Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey Gang,

OK, I've got a newbie question regarding these aluminum crank-out windows



They come with screw holes up and down the sides, but not across the top and bottom. Does this mean they only need the screws along the sides? I'm using butyl tape to seal them.

I also sent an email to Grant at L'il Bear, and I know he will provide me with an answer, but thought I'd go ahead and post the question here, too.

Thanks,

AL.

I haven't reached that point yet but good question. I have those same windows too and it looks to me that you will have to drill more holes in the top and bottom. That would be the only way to get a good seal.

I got my crank out windows from a place that manufactures sheds and mine have screw holes along all 4 sides. I guess if you had an overhang over the window and sealed it well it would probably be ok... but a few more screws couldnt hurt.

deryk

After getting my windows from Grant I added screw holes to the top and bottom.

Barb

Alfred,

This is a good question. I know several teardroppers that only used the side screws and their installations have been perfectly water-tight. So, I'd have to say that installing screws on the top and bottom is not necessary.

I used Grant's windows also. When I installed the first window on my teardrop, initially I just used screws on the sides. These were sufficient to squeeze out the butyl tape on all four sides. Later for aesthetic reasons, I came back and added the screws along the top and bottom.



You need to be careful on the top and bottom flanges because they are not as stout as the side flanges. Too much screw torque can bend the flanges. If you decide to add screws to the top and bottom, it is much easier to drill the flanges on the bench before the window is in place. That is what I did on the second window.

Take care,
Tom

aggie79 wrote:I know several teardroppers that only used the side screws and their installations have been perfectly water-tight. So, I'd have to say that installing screws on the top and bottom is not necessary.

I'm one of those teardroppers. No leaks, no problems at all. Like was mentioned, I think it's more of an aesthetic thing than a structural thing.

Hi Gang,

Thanks for all the feedback! Also, on Monday I received a very timely and helpful response from Grant at L'il Bear, which I will post below.

Grant from L'il Bear wrote:Hi, Al!

It's up to you ... I've had customers that didn't drill top & bottom and the windows sealed just fine ... personally, I prefer to drill & screw the top & bottom, but then, I use RV Putty Tape when I seal my windows.

Hope that helps. As always, then ....

CHEERS!

Grant

Thanks! AL

Hi All,

If I do decide to add screws to the top/bottom of the frame, are there any tips for drilling into the aluminum? I've not drilled into aluminum before so if there is anything I need to know as far as technique, drill speed, bit, etc. Please advise. I don't have a drill-press.

Thanks,

AL.

I use only the sides, and they make a plastic half tube that fits into the grooves to hide the screws.

ssrjim wrote:I use only the sides, and they make a plastic half tube that fits into the grooves to hide the screws.

I'm thinking I may just use the pre-drilled sides and see how it goes. When I dry fit the windows they seem go fit fairly flush against the sidewall. I'm a little concerned if I start drilling holes, I'll mess 'em up.

AL

Hey Gang,

Front window is in - Now I'm working on the side windows.



AL

Love it!

b.bodemer wrote:After getting my windows from Grant I added screw holes to the top and bottom.
Barb

Hi all,

Looks like I'm going to end up putting screws in the top - They're not sealing without 'em.

AL