Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

In my TTT design, I would like to maximize window area. I like lots of visibility while seated, so my design calls for four windows.

Ideally, I would like about 30w x 20h tinted windows, relatively inexpensive, and with a full or partial tilt out panel with screens, of course.

I've searched around a fair amount but it seems that I can only get one condition met. Large, but not inexpensive or tilt-out. Inexpensive, but small with no tilt-out. Tilt-out, but expensive and not large except with respect to the minimum wall thickness that seems to be about 2 to 2.5 inches.

I realize I'm stretching the problem a bit, but I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions about where to get windows at a price more reasonable than the current leading contenders: 30 x 20 sliders from Vintek RV Vintage Trailer Supplies. These are offered at $100 apiece with about $20/window shipping.

I've seen the brochure for Kinro Euro-styled widows that look way cool, but I haven't seen any specs or pricing. Anytime the word Euro is added to a description, however, the price seems to approach my credit card limit.

Are you apposed to using used windows??? The larger RV places have great deals on used windows. If you can live with a slider instead of a tilt out, might try there. There are also a few RV salvage yards around, try google, some will pull parts and ship, others will not.

Here are a couple on Ebay:

$35 w/ shipping http://www.littleurl.net/4bc53

$70 w/ shipping but has an integrated emergency hatch http://www.littleurl.net/8d332d


Search "RV window" or "camper window" or "van window".

Watch to see of the screen is included. Cranks can be easily replaced and the trim ring is not needed if you screw the window on from the outside. Drilling holes in the flange would be required. It's the way I did it and I think the visible screws look manly.

Mounting this way alleviates the need for thick walls but trimming inside the window with your choice of wood in the absence of a trim ring would be needed.

john wrote:Watch to see of the screen is included. Cranks can be easily replaced and the trim ring is not needed if you screw the window on from the outside. Drilling holes in the flange would be required. It's the way I did it and I think the visible screws look manly.

Mounting this way alleviates the need for thick walls but trimming inside the window with your choice of wood in the absence of a trim ring would be needed.

Good suggestions. Being a newbie, I thought that when the description said that the wall thickness was say 2 inches, that that was the minimum. I expect that the crank mechanism would account for much of the difference of flange depth versus a slider window.

dh wrote:Are you apposed to using used windows??? The larger RV places have great deals on used windows. If you can live with a slider instead of a tilt out, might try there. There are also a few RV salvage yards around, try google, some will pull parts and ship, others will not.

No, I'm not opposed to used windows. I would prefer to see them in person rather than trust a description and inadequate pictures. But, I'll certainly give it consideration.

One other concern is that my desire for windows is a bit out of the ordinary in terms of the number, I suppose. Let's see. Four 30x20s for the back and sides, one for the door, one fixed pane over the sink, probably one in the pop-up, and even a long retangular one or two smaller ones on the roof to act as flush skylights (I don't want domes because I'm trying to limit the overall height to 80 or 81 inches.

Maybe something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/18x23-Small-Buildin ... 3cb016e692

18x23" Small Building or Storage Shed Crank Out Window $52 shipped

Me&T wrote:Maybe something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/18x23-Small-Buildin ... 3cb016e692

18x23" Small Building or Storage Shed Crank Out Window $52 shipped

I notice some of their other windows say tempered glass but this one does not. Don't know if it matters as much but I would think you would want tempered/safety glass if you are going to be driving down the road with it.

Maybe it is and it's just not mentioned. I clicked on a few others and they said they were.

I also went the ebay route, and have a great 4' wide window that half cranks and it came with the screen. I screwed it in from outside through the frame. The thickness is "maximum" or optimal. I have to build a frame on my interior wall so the window sill is flush.

Best money I saved on the build, two hatches, and two windows and I paid about 160 with shipping for all!

parnold wrote:I also went the ebay route, and have a great 4' wide window that half cranks and it came with the screen. I screwed it in from outside through the frame. The thickness is "maximum" or optimal. I have to build a frame on my interior wall so the window sill is flush.

Best money I saved on the build, two hatches, and two windows and I paid about 160 with shipping for all!

Paul, was this from one of those so-called stores inside Ebay? Was this a "buy it now" purchase or did you bid on the items?

I'm quite comfortable bidding on Ebay items, but have only found stores with RV stuff there.

I bid on the items after watching the average prices for a week or so. The sellers name was bottomdollarsurplusinc. The windows are pulls, so there were slight dings, no crank handle etc.

All in all I was very pleased with the shape that the items arrived in, nothing that a little coaxing with a rubber mallet wouldn't straighten out. I got the 4' wide specifically so I wouldn't feel confined inside my 4x8, and found as an added bonus, the breeze coming in with my fan on covered most of my body.

Added note.. I actually got my windows and hatches before I finished my design, so I was able to be sure that they all fit.

NathanL wrote:

Me&T wrote:Maybe something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/18x23-Small-Buildin ... 3cb016e692

18x23" Small Building or Storage Shed Crank Out Window $52 shipped

I notice some of their other windows say tempered glass but this one does not. Don't know if it matters as much but I would think you would want tempered/safety glass if you are going to be driving down the road with it.

Maybe it is and it's just not mentioned. I clicked on a few others and they said they were.

Ooops, I forgot to look if they were tempered/safety glass, definitely make sure before you buy! I was talking to a seller named imreadyshed (also has a website www.readyshed.com) who sells similar windows, and his are def. safety glass, and I think he said 1/8" thick... these are prolly similar?