Adding A Sliding Window To Entry Door On A 26DBH

[Pottsie]

I was thinking of adding a 22"H x 18"W HEHR Sliding window to the entry door of our 26DBH. The question I have is, is this window too wide for the door and will the door lose its rigidity since the window is so wide? I'd like to have a wide window if I can, but concerned about the doors overall strength as I am unsure if they are framed for support... thanks

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Pottsie

I was thinking of adding a 22"H x 18"W HEHR Sliding window to the entry door of our 26DBH. The question I have is, is this window too wide for the door and will the door lose its rigidity since the window is so wide? I'd like to have a wide window if I can, but concerned about the doors overall strength as I am unsure if they are framed for support... thanks

This is just my opinion, but I would say it would be fine, what I do know there is no studs in the door it self. It is just dense foam, should be easy to cut in.....

[Dr-G]

I'm not the best at searching but there was a thread about one member putting a window in his entry door and had a nice write-up. Not sure how wide it was but I would like to have at least 4" on either side of the window.

[Pottsie]

I am going to go with a 22" H x 16" W to pick up more space on the side am for supper. This width will give me 4-1/2" on each side, a little better than 3-1/2" which I felt wasn't enough. I will post pictures once installed. Thank you for the few replies.

[Dr-G]

Let me know how it goes. I want to do this with ours also, but just a plain tinted window. I need to research brands.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Dr-G

Let me know how it goes. I want to do this with ours also, but just a plain tinted window. I need to research brands.

I put in an Atwood. It is a direct replacement for the frosted window.

[Dr-G]

Originally Posted by awellis3

I put in an Atwood. It is a direct replacement for the frosted window.

Nice job! I will look into them.

[Loda8383]

Here is my post from a previous thread!

- Outline the door frame to use a template by placing a piece of cardboard on the top of door handle on the outside and tracing all the way around the black door frame frame
- Center window frame on template and trace outside of frame onto cardboard
- Reduce that outline now by 1/4" and that is what you will cut out of your template. Ensure window frame fits in hole before tracing hole onto door.
- Position template on door and ensure that it lines up "perfectly" along the outside of the door. Trace the cutout for window onto the door, a buddy helps out to help secure the template while tracing.
- repeat this on the inside of the door ensuring your template is lined up to the outside of the door frame not the white frame on the inside.
-TAKE YOUR TIME... Using a router or jig saw cut out each side separately then use a drywall hand saw or hacksaw blade to cut out foam. Your blade should penetrate through both cut out perfectly.
- fit check window frame onto door on both sides and trim as necessary.
- apply seal tape to outside and inside edge of outer door frame. Don't over due the tape, more to clean up at final.
- let set in sun for 5-10min then install window to outer frame ensuring smooth side of glass is to the inside of door and window sets in on frame tabs.
- NEED A HELPER... Insert outer window frame to door and center a possible and have your helper install the inner frame and start ALL the screws. tighten screws but DO NOT over tighten and strip... I started them all with screw gun on lowest setting then went back and hand tightened them.
- NOW THE FUN PART... Take a razor and gently cut along frame on both sides to remove excess seal tape. Once it is all cleaned off use some Goof Off to remove all remaining residue.
- Each door took about and hour, GOOD LUCK!!!

Here is the link to order your stuff!

Valterra 77051 Entrance Door Glass / Frame 12"W X 21"H
Heng's 5055 Butyl Rubber Tape, 3/16" x 3/4", Black

[Pottsie]

Thank you Loda8383!!



One question I have, why not trace the outline for the window on the inner or outer side of the door and then use a hole saw to cut your initial cut? Then use a jig saw with a 2" fine tooth blade to cut out the hole for the window. This way it would ensure you are lined up on both sides for both sides of the window.

This is very helpful and informative!!

[Pottsie]

Installed the window in the entry door this weekend. Ended up putting a sliding 22" x 12" window with a screen.

[Dr-G]

Looks great!
Now I need to do it when it warms up. Wow - I need to measure mine again, that's a 22" x 12"?

Who's write-up did you follow? On a scale of 1 to 10 - how hard? Run into any pitfalls? What did it run for the window?

Did you go with HEHR? What was the part number. I check out their site and I don't see a plain window. I may go with the vertical slider - yours came out very nice!

[Pottsie]

Thank you Dr-G!

It actually is a 22" x 14" (typo) and it is a Hehr.

The Hehr part # is: 5990-215-135-080-3535-1801-70-014

I cut out a template, measured it on the door, put tape on door to protect it, first cut with a hole saw, then a hand held jigsaw with a fine tooth blade (long enough to go through 1-1/2" door), cut slowly around traced area, caulked around window frame and then placed window into opening with a friend present to assist. Definitely and a two person job! Then put inside frame into place with the screws and measured to make sure everything was square. Took about an hour and half total time. It was about a 4 on difficulty....

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Dr-G

Looks great!
Now I need to do it when it warms up. Wow - I need to measure mine again, that's a 22" x 12"?

Who's write-up did you follow? On a scale of 1 to 10 - how hard? Run into any pitfalls? What did it run for the window?

Did you go with HEHR? What was the part number. I check out their site and I don't see a plain window. I may go with the vertical slider - yours came out very nice!

If you use the Atwood, it directly replaces the existing frosted window. No trimming or cutting. Takes about ½ hour.
Edwin RV Entry Door Window, Black - Duncan Systems - Drop Ship H1319G1B64 - Entry Door Hardware - Camping World

[Pottsie]

Originally Posted by awellis3

If you use the Atwood, it directly replaces the existing frosted window. No trimming or cutting. Takes about ½ hour.
Edwin RV Entry Door Window, Black - Duncan Systems - Drop Ship H1319G1B64 - Entry Door Hardware - Camping World

The doors for the 26DBH do not come with a window installed unless you order it with one installed at the factory....

[bob caldwell]

Easy to cut in....

[Pottsie]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Easy to cut in....

Very easy to cut in. Mark your pattern, use a hole saw for your initial cut and then use a variable speed jig saw with a fine tooth blade. Like a warm knife thru butter....

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by Pottsie

The doors for the 26DBH do not come with a window installed unless you order it with one installed at the factory....

Oh. Learn something new every day.

[Dr-G]

My main questions are:

1. When you traced your template and made your inital hole, did you just cut and did not check the other side, just kept the saw straight? Did you stop and check every so often?

2. The stroke on my jigsaw I think is too short for the door, I may need to get a longer blade. I would think when it draws in it would be inside the door and not through so it would be smacking against the inside of the far side of the door. Either that or a metal blade on my sawzall.

[bob caldwell]

Saber saw with a longer, thicker ( front to back) blade...

[doc73]

Originally Posted by awellis3

Oh. Learn something new every day.

I actually like the no window. It was one of the draws to this model for us.