Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I want to convert my Haulmark 5x8. The first thing I think need is to add a side door. My question is buy or make one.

Where (what suppliers) can I find a reasonably priced door? What is the dimensions required?
Is it reasonable to make one myself or the savings are minimal?

Any input is appreciated.

Earnest where are you ? this question is for you I'm sure

I can say from experience that adding a side door can be a ton of work. I built mine from scratch.

Jimbo
Yours came out great.
Did you have some plans to go by? Where did you buy the parts?

Thanks for the compliment, it was a long time in the making. It originally started out as the same design as my rear barn doors. After that became a fabulous disaster (story for another day) I spent a lot of time looking at trailers to help come up with my design. It is really a quite simple design. Most of the supplies you can find at any big box hardware store (Lowes, Menards, Home Depot). Made of aluminum, plywood, FRP Panel, and the original skin cut out from the new opening. For the hardware, I have a local trailer shop that had everything in stock for decent pricing.

dpjeansonne wrote:Jimbo
Yours came out great.

I agree! I can tell that was a lot work to do. I don't think I could beat that design. Looks very sturdy and would be easy to insulate and a sheet of plywood to cover it on the inside. Better made than most CT doors that I have seen.

The main benefit of an RV door is you would just have to build the interior frame and cut your hole. They also generally come with a screen door. They are not cheap. Here is a link that sells about whatever size you would want.
https://www.randgsupply.com/Warehouse/Doors/rv/squarecornerrvdoors.htm
I would suspect that Jimbo probably has less than 1/2 the cost in his than these sell for. Both have their benefits but the generally rules which way I go.

Good luck with your build!
Earnest

That's a min $500 door, even I'm getting cold feet

I built my side door in my 1st 5x8 and would recommend buying a RV door from a scrap trailer and getting frame and door cutting it to fit your needs but if you want to build one you sure can do it.

If anyone wants to try their hand at building a door with screen door like a genuine RV door set, the hinges are available at http://store.lci1.com/rv--cargo-entry-d ... s-c46.aspx scroll down to bottom and also on top of page 2

I recall seeing on another forum someone installed tear drop doors on their cargo trailer. This may be a cheaper, easier option if you can live with the smaller size.

kyfly wrote:I recall seeing on another forum someone installed tear drop doors on their cargo trailer. This may be a cheaper, easier option if you can live with the smaller size.

I am trying to make as large a door as can fit in the space. I think the tear drop doors are smaller than I would like.

Not sure where you are located, but you should be able to find a surplus RV Door with a screen complete for less than $100 bucks. Cheaper than the hinge and materials that you will have to purchase and a window if you want one as well. Again all depends on where you are located. In Indiana, Michigan The capitol of trailer builders they are many. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Bill

Thanks for all the input. As of now I am looking at the cost of buying a larger trailer.

As of now I am looking at the cost of buying a larger trailer.

Optimal.

Our tear has doors made by Challenger door who make them for all sorts of trailers. An Amish Mennonite symbiosis company with good quality work.