Cargo Trailer Door Waterproofing

[elmo_4_vt]

So I need some advice... I'm getting ready to order the trailer for my project, however I'm having trouble with one part. I'm going to be using a 6x12 with a V nose. I'm doing things a little different (that's pretty standard for me) and want a door in the V nose to use for storage or camping supplies and equipment, kind of like a storage closet. I'll have a build thread soon to explain "why" I'm doing it this way, but for now, I just need help with this small design issue.

So I asked the manufacturer if they'd put the door in the V, and they said sure, BUT they also said that they can almost guarantee it will leak. As you can see from the picture below, I'm going to be putting an RV door on the curb side after I get it (the company won't do it unless I increase the height another 6"), and the standard door is free. I don't want to use the standard door anywhere else, so it's basically use it in the V or just not use it.

Why will this door not be water tight on the front, when it normally would be on the side? Do you think I'd be able to make the door water tight by adding some additional framing and some additional rubber seals? Sort of a double seal arrangement? Or some sort of additional molding to deflect wind driven rain Would an RV door be watertight in that position?

Thanks for any help.





Don

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[BC Cargo]

As long as the door seals on ½ closed cell foam all around the frame you should be fine. You may have to add a thin strip yourself to the door to make it extra tight. I am not sure if you can pick your lock style for this door but the leaver action type like on the ramp doors will snug up the door much better than a RV lock will. With the leaver action lock you can clamp the door right closed if you have to add extra foam around the seal.
Many enclosed car trailers have lower hatches in the front V to give access to secure the vehicle so you don’t have to climb over it. They take all the water spray from the tires and the little locks are not that great. I am not saying they don’t leak…just that small doors in the front are not uncommon.
I will be interested in seeing your plan and why this door is not on the “campingâ€

[pmowers]

I'd like to echo BC's comments about the gasketing and the latch system.

I had a home-built kitchen trailer that had a V nose and a door mounted where you are looking at. Mine was framed with scrap aluminum from storm doors so there really wasn't much of a flange inside of the door frame. I made sure that I had the hinge side towards the front of the trailer and put 1/8" foam strip on the frame so that it was pinched between the hinges. The latch was nothing more than more than one for a storm door, with a drawer type lock for added security.

Since it never fails that I have to break camp in the rain, I have gone through a number of downpours at 70 mph and never had a leak (there). I had even used a pressure washer on the door frame one time without a problem.

[elmo_4_vt]

Thanks for the comments guys... I think I'm going to go through with getting the door there. I can always add some alum edging to break the direct spray, and I'll be sure to keep the weather stripping in good shape. I'll also plan to add a 2nd seal on the inside of the door to give an extra level of security.

Thanks

Don

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[Gadget Man]

Remember a 6 x 12 trailer with a 3 foot V nose, actually has about a 4 foot
wide front wall to mount your door into.
So from the corner with the 45 degree angle up to the tip of the trailer is about 4 foot or maybe a bit more.

My 7 foot wide trailers front V side is over 4.5 feet wide.
Here is a picture of my factory installed front "cargo Door"
That door is heavy and solid as a rock, just like it outta be. I love it.







Gadget Man