Mo Better Screen Door

[Montana_1968]

When the weather is warm and nice, I don't really like the front door closed. But with the A/C on, the screen door just don't get it. So, I went to Home Depot and purchase some thin plexiglass sheets. I took the screen door down and traced the openings on to the plexiglass and cut them out. The plexiglass is light enough it doesn't weigh down the door and cause it to become mishapen and drag. I secured the clear panels in place with some very small screws. And it's great having the A/C on the the front door open to allow much more light in. You don't feel "couped up."

[OntMont]

quote:Originally posted by Riverman777

I went to Home Depot and purchase some thin plexiglass sheets.

I have seen this done before, and it is something we would like to do too. A few questions please:

What exactly did you buy, was it actual Plexiglass(tm), or polycarbonate, or something else? and what thickness?"

Is it all in one piece, or sections, like top, middle and bottom?

Did you make a cut-out for the access door?

Do you leave it on all the time, or is it easily removeable?

Appreciate any help you can provide in getting this project done right the first time.

Thanks,

[NJ Hillbilly]

Did You put it on the inside of on the outside(door side) of the screen door? If You can get 1 piece to cover the entire door then the outside is the wat since only door handle access will have to be cut.

John

[ken]

We did the same thing. I traced the openings on paper then took it to a window replacement place nearby and he cut all three for less than 25.00. I used small metal glass holders (home depot)that were bent to fit the openings and over the metal screen frame. These were secured by small screws that can be taken off if I want to remove the plexaglass. The two large openings are on the inside and the door cover is on the outside so the plastic door cover can slide.
Ken and Velda
Dahlgren VA
2003 3655FL Montana/Ford F350 Diesel

quote:Originally posted by Riverman777

When the weather is warm and nice, I don't really like the front door closed. But with the A/C on, the screen door just don't get it. So, I went to Home Depot and purchase some thin plexiglass sheets. I took the screen door down and traced the openings on to the plexiglass and cut them out. The plexiglass is light enough it doesn't weigh down the door and cause it to become mishapen and drag. I secured the clear panels in place with some very small screws. And it's great having the A/C on the the front door open to allow much more light in. You don't feel "couped up."

[Broome101]

I also did same thing with lexan whci will not rack or break. We have 1 small chile who doesn't know how to open the door without putting his hand through it running out the door to jump off the unit. So I wnet with lexan will never crakc or break little more than plexiglass but worth the extra.

[Little Rascal]

Thanks for the great idea! I always frown when I have to keep the front door closed just because of the AC running...I need to grab my husband and have him read this post. This sounds like a great fix!! Thanks!

[fulltimedreamer]

We did this on our Mountaineer and love it. Here is a link to pictures:

http://www.geocities.com/fulltimedre...torm_door.html

[Montana_1968]

Sorry it took so long to get back. I'm at work on a towboat on the Mississippi, and I have to use a laptop / cell phone to get online when I'm on the water (if there's a good signal).
I cut out 2 large pieces for the top and bottom of the door and a small piece for the area just left of the screen door access hole. Three pieces total. placed on the inside of the screen door, because there is a recessed ledge to support the plexiglass. You can use as thin and light as possible, without being to flimsy. You don't want to add to much weight as cause the door frame to sag and drag. I'm sure there's several ways to apply the plexi or lexan, whatever you choose, but it is a great benifit to have. mdw.

[larryngail]

quote:Originally posted by Riverman777

I'm at work on a towboat on the Mississippi, and I have to use a laptop / cell phone to get online when I'm on the water (if there's a good signal).

At work on a towboat! Sounds like a GREAT job!

Thanks for the post -- love it!

[Northstar]

Thanks for great posting. A wonderful idea. Happyrving....

[On The Road Again]

I did the same thing on my 3280 RLTS and also before on my Jayco 5th wheeler. I used plexiglas from the local hardware store and had them cut it the proper size, then used my grinder to round the edges for the top of the door. I then used some aluminum screen holders which fit perfectly in the inside track around the screen.
It's really great to be able to keep the main door open withe th A/C running.

[Treecounter]

Good idea! It took the better part of the day but we got it done. We used two pieces of plexie glass 1/8th thick and notched the lower one for the door opening slide. I think it also gave that flimsy door some back bone. Thanks. Treecounter