how to remove skylight from a caravan

Water was flowing down through the screw holes. Put on the ventilation grids back 9.4.2 9.5.1a Part No. My HOBBY is a "wet" van en-suite is bigger than bedroom in my home LOL. An RV Skylight is a panel placed on top of the roof of your RV. The reason being the video itself really provides the information you need. Both Dometic and MPK have lots of PDF documents on fitting and user manual instructions on each of their roof lights. I found I could get good controlled pressure on a sharpened strong wallpaper scraper when in line with the flange of the skylight from the ladder and could lean across working from each side and then remove. If you are unable to lift the skylight, then the seal is not appropriately broken. Skylight comes in various sizes and shapes, ranging from the fixed, tubular, to ventilated skylights. To avoid getting interrupted during the process and losing your momentum, check if all the tools needed are all prepared on the roof with you and are reachable. Clean a skylight with soapy water or vinegar only, like ammonia, alcohol, or petroleum-based cleaning solutions will irreversibly damage the materials used in just about every skylight. You must log in or register to reply here. I recently wrote a post on how to clean a caravan roof. B. By the way any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon or Caravan Guard are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase, with no additional cost to you. Going to have to brace ladders over roof to try & spread load. I've seen two women standing on a Hobby roof washing it! Use distilled water if you have hard water from your tap. With these removed, the covers should simply lift off. Furthermore, within each of those model categories, there are several models of various sizes. You will find most of these tools in your household tool kit except the mastic sealing strip. I discuss this topic briefly in how not to clean your caravan but more so in my post on how to remove window scratches. While the same hatch lid is used for all three styles . Remove the old skylight and clean off sealant using panel wipe thinners Apply mastic sealing strip, sealant or caulking to the roof receiving flange Next, place the roof flange carefully into the correct position Apply additional sealant around the roof flange to prevent water ingress But one of the stays broke while they were on a recent trip away, which gave me the opportunity to replace one rooflight and clean the other one thoroughly. Take two measurements: one side left and one of the right. I've started a new website about electric tow cars which you may want to check out to see what your options are/will be for towing a caravan with an electric car. If the . For instance, in the video, Keith first removed the roof light with a Torx 10 and then later had to use a Torx 20 to separate the roof light for cleaning. Now use the mineral spirits on your old rag to clean off the remaining sealant. Again VOLVOVANNER was right the opening in the roof is 400X400 so may be able to get a non HOBBY replacement. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Our ABN is 42 109 003 625. This video is on how to remove a Dodge Caravan TIPM Totally Integrated Power Module Fuse Box (2008 - 2020)Check out the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.. Also with Sika. 1. Roof thickness 1369 25-29 mm 137030-34 mm (accessories trade: screws included) 1371 35-60 mm For roof thickness 35-42 mm = length of screws 20mm For roof thickness 43-52 mm = length of screws 32mm % of people told us that this article helped them. After removing the previous dirty or broken skylight, remove the old mastic properly. However, be careful not to press so hard that it cuts through the seal. Step 2: Lift all lap joins and apply an MS sealer between them (not over them). Measure from the inside of your vehicle along with the skylight frame to the outside edge of the roof, then subtract half an inch for space between it and the skylight. You can also secure it to the pole with string. 723. I notice new parts for HOBBY are a horrendous price. It is a square small skylight as you describe. How to Completely Remove, Repair, Clean & Replace a Leaking Caravan Roof SkyLight Vent & Surround The McNeills on Wheels 7.9K views 10 months ago I Stopped Resealing My RV Roof & Did This. If you want to replace your pop-up skylight for whatsoever reason, here is the list of required tools: A small knife or a flat-blade screwdriver. This is easy to do if you have access to the attic. Circulating fresh air. While up there I noticed a corner missing from the lid on the light over the en-suite but this roof is not leaking. Read More. Hopefully this will seal up the van and allow the inside to dry out, when I can then take stock of the damage done. .. don't bolt screw up tight when you install to ensure there is a fillet of Sika, tighten at least 24 hrs later. After removing the mastic seal, apply white spirit using a cloth on the surface. A dry mop is a great alternative for this, as it absorbs water extremely well. US $75 CARAVAN 08-10 This switch has been tested before removal TOWN & COUNTRY 08-10. A pop-top caravan is a caravan that has a reduced height, the roof 'pops' up to full height when you set up and gives you a portion of canvas around the top of the caravan. Mark the location of the hole. Thanks I wont be using oven cleaner on my delicate white screens. Never use ammonia, alcohol, or petroleum-based household cleaning products, such as Windex, on skylights, as they are usually made from materials like plexiglass, acrylic, or polycarbonates that react badly with cleaning products. How to Remove and Clean a Roof Light So the first part of the roof light you will probably want to clean is the fly screen. Hence, you shouldnt just use any cleaning agent. Heki roof lights are produced by Dometic. Now, if you have had stubborn greasy marks on glass before you may have used either methylated spirits, isopropanol or acetone. Return inside the caravan and replace the trim, beforesecuring it with the four screws. After the tint has been removed, you may notice that there is still some adhesive residue left on the window. Years ago they were often made from transparent orange plastic, which gave a really nice light inside the caravan; but for a numberof years now theyve been made from a white translucent plastic, and are usually double-skinned. Step 5: Remove the window from the outside. Once this has been done, thoroughly clean around the sides with white spirit, and ensurethat none of the old mastic remains. With the rooflight out ofthe way, remove all of the old mastic. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Pop-up rooflights have been fitted in caravans for a long time. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. This is where you want to avoid making a big mistake. Once youve got there, you should break the mastic seal by working your way around the base of the rooflight assembly using a wide, flat blade. Mastic sealing strip(from a caravan dealer). A vacuum cleaner, also known simply as a vacuum or a hoover, is a device that causes suction in order to remove dirt from floors, upholstery, draperies, and other surfaces. Step 4: Remove the Adhesive Residue. Continue peeling the tint away from the window until it is completely removed. Its of an age before large Heki rooflights or sunroofs were fitted, and both pop-ups (one over the kitchen, the other in the washroom) were quite grubby. The light was heavily siliconed into place. If you are worried about falling from the roof or damaging your skylight, consult a professional cleaning service who can do the job for you. Thank you for seeking us for help, I hope I provided what was needed. - YouTube 0:00 / 5:38 Introduction Description of how to remove a caravan window. Prize them out, (I usually use a pin so as not to damage the cap), you will see a screw in each hole. This window required a Torx bit. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Press reply if you need to follow up. The reason to shift from transparent orange plastic to double skinned white translucent plastic was to enhance plastic. If you are interested in learning more you may be interested in my overall post how to clean a caravan. Drill a pilot hole and screw 3. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. Once you see the old dome screws, remove them. Including fridges, cookers, air conditioning units and of course, Heki roof lights. Ref. Install all of the screws, keeping in mind that it is unlikely that many (or any) of them will go back into the original holes. 3. Would appreciate id anyone can help. A small brush helped us to access the gaps between the vent slots. There are several different makes of roof light fitted to caravans and motorhomes including Heki (Dometic) and Vision Vents (MPK). The interior of a skylight usually is not the dirtiest part of the skylight, so it should get cleaned relatively quickly. As has been said cleaning the area of the roof thoroughly (plus the flange on the skylight if re-using it) is paramount. White spirit and a cloth. You'll then have to get to the roof and cut through the mastic. First, just try and use water to remove the dirt. If you are worried about the irregularity and non-resemblance of the holes of your current skylight to the old one, it is still okay. Place a ladder on the side of the caravan as close to the skylight as possible. So, the first thing was to release the eye bolt at the distribution block by undoing the securing nut. To save some of your energy, dont remove the metal clips; instead, loosen them. Domestic produce a huge range of items found in caravans and motorhomes. As I discussed above, there is an absolutely huge range of roof lights fitted to caravans and motorhomes from Dometic (Heki) and MPK. US $75. And this is also how you seal it, and also glue it so that it's not possible to remove it ever again without a saw So, don't do it like I do, do it like I say and don't use glue sealant, instead use only sealant without the glue. Back outside, carefully trim any excess sealing strip, making sure that you dont pullany out from under the rim of the rooflight assembly. It is generally electrically driven. This is just one example of the many Torx screwdriver sets you can purchase online. If you dont remove the grime right away, try using more vinegar. In many instances, they dont use flat, Philips or Pozi screws. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Gain access to your skylight's roof flashing. Don't forget to subscribe! If it is the standard square skylight as we have in the bedroom of our Hobby 540, if you look at the frame where it is butted up to the ceiling you should see small circular cap at each corner. Everyone was right you can walk on the roof of a HOBBY. The panel on the long side is just a plastic cover, not a light. With the inner trim removed, youll see the four metal clips that hold the unit in place. This article has been viewed 40,790 times. ( new word ). Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To make things easier, place the ladder on the other side after breaking the mastic seal from one side. Hence, air can pass through the roof light vents but rain cannot enter the caravan or motorhome. Use the screwdriver according to the kind of screws. The national average cost of skylight repair ranges between $350 and $800. Have to look for one of those too. A couple of friends on the site where I am simply clamber on to the roof with the cleaning brush, bucket of shampoo and give it a good scrub when required, one gets up at least a couple of times a year because he can't stand dirty roof lights. There is very little 'sticking area' along the edge plastic frame. Canister vacuum cleaner for home use. Final question to you guys, does anyone know of a HOBBY breaker/dismantler in the UK. DISCLAIMER: The content of the blog on this website is for entertainment and general information purposes only, and should not be followed as professional advice. When I got back home, I unscrewed the inside plastic finish and pushed up on the skylight to release it. The website owner accepts no liability for false, inaccurate or incomplete information. If there is lull in the "storm" this w/end I believe I have enough technical data to attempt. Thanks for watching! I just replaced my skylight ironically and this is how the MPK 400 x 400 rooflight surround was fitted. You can get this sealing strip from any store that deals in caravan repair parts. It would be easier to use your putty knife to help you elevate and loosen the edges of the skylight dome until it gets easier to remove it altogether. While the double skin is better for ventilation it means that you wont get a cold shower from dripping condensationfirst thing in the morning the skins arent sealed, and the area between the layers can become very dirty. Youll need access to the exterior roof, andit can be a stretch if the rooflight is in the centre (as ours was)! Description of how to remove a caravan window. You dont want the humidity to be too low or too high. The problem is the way some of these roof lights are designed means they can get very dirty. Make sure that all traces of the old sealant, dirt etc are removed by using a plastic scraper, a fridge scraper or windscreen scraper would be ideal. Powered by Invision Community. Run a single thick drop of the adhesive surrounding the opening of your skylight. The hand book says that you can stand on the roof but not to walk on it 'Freehanded'. .. i. e. not a straight line. They should be loose enough so you can turn them around to remove the structure. So below Ill focus on a roof light I know is fitted to quite a few caravans and motorhomes which people struggle to clean, the MPK Vision Vent M Pro. In addition to this, ensure that you are going to purchase the accurate size. Working outside the caravan,remove the four screws that secure the covers to thehandles. Apply a thin layer of auto wax to the inside and outside of your skylight after cleaning and drying it to maintain its shine and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. I notice new parts for HOBBY are a horrendous price. US $75 CARAVAN 08-10 This switch has been tested before removal TOWN & COUNTRY 08-10. . An affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk and other sites. VOLVOVANNER was right skylight cosmetic cover is secured with a ball & socket configuration that pulls away with a little effort. It allows us to savor the beauty of nature the world has to offer. I've used a "dovetail" type shape by overlaying the two pieces of tape, cutting the shape and removing opposite parts, so that it fits together. Dirt and insects can get trapped inside this roof light: Image Amazon.co.uk. If parts of the roof light are still dirty you could try a bit of caravan cleaner detergent, something thats not too abrasive. The dirt is collected by either a dustbag or a cyclone for later disposal. A Crosshead screwdriver. This is to avoid the rainwater sipping through inside your RV. The next thing you have to do is secure the skylight panel from the inside. Will check again a little closer this time:). Is this correct? Ensure that you retrieve both the screws and washers. As I discussed at the top of this post, when cleaning the roof of a caravan or motorhome you will be cleaning part of the roof light. If there is lull in the "storm" this w/end I believe I have enough technical data to attempt. However, if damages or rust are present, it is an excellent choice to purchase new ones. Next, check that the new rooflight is clean whereit sits on the roof (ie remove any old mastic and so on), then place it into the aperture,pressing the edges and particularly the corners into the mastic sealing strip. Last update on 2023-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. The sealant will then make a bond between the new skylight dome and the roof. Instead, you simply can repair the crack. Start with the caravan's (or motorhome's) roof; it's the first place a van will likely pop its sealant. If the water in the bucket doesn't foam up, you may need to add more soap. Learn more. Store on a flat, clean, dry surface. Once the seal has been broken all the way around, the rooflight unit should simply lift out of the way. The next steps involve placing the new skylight and tightening it from the inside. Skylights bring natural light and a bigger sense of space to a home, and generally, they don't require too much maintenance. Bit of a fiddle, but worth it. The Phantom. At 75, the new unit is not cheap, but its design means you'll benefit from better ventilation and natural light. Ilrides, you have walked on the roof of your HOBBY WOW. Well got stuck into my sunlight over the w/end (between showers). E & P Compact Levelling System. However, at the time of writing that post, there was something I wanted to discuss but forgot to. Hi, Im Chris, along with my father Robert we operate and maintain Horton Common Caravan Site. After removing the inner trim, you will see that four metal clips hold the remaining structure. Started February 4, Copyright VerticalScope Inc. All Rights Reserved. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Afterward, conceal the screw holes on your roof using the new sealant. Might try that as there are two stock car rally venues withing 40 mile radius. Remember, the roof light is plastic, and it will deform under heat, potentially even causing micro-cracks. This is what causes the blind to jam, as it works its way out over time. If it is the standard square skylight as we have in the bedroom of our Hobby 540, if you look at the frame where it is butted up to the ceiling you should see small circular cap at each corner. as window is recessed and not flush with caravan sides. Graham over 70 This is the MPK Vision Vent M Pro roof light fitted to many caravans and motorhomes. Powrtouch AWD Movers. Most caravans and motorhomes have at least one roof light fitted, sometimes also referred to as a skylight. Specifications:Placement on Vehicle: Front , LeftSide Location: Driver SideOperation: PowerMaterial: Metal and PlasticMotor Included: YesFits:2001-2003 For Chrysler Town and Country/Voyager2001-2003 For Dodge Caravan/Grand CaravanHow to Install?Step 1: Remove the interior door panel;Step 2: Gently remove the plastic door cover;Step 3: Locate the window mounting bolts;Step 4: Remove the bolts . From inside the caravan you can clean the interior surface of the roof light. Once the screw caps are removed, identify the type of screws. Start by removing the screw caps on the inner trim of the skylight. Since just about any type of motorhome, 5th wheel or travel trailer might have a skylight, we're celebrating our anniversary with a video that just about any RVer can use.You'll need a putty knife or two, a can of mineral spirits, a caulk gun loaded with SureBond SB140 butyl sealant, a screw gun, an old rag and a pair of nitrile gloves (mostly to protect your hands from the mineral spirits). To avoid cracking the plastic, don't over-tighten them.The final step is a nice bead of sealant around the perimeter and over the screw heads, and voila: you have a brand new crystal clear skylight.To remove the inside liner of your skylight, follow the steps in our video here:http://youtu.be/ehcjYNsFsOoThe piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.WONDERING WHAT'S THE BEST GEAR TO USE ON YOUR RV?Here's all of our favorite equipment that we use ourselves and recommend to friends:http://thervgeeks.com/our-favorite-gear/Join us at http://TheRVgeeks.com for more great RVing content!Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips \u0026 tricks.Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. Decades ago, the skylights were made up of orange plastic or glass. I used a wide metal wallpaper scraper, but be very careful not to damage the roof. At the other end of the spectrum, there are Best Caravans Under 1,500KG MTPLM - For Each Layout. 2 side zips for opening the door/window . Caravan / Motorhome / Static (Make and model): Guitar, Golf, Dogs, Fly Fishing, Photography, Fly Fishing, Keeping Traditional Poultry Is the roof Aluminium structure. Condition: Used Horton Common features five hard standing fully serviced pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The garnish ring should give you about an inch on each side which should be enough space to fit the leftover wires from the AC. In this video we show you how to remove & separate an MPK vision vent which we thought was called a Heki roof light for cleaning. With all the screws removed, lay the blind assembly down on a flat surface, face down (the caravan dining table or a workbench is ideal). **cash for dexcom g6 ,medtronic,omni pods &test strips supplies** - $1,600 (kalispell) we pay cash for diabetic test strips , dexcom g6 supplies, medtronic supplies , omnipod supplies, tandem supplies,freestyle libre 2 supplies***please call or text me at 772-924-0850*****our website is" usateststripscenter.com "*****we are base in port st.lucie florida , we cover 100% of your shipping cost . Hence, encouraging fresh air to flow through the living space can help to keep humidity within the ideal level of between 30-50%. Once the screw caps are removed, identify the type of screws. That looks like a smaller version of the one over our kitchen unit. Once you remove those screws it should pull down and out. Remis Rooflights are simple, yet elegant and are a brilliant answer to interior lighting issues in your caravan. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Caravan Maintenance How To Replace A Caravan Skylight. Ilrides, you have walked on the roof of your HOBBY WOW. But our opinions are our own, you wont pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.Comments welcome! I was able to remove some of the mastic by hand, too. Step 3: Remove the window cassette and store in a flat, secure place. To create a comfortable and safe habitation area in a caravan and motorhome ventilation is important. On the low end, you will pay around $100 for a simple dome repair for a single tubular skylight. It would be easier to use your putty knife to help you elevate and loosen the edges of the skylight dome until it gets easier to remove it altogether. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. ANSWER: Removing troublesome skylights is an effective way to prevent recurrence of chronic leakage, but it must be done properly to work. I often stood on my Hobby(s) roof until old age took over. One of our guests has brought up in the past their frustration with the poor condition of their roof light and how dirty it was but they were unable to clean it. Over time, you will ask yourself, How to Replace an RV Skylight?. The windows is made up as follows -. After carefully putting the covers in place (soas not to disturb the rubber washers), replace the four screws and their washers. 1) Use a flat screwdriver to release top corner of fly screen. As the rooflight is something that could be damaged and you would then have to replace it, I'd use a non-setting mastic, I have a lot of faith in Hodgsons sealants their Seamseal CV would be my choicehttps://hodgsonsealants.com/product-range/mastics/seamseal-cv/, Paul B Despite the fact that these rooflights had never been cleaned before, the grime came off quite easily. For this, lay on the top instead of standing to do the job. Remove all dirt, moisture, leaves and any other debris that has settled around the flashing, unwittingly creating a dam for condensation and water to seep indoors. So going to hold back until I understand the assembly better. No worries the old holes will be sealed and the self-drilling screws will make new ones. Hence, if you visit Amazon/Caravan Guard through one of our links and decide to purchase a product we receive a small commission with no additional cost to you. Do the 2 plain side panels on the interior surround just pull off? However, you must be careful not to damage the roof. Some roof lights to provide ventilation are produced from two pieces of plastic/acrylic with an air gap between the two and vents. It's best to use a long pole instead of a ladder, but if you don't have access to one. A plastic tarp is optimal as it covers a large area and you can fold it up at the corners without spilling any of its contents. The flyscreen/mesh on our toilet skylight is brittle and has a rip as per photo. Also be sure to have some extra self-drilling screws on hand just in case, since there may be more screw holes in the new skylight than in the old one.After using your putty knife to scrape away enough sealant to expose the screw heads, remove them all with your screw gun (you could do this by hand, but there are an awful lots of screws to remove and re-install). 2. You can also use the same if its dirt and have the brush slightly wet - but not too wet (wet the brush and then shake the water off) so that it runs down inside your window frame - inside is a felt strip which runs the width of your window and works the mesh screen from the top downwards and the blinds upwards - don't get water onto the felt It doesnt matter whether the rooflightis open or closed for this. Wobble the skylight dome to squash the adhesive and flatten it out.