Trailer construction techniques

[Jim T]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I have noticed as I have been looking around that most people use some specialized moldings and other products on their windows and doors. I am pretty familiar with wood working and residential construction. Could I use residential construction techniques to build and hang my windows and doors? It would be easier and cheaper for me, but I don't want to make any mistakes.
Thanks, Jim

[bobhenry]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I have noticed as I have been looking around that most people use some specialized moldings and other products on their windows and doors. I am pretty familiar with wood working and residential construction. Could I use residential construction techniques to build and hang my windows and doors? It would be easier and cheaper for me, but I don't want to make any mistakes.
Thanks, Jim

Yeah ! How about a couple pocket doors.

I used the aluminum surface mount storm windows and mounted them inside then siliconed and trimmed the outside.

[caseydog]

People here use such a wide variety of techniques to create windows and doors for their TDs, that it's hard to answer that question, really.

You can do whatever works, to some extent. However, over time, I have seen a lot of TDs, and some things just seem to strike me as better than others.

I would think that doing it the way you are talking might be a bit heavy and bulky -- at least judging by the way the doors and windows are set in my home.

I would recommend you go to a gathering or two, and look at some actual TDs, and talk to their builders about what they think worked, and what they would do differently.

A lot of people tent camp with us a few times, and ten start their builds armed with a lot of ideas.

Go here to find out when the gatherings are for your region: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=20678

CD

[planovet]

A lot of people tent camp with us a few times, and ten start their builds armed with a lot of ideas.

Yep, that's what I did. Went to two gatherings and got plenty of ideas. You can read all you want but it sure helps to see it in person. I know I'll still need lots of help but I'm confident enough now to start my build. I'll pick up my trailer Sunday and then the sawdust will be flying!

[chorizon]

I've wondered the same thing. Found this link here:
http://www.lilbear.teardrops.net/parts4.html#windows
Peruse the rest of the site, there's a lot of good stuff.
The guy who sells this stuff is part of the forum but I can't remember his name
I was going to use good ol' HD windows until I saw these super fancy (IMO) windows. Have yet to purchase, but I plan to.
Planovet, I'm glad you're about to get your trailer; that rocks!
Wait til' you get the sides on, you won't stay out of the garage! Which reminds me, I have some pic-postin' to do!

[TPMcGinty]

I've wondered the same thing. Found this link here:
http://www.lilbear.teardrops.net/parts4.html#windows
Peruse the rest of the site, there's a lot of good stuff.
The guy who sells this stuff is part of the forum but I can't remember his name
I was going to use good ol' HD windows until I saw these super fancy (IMO) windows. Have yet to purchase, but I plan to.
Planovet, I'm glad you're about to get your trailer; that rocks!
Wait til' you get the sides on, you won't stay out of the garage! Which reminds me, I have some pic-postin' to do!

His name is Grant. He's super helpful and I will buy all my teardrop specific stuff from him every time!

[Wolffarmer]

For my doors ( and I have 3 not counting what might happen to the galley and cabinet ) I tried piano hinge but was so fiddly I didn't like them so I got some house door hinges and used them. For me they was a lot easier and bear in mind I had never mortised in hinges or hung a door before. Of course you will need thick walls to use a house door hinge. If you do go that route try to get stainless steel hinges as they will be outside, not inside as a house door usual is. Mine are looking rusty now. From Grant (aka lil bear ) I got one window, hurricane hinge for the hatch and outside door handle for the main door. I got the inside latch off a John Deere grain combine and it has a metal striker plate that I really like instead of the latch hooking over the wall.