Door within a door

[kudzu]

Has anyone built a door within a door? Is this reasonably feasible for a foamie? Am not married to this idea yet but it has appeal. In one of his old Popular Mechanics, BF found a photo of a camper with a rear hatch that had a door built into it. The hatch lifted up for loading items. When hatch was closed you had use of a smaller man door. This is my crude sketch of it:



My original idea was for barn doors. But for these to open wide enough it really takes up most of the back end. Was wondering if that would leave the structure of the rear a bit weaker. Was thinking that with the door within a door idea the rear would be stronger with the hatch closed tightly than with the two separate barn doors, one of which is constantly being opened & closed.

It's just an idea. Wondered what others thought.

[Treeview]

I thought of doing this for the back end of my ToyBox. But I realized it would be a lot more work than making barn doors.

Having the inner door framed and skinned seems like it would make the outer door stiffer. No reason to abandon the idea.

Tom

[atahoekid]

I really like the idea. If i did not have a galley in the back, it would definitely be a thought worth pursuing. As far as the structural strength, you can easily strengthen the box just as you would when framing any other door. Your inner door, could be framed pretty lightly since I assume it will be a foam door. Won't take too much to provide adequate strength.

[KCStudly]

As you have drawn it, the strength for the box comes from the surrounding border wall at the sides and top.

For a dual purpose camper, or just to open things up while camping, I think the idea has merit and is certainly doable.

[GPW]

Looks like a great idea for those ramp back cargo trailers ...

[kudzu]

Cool! Think I will add it to the design. Can always change my mind later if it seems too daunting when the time comes.