Using standard big box windows

[switterstx]

Due to the economy the CFO (my wife) had cut back on my building budget so I'm doing my best to trim costs. I've been trolling Craigslist for windows but not much luck in this area (or houston or SA or Dallas for that matter) for used rv parts. So I've been looking at alternatives at LoweDepots.

I saw their cheap, single pane aluminum windows for about $20 a piece, 2'x2' which would work but I can't figure out all of the connections. There's a flange for the interior but what do I do on the exterior. Granted if I could I'd just order some nice crank outs from Lil'Bear. I did some searches and looked through the stickies but couldn't find anything specific. I know someone's done it just can't find the post.

I was also thinking of using screen/storm door hardware for the latches in the doors. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks folks.
Tom, Amelia's Dad

[Steve_Cox]

Easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Go Little Bear

[tinksdad]

I was also thinking of using screen/storm door hardware for the latches in the doors. Has anyone else done this?

I used one on Itty-Bitty. The $18 special from the blue box store. It's key locked push button from the outside, inside thumb latch, it's mostly plastic. I did fabricate my own solid metal latch plate rather than use the spring bar that came with it. If I were to do it again, I would definitely consider a better quality model. Don't have any pics, I'll try to get some tomorrow when I get home from work.

[navigator]

Look for an old slide-in camper that's in need of dismantling, they frequently have good crank-out windows in 'em. I have a pile here for someday...

[bobhenry]

Mine were self storing aluminum storm windows with screens. These were an in store display showing the colors and styles available. Bought the display unit at a close out auction of a small mom and pop lumber yard for $6.00.

[mallymal]

I guess weight might be a consideration... glass in your big box window, plastic in an RV.

Did you see this other post from Mike?

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=30987

Could be another way to go without upsetting your "Financial Director"

[tinksdad]

Here are the pics I promised.




And a "for what it's worth"..... I considered using the big box store windows (somebody at one time or another, here or in another forum, gave instructions on how to convert one big window to two smaller teardrop sized windows). I wasn't thrilled with the idea of using single pane glass, mainly for the breakability and safety factor. By the time I got done pricing out the cost of the window and the replacement plexi or lexan, it just wasn't worth the effort for the work involved. I bought crank outs from Grant. That's only my opinion though.

[dan galvin]

I found my on Ebay type in shed windows they open and have screens
you can see them in my album and they are cheep in $ and are a sterdy
window.
Dan

[chorizon]

I found my on Ebay type in shed windows they open and have screens
you can see them in my album and they are cheep in $ and are a sterdy
window.
Dan

Dan, I checked out ebay and those "shed windows" look really nice, and the price is excellent! Your build looks great, too BTW!

Tinksdad, your install looks really good. I never thought of using those for door hardware, I bet they work well.

Tom, looks to me like these guys have given all of us some pretty good info. Good luck!

BTW, my wife's from Drippin', her folks live out by "The Lick." (wink, wink, secret Hill-Country-Ite handshake)