open to fit but thats it. any Ideas on what I can use one suggested storm windows?

Aluminum double hung storm windows. You will have to look for display samples !

My doors are 30" x 40" and the windows are 19" x 29" with a 1" mounting flange. You will have to ask several lumber yards if they have any displays that they may have shoved in the backroom. These windows are minitures of the big boys so salesmen can tote them to home shows and other trade shows. Mine open top down or bottom up either way with full screens on the outside. A good window and glass shop may have some also. Here are a few pics that may help explain.



This one shows the flange and the 3 tracks for the screen 1st and the top and bottom panes in the other two tracks. The flange normally mounts outside but I cut the hole smaller and shoved it thru from the inside. I have removed the windows in this picture to install my wood burning pot belly stove and its neich.



Here are the windows installed from the inside.



All trimmed out from the outside.

Total cost zero ! The mom and pop lumber yard I worked at ,closed and the owner asked me if I wanted them , knowing I built mini barns. I grab all I can get for the barns and now the trailers where ever I can find them. You gotta ask they are usually in a dusty corner and long forgotten.

Mine may not be the fanciest but I guarantee they were the cheapest and work great and have been problem free for a year and a half and my tear sets outside in rain and snow day in , and day out.