Install NEW window

[CHS]

Has anyone cut out a NEW hole and installed a NEW window.
I have the 28Z, Class C and it does not have a rear window.
Wanting to install one like this. 12 high X 42 wide.
Rear dimensions behind bed are 30 high X 60 wide, so plenty of room.
Any input would be helpful.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by CHS

Has anyone cut out a NEW hole and installed a NEW window.
I have the 28Z, Class C and it does not have a rear window.
Wanting to install one like this. 12 high X 42 wide.
Rear dimensions behind bed are 30 high X 60 wide, so plenty of room.
Any input would be helpful.

I suspect you have 1" square aluminum tubing studs spaced at every 14" to 18" along the rear wall. Cutting through them without welding in additional support would weaken the structure and allow cracks to form in the rear wall.
Just a guess on my part having toured several RV manufacturing factories

[CHS]

Originally Posted by Beau388

I suspect you have 1" square aluminum tubing studs spaced at every 14" to 18" along the rear wall. Cutting through them without welding in additional support would weaken the structure and allow cracks to form in the rear wall.
Just a guess on my part having toured several RV manufacturing factories

I would think that the window frame being of two frames. One inside and one out compressed with screws would reinforce the frames cut. Plus it's only 12 high, so not such a large opening.
Also inside just above and across is a cabinet, and one on each side screwed into the wall would add additional supply.
I'm going to reach out to Thor to ask their opinion. Yeah I know. Good luck with that one.

[LandKO]

Several years ago when I had a travel trailer, I did add a window in the side for an upper bunk. However, I was fortunate that the manufacturer of the TT had sent me the structure drawings that showed where the aluminum framing was imbedded in the wall. The drawings for that particular brand of TT showed that none of the windows had actual framing around the windows. They just cut holes in the composite side wall to accommodate the windows and used the clamping of the inside and outside halves of the window to reinforce the opening.
I was lucky the the location for the window I added had no structural members in the way.
I wouldn’t assume that the framing of the back wall is the same as a side wall.

[CHS]

There is a flimsy head board behind the bed that will come off and lowered to accommodate the window.
I thought of maybe cutting a 6x6 hole behind the headboard but also where the window cutout would be. I can then look and measure inside wall and see where the studs are. If it comes down to that I cannot install it, I can replace the wood piece that I cut and reinstall the headboard. And move on.

[Popfla]

Originally Posted by CHS

I thought of maybe cutting a 6x6 hole behind the headboard but also where the window cutout would be. I can then look and measure inside wall and see where the studs are.

Have you considered using a decent quality stud finder to locate the studs instead? The one I have finds wood or metal studs and electric wires, and I have used it in several RVs and gotten accurate results.

[CHS]

Originally Posted by Popfla

Have you considered using a decent quality stud finder to locate the studs instead? The one I have finds wood or metal studs and electric wires, and I have used it in several RVs and gotten accurate results.

I already did. One stud on each side and two horizontally just above and below window. All outside of the window placement. Still will cut hole for confirmation. Like to know if wires are in there too.
I emailed Thor asking for prints also.

[CHS]

Thor sent me this. I should be OK. Only need now to find out the wall thickness.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by CHS

Thor sent me this. I should be OK. Only need now to find out the wall thickness.

Looks like it was framed for the typical Thor installed bedroom escape window. Interesting that it was not installed. In the Class A gas Thor MCs the walls are 1.125" to 1.5" thick depending the model, the size of the slide and what is hung on the wall.

[LandKO]

Originally Posted by CHS

Thor sent me this. I should be OK. Only need now to find out the wall thickness.

Looks like you are good to go.
If you need any pointers on how to prepare the hole for the window, feel free to ask.

[CHS]

Originally Posted by LandKO

Looks like you are good to go.
If you need any pointers on how to prepare the hole for the window, feel free to ask.

Thanks!
Going to be a few weeks before I get started. Have one last campout in early November, then on to winter projects.
I also have to confirm the wall thickness. Going to take the taillight off and drill into the storage bay to measure the wall thickness. One site stated that the ordered trim ring has to be within 1/8" correct. Thor says it (estimated) to be 2-1/4" thick. Want to be sure first. Ebay seller that has the window in many wall thicknesses does not accept returns unless part is damaged or sent wrong part.

[MLP]

Originally Posted by CHS

I would think that the window frame being of two frames. One inside and one out compressed with screws would reinforce the frames cut. Plus it's only 12 high, so not such a large opening.
Also inside just above and across is a cabinet, and one on each side screwed into the wall would add additional supply.
I'm going to reach out to Thor to ask their opinion. Yeah I know. Good luck with that one.

Why would you think that? A window is not structure or structural. You got to put framing in just like home construction. It is worse in a moving RV than moves applying shock, vibe, and side movement.

That being said, from the drawing it looks like THOR actually framed the opening for a window. That is what would have had to be done if they did not. Otherwise you would have long term problems from cutting through framing without putting structure framing in for support. Thor must make this frame for a rear window in other models.

[71_340]

Originally Posted by CHS

Thor sent me this. I should be OK. Only need now to find out the wall thickness.

Remove one of the tail lights and you can measure he thickness of the wall,

[Ron]

That’s interesting! I’ve thought about adding a ladder to our Hurricane but I wasn’t sure about the supports for it. I should get a drawing for the Hurricane because it looks like there is supports for a ladder on your drawing.

[gibbyid]

I have a 2016. It has a rear window the plans from thor are the same with frame for a widow. Look for some one with a older 28z and take a look at it. Looks like thor wanted to save money and skip the window, Warmer without the window.

[gnach]

If you've not already bought the window, check out this custom builder. They do have a supply chain caveat so they warn about lead time. https://www.rvwindows.com/rv-glass-replacement/