You can also secure it to the pole with string. Its not only unsightly, but it significantly alters the amount of light in the van, too. Under the 2 outer surrounds were 4 screws. But I appreciate its not the easiest or simplest job to do when cleaning a caravan or motorhome. 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. Ensure your skylight's weather stripping is in good condition - replace it if necessary. Then use your putty knife to cut the sealant holding the old skylight onto the roof. Please note, however, your premium will be no more expensive than if you visit the Caravan Guard website directly. Before replacing your existing skylight, you should first determine the type of skylight you want to install, whether its a fixed, tubular or a ventilated skylight. Make sure that you are holding the roof skin gently to avoid any tears and slits. Ensure that all the corners of the hole where you will place the replacement are cleaned up. Midi Heki Internal Frame Dimensions: 785mm x 575mm. I had both a mini and midi heki removed and replaced on my caravan by the local AWS engineer in Sept and he worked from each side. Skylight is one of the great features an RV can offer. Even the slightest carelessness can result in a broken roof. Put on the ventilation grids back 9.4.2 9.5.1a Part No. Started 1 hour ago, By #RVSKYLIGHTREPLACEMENT #RVDIY #RVREPAIR #RVLIFE #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS There is very little 'sticking area' along the edge plastic frame. With little assistance and some guidance, anyone can easily do it. 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. Also a good way to remove tie rod ends. The wooden frame around the skylight hole is black and saturated and smells of rot. 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. This will remove any remaining mastic seal from the surface and provide you a clean finish. 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. Any dust particles left on the surface of the skylight can affect the sealing process. Check your RV's framing detail. 2) After you have removed the fly screen, you will be able to access the Winder Control Box screws from the outside of the van. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. Step 3: Remove the window cassette and store in a flat, secure place. To access the skylight from the upper side, you will have to climb onto the roof of your caravan. By following these steps, you can easily replace a caravan skylight in no time. any help or advice. I notice new parts for HOBBY are a horrendous price. Final question to you guys, does anyone know of a HOBBY breaker/dismantler in the UK. Anyway, their video is a really good example of how to remove a caravan roof light and dismantle it to clean inside. Read the document for your specific roof light to find out how to take it apart and clean it. If you are intending to refit the skylight you will likely require the mastic strip but if you are renewing then the newer style MPK and Seitz 400 x 400 rooflights are designed to have a wide bead of sealant (soudal Fix-all or Sikaflex) applied to a channel in the flange of the outer frame ie not mastic on a roll to fix/seal them. Is the roof Aluminium structure. The problem is the way some of these roof lights are designed means they can get very dirty. Description of how to remove a caravan window. At 75, the new unit is not cheap, but its design means you'll benefit from better ventilation and natural light. You can use them again for new skylight installation if they are not damaged, so keep them safe. 22.23 (inc VAT) 29.99. 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 We will see how you can determine the right location and provide a step-by-step guide on . Then you move to the top and carefully remove the old skylight by breaking the seal. 1.00 Off. Although they can become brittle and broken, you can easily pick up spares/replacements from local dealer or ebay etc. . The other common make of roof lights used in caravans and motorhomes is from the German manufacturer MPK. Access to your roof and a few tools are all it takes to get the job done.For more details \u0026 written instructions for RV Skylight Replacement:https://www.thervgeeks.com/rv-skylight-replacement/FEATURED \u0026 RELATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:Surebond SB-140 Skylight sealant: http://amzn.to/2nF4ZbqNitrile Gloves: http://amzn.to/2GI1adYDewalt Cordless Drill: http://amzn.to/2DIv2FbApril 11th marks exactly a decade of full-time RVing for us! US $75 CARAVAN 08-10 This switch has been tested before removal TOWN & COUNTRY 08-10. You can get the job done by simply unscrewing some screws and removing the inner trim. After carefully putting the covers in place (soas not to disturb the rubber washers), replace the four screws and their washers. I am 17 stone in weight and walk with no problem on the roof of our 650WFU Hobby i have also done the same on all five hobbies i have owned over the years. The interior of a skylight usually is not the dirtiest part of the skylight, so it should get cleaned relatively quickly. So go on, ring the changes - have a look through our selection and freshen up your caravan kitchen or bathroom. Nip up the screws, but dont over-tighten them or you could damage the covers and threads. .. i. e. not a straight line. The next two stages are probably the hardest. 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. Share by E-Mail. I recently wrote a post on how to clean a caravan roof. If they are lights I've just checked them on our 'van and if you remove the covers you should see screws holding it to the roof. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Flyscreen and blind, if not broken, can be useful for you in the future. It allows us to savor the beauty of nature the world has to offer. ANSWER: Removing troublesome skylights is an effective way to prevent recurrence of chronic leakage, but it must be done properly to work. 3) Unscrew top and bottom screws from both Winder Control Boxes. We sourced an identical rooflight from a caravan breaker on eBay for just a few pounds. While they are generally more expensive you have much better contact between the screwdriver and screw. I hope you found this post useful and its given you some direction on how to approach cleaning your roof light. The skylight shade should be attached to the roof with screws either visible on the face or hidden in the rails for the pleated blind. It would help if you have the right tools to be used. So, the first thing was to release the eye bolt at the distribution block by undoing the securing nut. 3. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you are interested in learning more you may be interested in my overall post how to clean a caravan. This is just one example of the many Torx screwdriver sets you can purchase online. At the same time, it makes your RV illuminated and captivating. To replace such a unit,youll need the following tools: Working inside the caravan, prise out the four small screw caps (one at each corner, if fitted) from the inner trim, then remove the four screws that hold the trim in place. been out to the van this afternoon to give it a good wash and brush up prior to packing and thought the roof vent flyscreen near the cooker could do with a good clean (seems a bit greasy) it wont clean in situ properly and I can't see any way of removing it save taking Essentially, instead of a line or cross the screw head appears as a six-pointed star shape. A skylight is essential to confined spaces that do not have many windows, such as the shower and toilet in your camper trailer. Drill a pilot hole and screw 3. Canister vacuum cleaner for home use. If youre not sure which make yours is, click on each and browse the skylight model images to work out which one it is. Powered by Invision Community. It's best to use a long pole instead of a ladder, but if you don't have access to one. E & P Compact Levelling System. Hence, you are less likely to slip/strip and damage the screw head. Remember, the roof light is plastic, and it will deform under heat, potentially even causing micro-cracks. Now, if you have had stubborn greasy marks on glass before you may have used either methylated spirits, isopropanol or acetone. Eventually able to lift remainder of assembly. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time \u0026 money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. The exterior of the skylight is generally much dirtier than the interior, so be prepared to spend a few minutes scrubbing, and using a little more elbow grease. Remove the ventilation grids from the short side 2. Had to remove skylight lid by drilling out pop rivets to really get all silicone. Measure the space for the caravan window. Step 3: Cutting the opening. Trim the excessive seal; otherwise, it will gather dust particles and lose effectiveness. Patching the Crack. I just replaced my skylight ironically and this is how the MPK 400 x 400 rooflight surround was fitted. A dry mop is a great alternative for this, as it absorbs water extremely well. Usually, there are four screws, one on each corner of the trim. After doing so, you may now continue removing all the sealant residue as much as possible. 3. Press reply if you need to follow up. Published: January 11, 2016. The Importance of Having an RV Skylight on Your Trailer Roof. Then use your putty knife again to scrape up any excess sealant. Now, unless you are into DIY its likely you wont have a set of Torx screwdrivers lying around to remove your roof vent. Water was flowing down through the screw holes. Some very heavy rain in the last few days, priority now immediate. Is this correct? Make sure that you double-check and purchase the recommended sealant for your motorhome skylight replacement. ADD TO CART. Have searched the web for videos showing how to remove. If you have a \"catwalk\" roughened roof surface like we do in some areas, you probably won't be able to get all the old sealant off. Thanks to V&G Caravans in Whittlesey (tel 01733 350 580) [tl:gallery size=460] 1 Replace the four screw caps(if fitted), and the job is complete. If you have a rubber roof (or \"EPDM\"), be extra careful not to accidentally cut it.Once you've broken the old sealant all the way around the perimeter, the old skylight will lift right off. Caravan / Motorhome / Static (Make and model): Guitar, Golf, Dogs, Fly Fishing, Photography, Fly Fishing, Keeping Traditional Poultry I know the chasis is metal but thought caravan structure would have been wood overlayed with aluminium strip. Graham over 70 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. Remember, your roof light is made from plastic (acrylic). Air sealing of the ceiling where the skylight. Step 5: Remove the old skylight. For this purpose, we have made a detailed guide on replacing a caravan skylight. Update my browser now, Home 2023 Practical Caravan is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The flyscreen/mesh on our toilet skylight is brittle and has a rip as per photo. Stuart, as Parksy has said, remove the roof vent, give everything on and around the vent itself and the roof a really good clean to remove all old sealer. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,790 times. After seating the skylight on the roof, climb down the ladder. If you have a way to get to the roof without a ladder, such as a bedroom patio that rises above the roof, simply climb onto the roof from the patio instead of using a ladder. 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! Share on Pinterest. (We have reviewed a selection of caravan cleaning products here.). Concern is now how to scaffold around van so I can get access to top of roof. 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). Apply sealant generously into the groove that should be on the bottom surface of the skylight. Youll now be able to accessall areas of both parts of the rooflight, so youcan give them a clean with soapy water. Now, even if this is not the model of roof light fitted to your caravan or motorhome, the process of removing and taking apart your roof light will probably be similar. Therefore, you want to get your vacuum cleaner and carefully suck out those flys and insects. We drove away from our \"stick house\" for the last time on April 11, 2003 and never looked back. Return inside the caravan and replace the trim, beforesecuring it with the four screws. 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. They will also need to have long reach tips: Image Amazon.co.uk. The procedure starts from the inside of the caravan. Do this in several locations around the window frame and rely on the smallest measurement once again as your final dimension. Final question to you guys, does anyone know of a HOBBY breaker/dismantler in the UK. Also, do not forget to wear your protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves. There are some people who only visit club sites with toilet/shower facilities and have little to no interest in using the facilities onboard their caravan. Cantilever stlye window opened with ratchet type winder, similar to car window winder. Despite the fact that these rooflights had never been cleaned before, the grime came off quite easily. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I notice new parts for HOBBY are a horrendous price. Make sure the four black rubber washers are correctly seated before you replace the covers. Scrape the old sealant until you see the screws of the previous skylight dome. That way, you wont leave mineral deposits behind on your skylights. Thank you for seeking us for help, I hope I provided what was needed. Depending on which type skylight you have i have re sealed several over the years normally the inner part is held in place by a ball and socket arrangement which just allows the two parts to separate, they do take a bit of pressure to part them but once started it does part complete,when the inside part is removed there are screwed brackets holding the top part in place remove these then clean thourally the roof and top part i use silkafix to re seal. To create a comfortable and safe habitation area in a caravan and motorhome ventilation is important. I know the chasis is metal but thought caravan structure would have been wood overlayed with aluminium strip. Look no further, we've got a range of caravan window blinds and fly screens that can do the job. But looking now for the correct sealant & a replacement window winder (photos attached). 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. To do this, use a metal scraper. Now the easy part is out of the way its time to try and clean the actual roof light. 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). - YouTube 0:00 / 5:38 Introduction Description of how to remove a caravan window. Release the clips by unscrewing each of the screws. 1. The easy part is now over. Once the seal has been broken all the way around, the rooflight unit should simply lift out of the way. But check to make sure its no water getting in elsewhere and travelling down to the roof light. As there is a huge number of roof light models fitted to caravans and motorhomes I cant possibly cover every example in this post. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Grab the flat blade with a wide end and break the mastic seal from the skylight base. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Ratherthan over-stretching, I released one side then worked on the other from the opposite side. Use the screwdriver according to the kind of screws. 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. As has been said cleaning the area of the roof thoroughly (plus the flange on the skylight if re-using it) is paramount. Manage Settings Vent your skylight occasionally if it can open to prevent any condensation build. If the . kippamip 52 subscribers Subscribe 13K views 3 years ago A. Although you get much better ventilation, these types of skylights get dirty with 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. Hi, Im Chris, along with my father Robert we operate and maintain Horton Common Caravan Site. Dobloseven Thanks I wont be using oven cleaner on my delicate white screens. From inside the caravan you can clean the interior surface of the roof light. In this video we show you how to remove \u0026 separate an MPK vision vent which we thought was called a Heki roof light for cleaning.Our Contact Details;Website: www.carefreecaravanning.co.ukemail: info@carefreecaravanning.co.ukfacebook: Carefree Caravanningtwitter: @CarefreeCarava1Camera equipment used;Samsung Galaxy S8: https://amzn.to/2VBqSY3Samsung J7: https://amzn.to/2WaPV8KGoPro Hero 7 Black: https://amzn.to/2WUg7BlPhone Camera Tripod Mount: https://amzn.to/2LX1axwLavalier Microphones: https://amzn.to/2VvWaQ0Mic Headset Splitter: https://amzn.to/2WMStqxEDUTIGE Dual Microphone: https://amzn.to/2JeA7dY Featured Items:Star Tip Key Set: https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/hand-tools/halfords-advanced-non-tamper-9-pc-star-key-setor for a less expensive alternative: https://amzn.to/2XUjAjtFenwicks Caravan Cleaner: https://amzn.to/2LkoR2rAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, you will not incur any additional costs.Caravan: Swift Vogue 580 SB 2018Swift CaravansDunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, HU16 4JXhttps://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/caravansTel: 01482 847332Email: enquiries@swiftleisure.co.uk Hence, boiling water is a big no-no. 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. Remis Rooflights are simple, yet elegant and are a brilliant answer to interior lighting issues in your caravan. In the rest of this article, we will follow these steps and learn how to install a skylight in your RV. Also, be sure to retrieve the four rubber washers between the lowerside of the covers and handles these are the main seal. Can't see anyscrews& dont want to break anything. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Clean-Skylights-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Skylights-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Clean-Skylights-Step-1.jpg\/aid10804284-v4-728px-Clean-Skylights-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"