Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

So as you all know, premade doors for teardrops are ungodly expensive. I was looking on ebay for them and this came across my radar.



It is a cargo door for a larger RV. Its dimensions are 28x40 and it is 2 inches thick. I was thinking that I could replace the handle with an RV latch and install it as my main door. Over all it would save more than $150. I know it doesn't have a window, but maybe we can put a peep hole in.

Do you guys think that this would work? It seems like the a good idea to me, but I have not seen anyone else do it, and that might be for good reason.

Depends on the type of hinges. If they allow mounting in the vertical position.

Should the hinges lock up or something? What would stop it from being mounted vertically?

It should work. Just put a window in the wall instead

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Hinges need to support the door weight in the vertical position.
That's different than weight hanging from the hinge above.
In most cases there will be no problem.

I looked at a 'feed door' in a horse trailer being scrapped.
Those hinges had very little wear But...

They had a lot of side to side slop that would allow the door
to rub on the opening frame when turned sideways.

Is there a way to tell if it will work when I get the door (I have already ordered it)? Also, I could just install it horizontally; I am not necessarily opposed to having an door that opens up.

You'll have a problem opening a door from inside if it opens up instead of out. You'll have to provide a prop to hold it open while you're getting in or out, and you'll have to lift the weight of it from inside the trailer.


<Chas>

You could use gas struts to make it easier to open the "gull wing" style. I have seen photos of others doing that

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Some people who have done gull wing style doors complain that they are hard to reach and close from inside.

Also, it is always wise to go with two doors (one on either side) right from the beginning. That is one of the biggest regrets people report after building a TD style camper w/ just one side door; even for singles who camp alone. Depending on site arrangement you may want to exit from the other side, and it provides easier access for making the bed.

IMO, the extra hassle of modification isn't worth the effort. Add the cost of windows and latches and you are right back even, or behind where you started.

It works.

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Cheap rv window does too.

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