Most recreational vehicle units are manufactured with an external door and an internal screen door. These doors are usually very dark and do not allow you to see outside.

To solve this problem, we have added a storm door to our RV. The door is made of plexiglass surrounded by a wooden frame, and it was constructed by our longtime neighbor in Florida. (Chuck Fulk from Gaylord, Mich.)

We can have the air conditioner going and have all the light coming through our screen door without losing our cool. We can also operate the furnace and still have the outside views. The additional storm door also protects the screen from cats and dogs tearing or poking on the screen fabric.

Others have constructed storm doors using Lexan glass (purchase at Lowe's, ACE Hardware, Menard's or Home Depot). They use heavy-duty Velcro on the existing screen door to fasten the new storm door to the screen. These can also be constructed with a top section and a bottom section or one panel to cover the entire door.

I have seen a modification that had handles on the top and bottom sections to allow easy removal of the panels. I have also read that some use plastic mirror clips, but they cannot be removed and reconnected easily.

When you cut the new materials, place wide masking tape over the area that you are going to cut. Use the smallest tooth blade in your saber saw. This will reduce or eliminate the splinters. You should also ask the salesperson where you purchase the material for cutting suggestions. Others have made the cut with a sharp construction knife and a metal coffee can for the radius.

Some vendors will make the cuts for you if you provide a pattern or accurate measurements.

We prefer the wood-framed units because it adds strength and can be easily removed and stored behind our kitchen table. You may find a better method of construction, but we have used our modification for eight years. Our screen has never been damaged by dogs or cats.

And the best part is the budget for this project will not exceed $35.