Thoughts On Larger Windows

[phanslin]

New to TNTTT, and I have to say there is a ton of great info on the site. I have done a few searches with little luck in regards to installing larger windows on a 5x8 Benroy. I plan on installing 24"x49" on the side and a 35"x24" on the roof. Will the size of the windows negatively affect the structure of my TD? Thank you in advance for any info or advice!

[tony.latham]

New to TNTTT, and I have to say there is a ton of great info on the site. I have done a few searches with little luck in regards to installing larger windows on a 5x8 Benroy. I plan on installing 24"x49" on the side and a 35"x24" on the roof. Will the size of the windows negatively affect the structure of my TD? Thank you in advance for any info or advice!

I don't have a definitive answer for you, but here are my thoughts.

With your side windows, I assume you are talking about mounting the window so the 49" side is horizontal? If so, that doesn't leave room for your door and bulkheads. I'm assuming you are planning two doors. (A one-door teardrop for two is not a great idea, no matter who gets the door side.) If you are going to stick with one door and a large window on the other side, just make sure it is a slider with a screen. Teardrops really need ventilation. (A Fantastic-Fan is worth it's weight in gold, in my book.)

I don't think your roof window is any big deal structurally, just double (or triple) the spar thickness at that point. Think about the weight of the window when you're 'drop hits a chuck hole. Sealing it is another matter, and again, I don't know the feasibility. We get along fine with a 14" square fan in the roof but I'm unsure of the expansion/contraction issues with a window that big.

When others chime in on this thought of yours, listen up. There's people here with way more experience than I.

Tony

[grant whipp]

New to TNTTT, and I have to say there is a ton of great info on the site. I have done a few searches with little luck in regards to installing larger windows on a 5x8 Benroy. I plan on installing 24"x49" on the side and a 35"x24" on the roof. Will the size of the windows negatively affect the structure of my TD? Thank you in advance for any info or advice!

The short answer is, depending on your chosen method of construction, "no!" Properly installed, the windows become integral structural components. As Tony said, though, sealing the one in the roof could be a bit of a challenge ... very doable, nonetheless. I've built several teardrops with massive windows on the street side ... really opens them up for light and ventilation ... conversely, though, you loose a lot of much-needed heat through them when it gets cold ... it can be a delicate balancing act ... ...!

Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Kharn]

Make sure the roof window is designed to be mounted like that, a wall window would perform quite poorly if mounted on a roof.

[phanslin]

Thanks for the responses! Here is what I have drawn out so far:



The window for the roof is http://www.ebay.com/itm/RV-Window-35-X-26-Insul-Glass-Fixed-W-Trim-Rings-Does-Not-Open-New-120-/111340173877?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19ec643a35&vxp=mtr .

I am planning on a single door design, but will continue to consider other options.

Thanks again, and keep it coming!

[Mojave Bob]

I may be off here, but that window looks like it is a regular frame, with a regular trimmed glass panel, only installed fixed instead of with the mechanism to open. It still has a seal around it, and it still appears to have weep holes to drain it. Mounted flat, the trough between the outer and inner frame would fill with water, and only the rubber seal would be protecting you from Niagara. And, that seal isn't intended for that. I think you could probably set that window into the frame with lots and lots of aquarium caulk, and make it work, but I don't think it would work out-of-the-box.

[48Rob]

Before you sell yourself on a particular window/size, you might want to create a more accurate scale drawing showing the correct sized wheels, and fenders if it will have them, to be sure they won't interfere with your windows.

Rob

[grant whipp]

Before you sell yourself on a particular window/size, you might want to create a more accurate scale drawing showing the correct sized wheels, and fenders if it will have them, to be sure they won't interfere with your windows ...

And, if you will be having a galley & cabinets in the back, you'll need to move that axle back toward the rear quite a bit more. The general rule of thumb is 1/3 of the body length from the rear of the body, so on a 96" long body, the axle centerline should be about 33" from the rear of the body.

Good luck, and ...

CHEERS!

[BrwBier]

I followed the link to the window for the roof on EBAY. I do not think that it will work for the roof. If you look at the expanded view you can see weep holes on the windows on the pallet. The windows are upside down on the pallet so in the picture the weep holes are on the top. What you need for the roof is a sun roof for a full size van.
Brwbier

[Tucguy]

There is a manufacturer using more windows than most. It is called the Vistabule at http://www.vistabule.com You may like to just look at them. They have a few new ideas. I can't say anything about their structure but the other's here are correct about windows in the sides and top of teardrops. Our own Bob Henry has the "Biggest roof window" with a Plexiglas roof on his "Chubby".

[rowerwet]

with the right structure any window is possible, the bigger issue will be ventilation. a huge window turns your tear into a solar cooker by day, and a massive heat sink at night. It also looses privacy and allows light (street lights, moon, early sun) where you might not want it.