Need To Replace Skylight Already

[Krkuhn]

Our rig is just under a year and a half old and the skylight over the shower needs replaced already. There are at least a half dozen cracks progressing inward from retaining screw locations and some allowed water to get in. I have a temporary fix in place and need to get a replacement skylight ordered.

In searching the internet, I found that this is a pricey chunk of plastic and prices vary widely ($120 - $220). Is there a difference in quality? How do I know if I'm ordering a quality replacement? Does anyone know of a good place to order a replacement?

Thanks for your input.

[road dogs]

I don't know what style/size you need, but I did a quick search on ebay and found many available for less that $50USD. I have bought many RV replacement parts on ebay and never had any issues with quality, but you do have to do a little research to get what you want. I would at least take a look to see if you can find what you need.
rv skylight | eBay

[Krkuhn]

The skylight is 25.5" x 25.5" and tinted.


I see that some replacements are listed as plastic and others are polycarbonate. Which is better?

[TexasTwoStep]

Replacement Skylight Dome

Any of these should last at lest 5 years. Sounds like the screws were put in too tight on yours. Not hard to replace. Get tube of Dicor self leveling.

[drfife]

You should not use Dicor self leveling with polycarbonate skylights. SB140 should be used instead.

[rockintom]

I have to agree with the screws being too tight. That fiberglass roof flexes going down the road. I suggest just lightly snug the screws and even less on the corners when you install a new one. This allows for some minor movement as necessary with roof movement. I think the skylight gets a little brittle with sun/UV and tend to cracked if in a bind. My first Excel Limited had some small cracks that were in one corner, causing a water leak into the shower. Hardly visible with the naked eye. I cleaned it up with alcohol and put Dicor self leveling and it held fine for many years.


I hear what Doc is saying on the material to seal. I read the same from the skylight manufacturers. I called PI and verified they've use Dicor self leveling since they've installed skylights. And I've never had an issue either. Just sayin' rockin'

[drfife]

PI made several sealant choices that I do not agree with.

If the skylight manufacturer says not to use a sealant on their product why not follow their instructions? My previous trailer was made by Sunnybrook and they were adamant NOT to use self leveling caulk on polycarbonate skylights.

They also advised against pure silicone sealant due to poor (no) adhesion.

But PI loved the stuff. My Sunnybrook never leaked in 10 years of ownership. I can't say the same about my 2 1/2 year old Excel.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.....

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by drfife

PI made several sealant choices that I do not agree with.

If the skylight manufacturer says not to use a sealant on their product why not follow their instructions? My previous trailer was made by Sunnybrook and they were adamant NOT to use self leveling caulk on polycarbonate skylights.

They also advised against pure silicone sealant due to poor (no) adhesion.

But PI loved the stuff. My Sunnybrook never leaked in 10 years of ownership. I can't say the same about my 2 1/2 year old Excel.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.....

Sir, yes sir!!!

I promise to use your advise next time I replace my skylight! Feel better? rockin'

[drfife]

Originally Posted by rockintom

Sir, yes sir!!!

I promise to use your advise next time I replace my skylight! Feel better? rockin'

Aren't you the guy that flushes his water heater 43 times per year because the manufacturer says so?

[cj23andout]

I would contact the manufacturer. This sounds like an installation mistake. Those screws had to be torqued down too hard. They may step up to the plate and take care of it for you. (I am assuming 1-year warranty expired, at 1 and one half years, that's too soon.)

If not an installation problem, the skylight maker sold a bunch of bad ones to the factory. They might want to know to check that out to help inform other owners? (Probably not!)

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by drfife

Aren't you the guy that flushes his water heater 43 times per year because the manufacturer says so?

Twice to 3 times for FT use IIRC......I only mentioned it cause it appeared you don't service your WH at all. Just sayin'. Trying to help ya out since you're a dentist not a mechanic.

[drfife]

I flush my WH annually. Always have. Find it amusing you follow some manufacturer recommendations to a fault, and totally dismiss others.

[rockintom]

OK, OK, I think I said I'd use your caulk next time I replace my skylight. No need to beat me up...my bride does a good enough job for both of ya!!!

[copilot]

Ok boys