Installing windows are walls too thin

[tandempair]

I aplogize if this has already been addressed. I did do a search and couldnt find specifics on this. We have a 12X6 cargo trailer that we bought used. It was previously used to haul cycles. We Want to convert it into a primitive style toy hauler with a sleeping area. Will also be hauling bikes. We are hoping to install a safety window. We did some inquiring at a local RV service place and they told us that the walls might be to thin to install a window. We have to bring it in to have it looked at. Has anyone installed their own windows and if sohow did you get around that issue? Also wondering what to do about a door latch. We may have to hire those 2 jobss done. Wouldn't even know where to begin and neither of us is very haandy.

[flboy]

How thick are the walls?.My guess is they are an inch thick which should be no problem for mounting. The issue becomes the interior trim ring which you can do without. Look.for used RV windows on Ebay. The will work fine. I got an Emergency exit window for about $30 without the trim ring.

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[tandempair]

Thanks for the reply. So it is the trim that makes the issue, not the windw itself. How do you seal the window against the elements? Also looking for suggestions for the dor issue. A cargo trailer place tol us the door was too thin to hold an RV door latch.

[flboy]

Thanks for the reply. So it is the trim that makes the issue, not the windw itself. How do you seal the window against the elements? Also looking for suggestions for the dor issue. A cargo trailer place tol us the door was too thin to hold an RV door latch.

It depends on the window you buy on how it screws in, however, in general, you'd use a Dicor Butyl tape (Amazon link below) to seal it up on installation. Every cargo trailer I have seen only has ~1 inch wall (plus thickness of interior plywood paneling) and any RV window should work (you may have to do some cutting of wall studs if it is wider than 15" due to typical 16" on center studs).

The trim rings that go in the inside make up the gap between the 1 " window Frame and the wall thickness on the inside. It just so happens, in most cases it will be just short of sticking outside the interior wall by whatever the thickness of the interior plywood is.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F ... UTF8&psc=1


I am not sure what trailer place would say that unless you have a really odd trailer and the walls are not standard thickness. What is the wall thicknes on your trailer? RV door latches work fine on the cargo trailer. I have installed them before.

[Padilen]

Hi Pam & Tony

[tandempair]

How thick are the walls?.My guess is they are an inch thick which should be no problem for mounting. The issue becomes the interior trim ring which you can do without. Look.for used RV windows on Ebay. The will work fine. I got an Emergency exit window for about $30 without the trim ring.

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

Took my cargo trailer to the RV place oday. Looks like I have 16 inch centers on the side walls, Trailer is a 121 Atlas with a roounded roof. Not sure if 2X4's were used in sidewalls or not. I will be insulating this weekend and will check and see what was used when I get plywood off of the side walls. The service tech said he could install the windows , which is great since I am not comfortable cutting into the side walls of e trailer. I will buy windows online, probablt tinted, once I know what size studs were used in sidewalls. Are the windows mounted on the edge of the wall stud or center of it? Since the windows have to be 16 inches wide, I'm wonder what size will allow us to exit safely. Hubby and I are both on the thin side. and will be the only ones using the trailer. Pretty sure we are going to go with tinted windows, even if they cost a bit more. Not quite sure I understand the deal with no inside trim. I'm thinking it means that no inside trim is needed? Sorry to ask for clarification, but I want to make certain I am understanding correctly. Thanks.

[hankaye]

tandempair, Howdy;

If you are having the windows installed for you, then ask the mechanic about the use
of the interior trim rings. On some windows they are what holds the window in the hole.
They should be able to either find ones that will fit or "trim" the trim to fit. Either way
be sure you are happy with the job before accepting it.

hank