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Vertical Slider in Pod Door

Printed From: r-pod Nation
Category: Forest River r-pod
Forum Name: Modifications
Forum Description: Mod your Pod....then post your pictures
URL: http://www.rpodNation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3209
Printed Date: 29 Mar 2024 at 7:28am
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Topic: Vertical Slider in Pod Door
Posted By: HuronSailor
Subject: Vertical Slider in Pod Door
Date Posted: 14 May 2012 at 12:25pm
I finally found a vertical sliding window for the pod on eBay and the seller is right here in Michigan. It's a 14 x 21 vertical slider with screen, smoked tempered glass and black frame. It's priced with a 3/4" interior trim ring, but we need 1 1/2". A quick call to the seller, an extra $11 for the trim ring, and the window was on the way. The trim ring is "mill finish", which means plain aluminum colored, while the rest of the windows as they come from the factory have black trim rings. I guess if it bugs you, you could hit it with some flat black spray paint.  I left it as is.

Step 1: remove the door from the hinges and place it in a convenient position on some saw horses. There's 18 screws holding the door on, and they come out really easy.

Step 2: using the interior trim ring for measurements, I made a cardboard template for the cutout. I'll be using a jigsaw to cut the opening, which cuts on the upstroke. To minimize possible chipping to the exterior door skin, the layout was made on the inside.







Step 3: drill a pilot hole for the saw blade somewhere INSIDE the layout line, take a deep breath, and cut away. This is what you'll end up with. There's  nothing inside the door but styrofoam so you don't have to worry about cutting through any interior structure.



Step 4: the window comes with a pre-installed rubber gasket, so there's no need to mess around with that gooey butyl tape or nasty caulk. Just put the door in the opening, insert the trim ring from the other side, and drive in the provided self tapping screws. The pod with her new window:


And a view from the inside with glorious light streaming through:



Contact info for this window below. The seller has an eBay store under the name vintek1958. You'll have to call him to get the required trim ring. Total for this window, including the trim ring, Michigan tax, and shipping, was $105.




-------------
.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::



Replies:
Posted By: Alex&Marie
Date Posted: 14 May 2012 at 6:27pm
wow! what a great write up and pictures - I have been thinking about doing this and you made it look very doable.

thanks


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Alex and Marie
2012 R-pod 177, 2006 Toyota Tundra


Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 15 May 2012 at 10:08am
HuronSailor you always inspire me...This has been on your to do list for a long time (since 2009 I think).  In January I found this same window at a local dealer and he quoted me $100 for the window and another $100 to install (at least).  I was still shopping for a new Tow Vehicle so I didn't want to give up the cash. Now  I have instuctions. LOL
 
 
A Woman with tools and instrcutions is DANGEROUS!!!
 
LeeStar
 
P.S.  Still like the Port Hole idea for the bunk area!!Cool  maybe after the door.     


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Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/


Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 15 May 2012 at 10:34am
Just a suggestion.  After visiting the factory, and fantasizing about adding a window at the other end of our 171, I realized that the side walls are constructed of aluminum channel welded together.  Then they cut foam to fit each of the small compartments.  If you tried to install a window in the side, you would have to cut the aluminum.  Might weaken the whole structure, and I assume void your warranty.  Nice job on the door.  Safe Travels.

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Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 lb.) Mini Dachshund
2013 Rpod 171HRE (Pods-of-Luck)
2005 Chev. Tahoe


Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 15 May 2012 at 10:50am
Originally posted by Camper Bob Camper Bob wrote:

Just a suggestion.  After visiting the factory, and fantasizing about adding a window at the other end of our 171, I realized that the side walls are constructed of aluminum channel welded together.  Then they cut foam to fit each of the small compartments.  If you tried to install a window in the side, you would have to cut the aluminum.  Might weaken the whole structure, and I assume void your warranty.  Nice job on the door.  Safe Travels.
 
1. Podterfly is three years old...no extended warrenty.
2. I'm talking small round windows like on a boat, or even a smaller version of the above (I've seen them on other RV's).   In the front of a 172, there is no natural light or airflowConfused.  If / When I find the right ones (plus time and money),  I will fit them in between the aluminum channels.
 
Thanks
Lee


-------------
Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 15 May 2012 at 4:33pm
Originally posted by Butterfly_Lee Butterfly_Lee wrote:

... I found this same window at a local dealer and he quoted me $100 for the window and another $100 to install (at least). 

It took me around 1 1/2 hours to do the install. So $100 for labor at the dealer probably isn't out of the ballpark. But if you have the tools and inclination it's a really easy job. In fact it's probably the least complicated mod I've done to our pod.

We're still thinking of opening portholes in the bunk area too, but so far all I've found that will work and looks decent are actual portholes. And like anything for a boat, it's ridiculously overpriced. Even more overpriced than RV stuff. So that's still on the back burner for now. 

Glad I could inspire you.


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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: bumc1
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2012 at 12:13am
I like that window in the door. My Dad hates it when I find new projects for him on here LOL

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Lisa


Posted By: argh6
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 8:19pm
Thank you sir!  I'll be doing the same thing to ours!!!

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Jerry, Julie, Kaiti, & Abbi ~ Phoenix, AZ ~ 2010 172T ~ 2004 Acura MDX


Posted By: ChaiPod
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2012 at 6:03pm
Is your window this window?

http://easyrvwindows.com/images/EDWIN-Installation-Guide.pdf - http://easyrvwindows.com/images/EDWIN-Installation-Guide.pdf

From the instructions, I had the impression that this window was sized to fit into standard RV doors, unless the window from your seller is  different from this one?




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2009 r.pod 152

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2012 at 6:56pm
No, that's not the same window. I don't see any dimensions in the PDF file, but if it's close to the same size as the one I used, and the trim ring is for a 1 1/2" door, it should work OK. 

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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: anchor out
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 9:46pm
I love it. This will be my next project.


Posted By: JJ
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2013 at 8:42pm
We just added one of those windows to our 172 - what a difference!

Thank you HuronSailor for the info.

Joyce


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Joyce, Kevin and the Esca-Pod
2010 Toyota 4-Runner
   Sometimes with
2014 Redwood 5th Wheel
2011 F450 Dually


Posted By: SteveC
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2013 at 6:37pm
This is  great forum!  Very nice job on the window install and post showing us your Mod! 


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2014 R Pod 178


Posted By: RRL
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2015 at 5:05pm
We will be doing this mod on our door this week (window comes tomorrow :).  Do you cut the hole out from the inside or outside of door?
 
Appreciate any and all suggestions!


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"unWINEd" Pod
2014 RP 178
2006 Tundra


Posted By: Tomcamper
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2015 at 12:42pm
Have the window and will install in a few weeks but am wondering how necessary it is to remove to remove the door from the hinges. What am I missing??   Thanks.

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Tomcamper
2016 4runner
Dreampod 177

06 GMC Envoy


Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2015 at 8:10am
A lot of owners cut the hole with the door still attached to the Pod just fine, just makes for some more cleanup.

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Travis & Carrie
http://goo.gl/maps/Vlelv - 181g - MoosePod Adventures Map
http://goo.gl/maps/ho9Rf - RPod Owners Map


Posted By: Tomcamper
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2015 at 9:17am
Thanks to Kymooses and Huron Sailor for responding. I will install with door attached and save some time. A great mod and window will improve air flow and light.

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Tomcamper
2016 4runner
Dreampod 177

06 GMC Envoy


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2015 at 10:22am
I did mine with the door on. No problem.


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Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: T0DD
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2015 at 1:17pm
I just wanted to take a moment to resurrect this thread. Special thanks to HuronSailer for posting such a great DIY. I ordered from Frank Bear by shooting him an email @ frankbear007@gmail.com . Prices have gone up a touch since 2012 when the original post was submitted. I paid about $138 shipped from Michigan to Washington state. 

Some things I'd like to note. I also used an upward toothed jig saw blade and cut from the "inside" of the door. I used a fine 24 toothed metal jigsaw blade. I never found that specific information previously, so I wanted to mention it. The 24 toothed metal jigsaw blade worked great for me. I also used blue painters tape on both sides as a little insurance in attempt to prevent chipping and had no chipping issues at all. I took the door completely off. If you have 2 people available I would HIGHLY suggest removing door. It's super light (I don't know the exact weight, but I'm guessing 10-15 lbs) and 2 people can remove it with ease. My wife used the dewalt on the door screws and I balanced the door. Others have said that they have completed this project with the door still attached. Let me state again, it's super easy to remove the door, it literally takes about 2 minutes to take it off and put it back on with a power screw driver. I highly recommend putting the door on some saw horses and completing this project. Lastly, I wanted to mention that if you purchase this exact window that when you are putting the back aluminum trim ring on that the screws actually screw into a "channel" (two raised pieced of metal) that run around the edge of the window. I looked it it several times and was uncertain where I would screw these screws in but ultimately, it went into a channel and worked out perfectly. 

The inner trim ring comes in unfinished aluminum. I had a can of black gloss epoxy paint and in one hour I sprayed it with 3 coats and it turned out perfect. I also took the screws that came with it and stuck them all slightly into a piece of cardboard and coated them with 3 coats of paint. 

I think it's important to share pictures and experiences. Without them, I wouldn't be motivated to complete wonderful upgrades to my RPod. Hopefully these pictures motivate someone else. So again, thank you to HuronSalier. Here is my 2016 RPod 179 Hood River Edition with the 14x21 vertical slider window installed. 

If you have any questions feel free to reply or contact me. I'll be more than happy to help where I can. 







Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2015 at 7:05pm
You're welcome. Your window looks great. 

Our 172 is much less claustrophobic with that window in the door.



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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: fdgibbons
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2016 at 5:31pm
I am thinking about putting a slider like yours in my 172. Just worried about the durability of the foam door. Have you had any problems with window coming loose or damaging door?

Frank Gibbons
Santa Fe


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2016 at 6:07pm
No problems at all.

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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: fdgibbons
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2016 at 9:57pm
OK, thanks. I am going to install one in my 172. I also plan to put some portholes in the bunk area. 



Frank Gibbons
Santa Fe


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2016 at 8:44am
Originally posted by fdgibbons fdgibbons wrote:

I am thinking about putting a slider like yours in my 172. Just worried about the durability of the foam door. Have you had any problems with window coming loose or damaging door?

Frank Gibbons
Santa Fe


I actually think the window install, when properly executed, strengthens the door..


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2016 at 10:17am
Originally posted by fdgibbons fdgibbons wrote:

I also plan to put some portholes in the bunk area. 

Frank Gibbons
Santa Fe

Having just a bit of filtered light in the bunk area makes a lot of difference. Instead of the portholes, I added opening windows in my bunks.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6062&KW=bunk+windows&PID=58798&title=opening-windows-in-172-bunks#58798

Mark


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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: fdgibbons
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 1:15pm
Mark, are there any aluminum structural supports in the walls above the beds where I want to put the windows?

Frank


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 1:38pm
I'll post the whole mod in a new thread complete with pictures.

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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: fdgibbons
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 1:39pm
OK, thanks.


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 1:46pm
Opening bunk windows for 172 mod is up, complete with pictures and parts sources. 



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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: Outdoerr
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 3:40pm
Can you tell me where to find your write up on the 172 bunk windows?  We just purchased a 172 and we would love more light and air flow.



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Hood River RP172


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 4:13pm
Originally posted by Outdoerr Outdoerr wrote:

Can you tell me where to find your write up on the 172 bunk windows?  We just purchased a 172 and we would love more light and air flow.



http://www.rpodnation.com/opening-windows-in-172-bunks_topic4459_post43232.html?KW=#43232" rel="nofollow - LINK


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: fdgibbons
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2016 at 4:49pm
You can buy windows at Vintage Technologies. I think Amazon sells their products, also. I'll try to enclose some pictures of the ones I put in my 172. File sizes are too big. Send me your email and I will send the pictures.
fdgibbons@icloud.com


Posted By: melikou1
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 3:09pm
Thanks...email sent

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Bill MacFie
2009 r-pod 152
2007 Toyota 4Runner


Posted By: Outdoerr
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 10:54pm
Thanks for the help everyone, Window was very easy to install. Going to do 2 bunk windows next.


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Hood River RP172



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