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Bboudens View Drop Down
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Joined: 30 Sep 2016
Location: Calgary AB
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Adding window into the Door
    Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 9:26am
Hello fellow Podders. As I can only dream and plan trips at the moment. One of the final mods I'm considering is adding the window into the door. Could those of you who have done so already be so kind and help me out with few questions I have.

Which method did you use for cutting the hole? Jig saw or router?

Even after tapping the cut lines how much chipping happened on the exterior finish?

Where did you find the window? I'm having trouble locating one other than amazon.

Thanks for the help everyone. Happy Camping!
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Posts: 2586 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 10:10am
1. A jigsaw.
2. None.
3. Amazon -- a marine porthole that opens.  You can get it at marine supplies but it is more costly.  RV places have round windows, but I found none that open.
Be sure to measure the door thickness [take out the lock set to do it] and check to see that the flange on the window is not too big or small.
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6285 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 11:14am
Originally posted by Bboudens

Hello fellow Podders. As I can only dream and plan trips at the moment. One of the final mods I'm considering is adding the window into the door. Could those of you who have done so already be so kind and help me out with few questions I have.

Which method did you use for cutting the hole? Jig saw or router?

Even after tapping the cut lines how much chipping happened on the exterior finish?

Where did you find the window? I'm having trouble locating one other than amazon.

Thanks for the help everyone. Happy Camping!

1. Jig Saw but be very careful that your blade is perfectly perpendicular to the base plate.
2. I taped over both the outside and inside. I cut from the inside so that any chipping would be toward the inside. I used a very fine-toothed blade. Make sure it is long enough to go all the way through, even when it is on the upstroke.
3. Amazon. It seems to be the only source available.

You can see mine by checking my mods.
StephenH
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 11:25am
1. Also a jigsaw
2. very small amount, hidden under window flange.
3. Amazon, round porthole RV window that doesn't open.
3A. Contact http://www.teardroptrailerparts.com, he has just what you need..

There will be TONS of styrofoam bits.. pre-start your screws before placing the parts in the door.. measure eight times, cut once..








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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 12:11pm
+1 to Furpod. I used a jigsaw, go slow and tape both sides. I made a template from cardboard, and ensured it fit window. I used the WD06 window from Vintage Technologies (teardroptrailerparts.com), which is the same window Amazon sells at a fraction of price. That window is screened and opens.
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Posts: 610 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 4:09pm
I had good luck with the tear drop trailer place  Frankbear007@gmail.com  Phone 517 741 5000. Drill a hole before starting with the jigsaw.   Take the door off and lay on sawhorses.  Save the piece somewhere if you ever need to repair something.  Frank knows about Rpods even tho he builds tear drop trailers.
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Posts: 14 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Jan 2018 at 9:16pm
I also ordered my window from Vintage Technologies, Frank Bear, and it arrived within a week. WD-06 14” x 21” just like the ones on the 2017 and 2018 models. I am going to have a local RV dealer install my window, but Frank said he will answer any questions one might have if you install yourself. Plus my total price was quite a bit less than it would have been from Amazon. Highly recommend!Smile
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Posts: 65 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jan 2018 at 9:39pm
I got my window on Amazon, I like the fact that it opens. I had no chipping at all on the fiberglass.
I would go with the router if you can. I used a jigsaw and figured any damage to the fiberglass would be minimized by the cut pulling the fiberglass up into the Styrofoam backing so I cut from the inside. To my horror I discovered the blade wandered outwards on the corners, and the frame barely covered the opening on the outside. I used a heavy bead of caulk and haven't had any leaks, but if I did it again I would cut from the outside, or go with a router. 
Also, remove the door, it is easy to do and is very light and easy to handle. It is a lot easier working horizontal than vertical!
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6285 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jan 2018 at 10:07pm
That is why I cut very tightly to my template with the jigsaw. I figured it would be easier to enlarge the opening as needed rather than trying to fill in a cut that was too large.
StephenH
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jan 2018 at 8:53am
+1 to SH, I also pre-drilled the corners.
Mike Carter
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