window to slider

We would like to replace the dining room window with a sliding glass door.
The joists are 16" on center. We are pretty sure we will have to buff up the header. Is there any "how to" information on replacing a window with a slider.
Our mobile is a double wide '87.

 

To install a sliding glass door you will need 6" header. A header consists of 2 - 2X6 sandwhiched together [often has 1/2" plywood attached to bring to 3 1/2" width] This will be installed under the top plate supported on each side by 2x's. Doors are normally 80" tall [frame height may be more]. The wall height will need to be somewhere between 87" - 90". If you don't have the wall height you won't be able to install a conventional sliding glass door. MH supply houses sell doors that are typically 76" tall. I know they sell french doors [patio doors] but don't know for sure if they sell sliding doors.

 

Thank you for the info. I think your right in that mobile homes have 76" tall windows. The slider I bought is the more common 80" tall. How can I brace the roof so we can install a tall header- removing the original header? TIM

 

The header should be a minumum of a 2x4 top plate with a 2x6 header with another 2x4 underneath. 2x4 = 1 1/2 thickeness, 2x6 = 5 1/4 height. that means you need a minumum of 8 1/4" above the sliding door frame for framing. If the exterior wall is only 84" tall I doubt you can adequeately support the roof.

sorry it took so long to get back to you - been out of town