Double Dome Skylight Solutions

[sandwip]

I had a similar setup on my last coach, a Monaco. I very carefully pried the two apart after removing as a single piece, then reused the inner. Had to be very careful when separating as they were old and brittle but it worked out ok.

[deandec]

Since it appears I will need to have the Domes custom made, your approach is what I probably will attempt to do.

I will need to wait until the rains stop and approach 40% humidity out here. Then remove the outer dome and learn the dimensions of the inner dome.

That would be better than guessing on custom domes I guess.

[FusionKing]

Originally Posted by deandec

Since it appears I will need to have the Domes custom made, your approach is what I probably will attempt to do.

I will need to wait until the rains stop and approach 40% humidity out here. Then remove the outer dome and learn the dimensions of the inner dome.

That would be better than guessing on custom domes I guess.

Deandec,
I think the Foxlite surface mount F3 series is the original!!
You go by the hole size in your roof, not the outside flange. So # 1624 would be a 16"x24" etc. The term is a "rough" opening size
Just click on the link you posted and go to products and services. There are 6 different sizes of that style.
Call them. I think your exact replacement is there in stock waiting. Just lacking a bit in marketing/advertising.
Single pane will condense inside, double or triple wont.

[deandec]

Fusion King, I thought your pictures depicted a curb mount type skylight that was installed by National RV.

Our skylight is a nested double dome surface mount dome covering a hatch that is 23.5 x 29.5"L. I cannot find this coverage as a standard from any dome skylight vendor so far.



I do not know that Country Coach used any of National's manufacturing methods during that ownership, which came after the build date of my 1995 Country Coach.

Except for National RV building one of their models for one year on the CC proprietary DynoMax chassis in California, I am not aware of any major commingling of manufacturing or marketing processes.

CC was sold back to a Bob Lee Consortium in 2007 after it had been operated as a separate wholly owned subsidiary of Nat'l RV and manufactured in Eugene, Oregon.

[deandec]

What I have learned from two different threads that I started about replacing my leaking skylight.

1. Not all RV's have a double dome, nested, surface mount dome configuration shaped like ours.

2. Our skylight domes most likely needs to be custom made due to size and form.

3. I will need to remove the current skylight domes to measure the inner dome for ordering the replacement parts. Vendors do not want to guess at what I need for the inner dome.

4. I will need to carefully remove the skylight for measurement because I need to re-install the domes for containment until the new ones are installed. My rig is not stored under cover and this is the rainy season in Norcal.

5. Installation is not rocket science, but I most assuredly will complicate it somehow.


Thanks to all who have contributed to my education.

[Dutch Star Don]

One other thought.....in the photo below, from earlier in the post, there is a 3" curb or frame, with a flat plexiglass piece attached. How about having a sheet metal shop, make a similar design, with a lip on the top and bottom for attaching to the roof and attaching the plexiglass. Paint it white and install. Use sealant or foam under the plexiglass and eternabond on the roof connection.

It could even be made with wood, add a piece of aluminum angle along the lower edge for roof attachment and then seal and paint, or fiberglass and paint.

Just ideas that would be less expensive than a custom dome. Heck, there may even be something out there that is the right shape, like one of the plastic in ground utility boxes they place out by your sidewalk. Cut it down to size.

[sandwip]

If talking custom curb you could try a local window manufacturer. They use pvc extrusions for window and door frames, welded at the corners which might have a profile that is suitable. Pvc windows all have a flange to screw to the house.

[deandec]

I envision a fleet of bugs plastered again the base of the curb and my fuel mileage dropping to 6.8 mpg vs 7.4 mpg.

Florida at Love Bug time?

The aerodynamic dome might save fuel money?

I will just bite the bullet and replace with OEM style dome. It is there for a reason...

[sandwip]

Dean:
Have you checked with these folks, had exactly what I needed for the outer dome. They are the manufacturers. icondirect.ca/

Don't think a direct link is allowed on here, but they were easy to deal with.

[FusionKing]

Originally Posted by deandec

Fusion King, I thought your pictures depicted a curb mount type skylight that was installed by National RV.

Our skylight is a nested double dome surface mount dome covering a hatch that is 23.5 x 29.5"L. I cannot find this coverage as a standard from any dome skylight vendor so far.

Attachment 319285

I do not know that Country Coach used any of National's manufacturing methods during that ownership, which came after the build date of my 1995 Country Coach.

Except for National RV building one of their models for one year on the CC proprietary DynoMax chassis in California, I am not aware of any major commingling of manufacturing or marketing processes.

CC was sold back to a Bob Lee Consortium in 2007 after it had been operated as a separate wholly owned subsidiary of Nat'l RV and manufactured in Eugene, Oregon.

deandec,
Somehow it seems you are missing my point. I believe that National RV started using Foxlite after they acquired country coach. That's something that happens when companies buy each other out. They learn about new vendors
If you read my post again....You will see I pointed out SURFACE MOUNT DOUBLE and even TRIPLE DOME. I have a curb mount while you have a surface mount.
So this morning I called them myself to make sure I wasn't going crazy and Doug re-affirmed what I believed.
His exact words were that the molds cost $5000 each and nobody is gonna make a mold for a one off. that would be $10,000 for 2 molds to make the double dome and $15000 to make a triple multiplied by all the sizes. That said they have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in making double and even triple dome skylights for RVs. They simply choose not to target their marketing to only RVs because the skylights will work on a large variety of substrates. All the water draining technology (non condensing) is figured out so you don't have to re-invent the wheel here.
You posted the link but they have options that aren't actually easy to see or figure out. Much easier to call. They helped me out and I wish I would have known about them before I went to do what I posted the pictures off on my previous post. Would have saved me a lot of grief and worry plus work.

All you have to do measure THE HOLE in the roof with the skylight removed. NOT the FLANGE. So unless someone for some crazy reason cut (and framed) a non standard hole size it should be straightforward repair.
Simply dial (937) 864-1966 and then dial on the menu 368 and you will get Doug and he will walk you thru it if you have all your information.

[Blackmike]

I recently ordered a double dome (clear/bronze) Skylight from this company: http://www.eztopsworldwide.com/. You will need to get exact measurements to order the correct size.
Good luck,
Pete

[deandec]

Originally Posted by Blackmike

I recently ordered a double dome (clear/bronze) Skylight from this company: http://www.eztopsworldwide.com/. You will need to get exact measurements to order the correct size.
Good luck,
Pete

Thank you. I have them bookmarked for the time I am ready to order.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by sandwip

Dean:
Have you checked with these folks, had exactly what I needed for the outer dome. They are the manufacturers. icondirect.ca/

Don't think a direct link is allowed on here, but they were easy to deal with.

Yes, I have had a phone conversation with Icon Direct along with several emails that became pointless.

They do not seem to understand roof mounted Double Dome skylights. Their Sales guy thought they were vacuum sealed by the Manufacturer, which they do not have the capability to do. (A pulled vacuum is not the method of insulating a double dome used by other manufacturers.)

Thanks for the question.. They are responsive to the inquiry.

[deandec]

"You go by the size of the hole" said FusionKing


A light bulb in my head turned on this morning!

Thank you FusionKing.

I was making the specification of the entire skylight my problem, when the vendor can do the calculations. (I tend to complicate most of my simple projects.)

Instead, I described the dome configuration and size of the hole to be covered in today's queries to vendors.

So far, the best offer is $350 for two nesting Lexan domes shipped to me in about 15 days.

Thanks to all for the Assistance and education.