48w"x 29"h window, on side or front 4'x8' trailer

Posted:
Sun Nov 13, 2011 6:31 pm
by working on it
I recently bought a used (missing crank handle and trim ring) 48w"x 29"h window w/screen for next to nothing. My wife wants a wide-open view, not to feel as if she was in a "coffin" (her words). I was envisioning a "picture window"/ emergency exit on street side, and one door w/window on the curb side,RV style, with another window also there, replaceable in summer with an a/c unit. However, I am leaning towards "cramming" the big window on my 35 degree sloping panel in front, and using two conventional doors instead. That front panel will be 48w"x 36"h. Since, I'm having to fabricate a mounting ring anyhow, I can just wedge it in there, trim off the exra outside flange (and make side fairings to match the excess protruding over the sides, to look like wrap-around sun-glasses). I'll also make a bad weather (hail)/road debris cover that swings down in camp. One question comes to mind, if I do this, will the "weep holes" in the window frame need to be vertical to work? Or can the window tilt back and they still function properly? Which idea for placement seems best to the experienced out there?Opinions please!

Posted:
Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:27 am
by Kevin & Sandy
Wow ! That is EXACTLY what my wife said! She wanted a large window to not feel closed in, and though my window is smaller than you are plannng on, it still gives a nice view.
Now we keep the curtains closed on it mostly and I kinda wish we had two doors with nice windows in them. The feeling of being closed in for her disappeared after we got it out of the garage and got in for the first time. What we thought might be a claustraphobic type problem was really nothing to worry about.
My window is one of those "escape" windows and has never leaked a drop, but then again it is not on a 35 degree angle.

Posted:
Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:13 pm
by 48Rob
I can't help with the window, but often a mirror or two will relieve the claustrophobic feeling.
It worked well in our trailer.
Rob

Posted:
Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:31 pm
by Bucko6
One thing to consider with the window in the front is flying debris and water intrusion while traveling. Most factory built RV'w wiht a front window have a fiberglass shield that folds down for traveling. I had a small window on the front of my TD and made a snap on vinyl cover to protect the window while traveling.

Posted:
Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:08 pm
by working on it
I'll also make a bad weather (hail)/road debris cover that swings down in camp.
The material will be diamond plate aluminum, expanded steel mesh (like the screen door protectors at the big orange box), or durabak covered plywood. If either the aluminum or plywood options is chosen, then the lower front TT edge will be covered in the same fashion. To prevent glass/cover contact, rubber bump-stops will be on the covers' four corners. The cover will be secured with over-center clasps on the top edge. Concerning the effect that the 35dg window angle will have, I can always insert a drain channel before sealing it.