handrent
San Antonio
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Joined: 10/14/2006
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While in Buckhorn RV Park in Kerrville, TX this weekend, we saw a close up modification to the screen door of a nice Mobile Suites. The reason we looked is because, despite soaring temperatures, Don always kepts his front door open. I asked him how in the world he keeps his coach cool with the screen door wide open. He then showed me the miracle of plexiglass. A very simple modification, he added plexiglass to the inside frame of the screen door and locked them in place with what appeared to be hardware for attaching mirrors. Being somewhat handy, I thought, "I can do that."
As we got home today, I headed to Home Depot to look at plexiglass. First decision is what size. .080, .093, .125, .112, etc. Playing into that decision was cost. Some of the sheets of plexi, 32" x 72" are as much as $80. Wow, I had no idea. After looking at the dimensions, and thinking about the size of the door frame, I settled in on .118 width. The bad news was that the only sheet left was broken on the corners. My wife asked a salesperson if we could get a discount. The answer: "Sure!" So, we took a $49 piece of plexiglass and paid $37 dollars at the checkout. Not bad so far.
Got home, used a utility knife to score the straight edges and snap the plexiglass. It was simple. For the curved edge at the top, I took a piece of cardboard, made a quick template, traced in the corners of the glass and cut it with a jigsaw. Piece of cake. Everything fit like a charm. Drilled a few holes and voila! I have a screen door that is plexiglass on the inside. This is really helpful for a couple of reasons. 1st, we have 2 big dogs that like to scratch the screen. Not anymore! 2nd, with the door shut, we experienced knocking someone off the steps on the outside. Oops! Now we can enjoy the nice outside view through the door without giving up the climate control on the inside.
The project, including travel and haggle at Home Depot, took less than 2 hours. Just thought I'd share for anyone who may is looking for a simple and pleasant improvement.
Cheers!
Tim
Sunnybrook Titan 31bwks starter camper, F250 6.0L Diesel
Me, wifey and 2 dogs (boxers)
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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I think I know what you are saying, but could you post a picture or two? Wounds like a pretty good idea.
My guess, you may end up replacing the bottom piece if the dogs get to it too often. We had used plexiglass to protect our woooden door at home, when the dogs would scratch to get out. Of course, that was easy, I just screwed it to the wood door.
Thanks for sharing.
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie 
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Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 
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balvert
Windsor, Ontario
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Joined: 07/04/2003
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I have done the same thing on our last two trailers. I cut Lexan (doggy proof) to fit inside the frame of the screen door. The last one I used Velcro on the inside but found the weight of the Plexiglass I used on that one made the door sag. Cutting it to fit inside the door frame helps to support it. I bought the Lexan in a thickness that would fit flush with the door surface. The Lexan is installed from the outside and I removed the lower screen to avoid the dogs tearing it. I left the top screen in so that removing the upper Lexan panel allows for ventilation in moderate weather.
I noticed that some manufacturers are now installing entrance doors with framed clear plastic inserts that serve the same purpose. The screen doors look a bit thicker than older doors but I may be wrong. The two that I looked at were both new Cedar Creek units. Looks like the industry stole our ideas. ;-)
Casey & Karen, Border Collies, Polly & Babe
04 Newmar Mountain Aire 34RDCK with tandem duals & XPS Ribs, Pullrite 25.5K Super 5th, MorRyde, Solar, RotoChoks
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tsmith
Raleigh, NC
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Joined: 05/13/2005
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balvert wrote:
I noticed that some manufacturers are now installing entrance doors with framed clear plastic inserts that serve the same purpose. The screen doors look a bit thicker than older doors but I may be wrong. The two that I looked at were both new Cedar Creek units. Looks like the industry stole our ideas. ;-)
I purchased the entire door from Cedar Creek for about the same price as the lexan would cost($77.00).
Todd
2007 Cedar Creek Silverback 33LBHTS
2005 Ford F-350
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cenley
NJ
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Joined: 09/18/2006
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I did the same thing on my door but it is to keep my dog & children from damaging the screen. I guess I get the extra benefit of being able to keep cool with the door open.
Carl
04 X Limited V-10 3.73 Bilsteins,Timbrens,30mm Sway Bar,Reese Dual Cam
07 Rockwood 8317SS,Top Pop Rails Bike Rack, Champion C46540
Me, DW, DD, DD, and a Doberman
DobermanTalk.com
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Ninebell
Bardstown,Ky
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Joined: 11/14/2003
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My last trailer had the Lexan on the outside of the door.I will be doing the same to my present screen door when I get a chance.Not diffacult I did use plastic turn keeper to hold the Lexan on the last door also got those at Lowe's.
Ninebell,the Wife,and Ginger the Shiz-zhu
2008 F-450 Lariat PSD,DRW,CC,LB,4X4
2007 Jayco Designer 34RLQS.
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cdrcos
St. Paul, MN
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Joined: 12/13/2001
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Here is a link to instructions:
http://www.bbrv.dreamstation.com/door.html
Joe & Barb
2002 F-350,PSD,Crew Cab
2003 HH II LS 32.5 UKTG
*finally retired!*
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red_neck_camper
Stafford, VA., USA
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Joined: 12/21/2003
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I've installed this mod on my last two trailers. It's probably the best mod I've done, because it really opens up the inside to light and view. It doesn't seem to radically affect the heating/cooling of the inside, so I leave mine on the door all the time.
I used a simpler method of installation (sorry, no pics as I'm at work). My lexan is in two pieces, like the link above, installed on the outside. However, the pieces overlap the frame and are not cut to fit inside the screen cutout, as in the link above. That way, you don't have to be as precise in cutting, since the frame is at least an inch wide all around. The bottom edge of each piece sits on two plastic mirror brackets screwed to the frame -- then pieces of velcro hold the rest of the piece to the door frame. That way, I can easily take the panel off without tools.
I cut my Lexan with a cutout tool (looks like a big dremel tool). You have to go slow or you will melt the plastic.
Mine's been hanging there for two years and the velcro's still holding. Eventually, I'll have to replace the velcro as it ages.
Ken
2007 FORD F-350 4WD SC Longbed, 6.0L Powerstroke, Reese Signature Series 18K hitch.
2007 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 342PHT
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kakampers
Fulltimer
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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I did it a much simpler, cheaper way...used heavy duty, perfectly clear plastic sheeting. Usually used for table cloths, etc. Attached it to the inside of screen door with white velcro...works beautifully!!!
Best part is, when I want fresh air, just peel it off, roll it up and store it out of site...plexiglass is alot harder to store! Whole thing cost less than $20!!
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Karen 'n Tom
Bay City, Michigan
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Joined: 10/16/2003
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kakampers, where did you get the plastic product/sheeting? Do you have any pictures to view? Is your Velcro along the whole edge of the plastic or just in spots? I like this idea, fast and easy! We had the plexi on our last 5er, but it was more difficult to install and take out if you have rapidly changing weather! At least the way we had it attached...
Thanks,
Karen
Karen 'n Tom
2007 GMC Sierra HD2500, extended cab, 6000 v8
2008 Cardinal LE 30RK
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