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RVhiker's avatar
RVhiker
Explorer
Nov 14, 2014

Skylight Question

I posted this question in another thread, but I want to ask it again and expand the question a bit.

I think the skylight on my Jayco fifth wheel is just a formed piece of domed plastic with a flange. The flange is screwed to the roof, with lap sealant over the flange and screws. Is there some reason that a skylight needs to be a dome shape on the top of a trailer? If a dome skylight such as mine needs to be replaced, is there a problem with replacing it with a rectangle of flat plastic, installed on the roof in the same manner as the skylight?

I can get a 17.5" x 25.5", 1/4" thick clear polycarbonate plastic sheet for $28.68; and an RV skylight of the same size for $72. I think the 1/4 inch polycarbonate plastic would be much more resistant to hail damage than the plastic of the RV skylight.

The skylight in question is above the shower. The extra height in the shower that the interior skylight dome allows is nice. The interior dome is entirely within the roof, so it could remain in place with a flat sheet fastened to the roof.

Any reasons not to do this?

9 Replies

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  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 15, 2014
    I have used flat Lexan in the past- as long as the extra head room is not needed, it works fine. You can, however, buy Lexan replacement domes from this place- prices seem pretty reasonable.
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2014
    Don't use Plexiglass. It is not shatterproof. Use Lexan or something similar.
  • W4RLR's avatar
    W4RLR
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2014
    I had to replace the skylight on my Jayco. I got a replacement from an RV surplus house for less than $50 shipped. In my case you would have to stoop to take a shower if there was no dome in the skylight opening, your head pokes through the roof structure into the skylight space.
  • tpi's avatar
    tpi
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2014
    I had so much trouble with the skylight in my '05 Airstream I was ready to do something when I sold it. It had three skylights in the 8 years I owned it. I can surely understand someone from Texas concern for durability.

    As far as I think, if you can use the heavier material with little chance of leaks, go for it.
  • RVhiker's avatar
    RVhiker
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2014
    wildtoad wrote:
    My question is why would you want to do this unless the cost of the replacement dome it too much? I had a mh where the po had done this and it did seem to collect more grunge than a domed one. Personally I wish they would make skylights in the bathroom optional but that would mean they need a bit more headroom.


    I'm looking for resistance to hail. Hail can crack or destroy an RV skylight and result in water damage.

    The interior dome above my shower could stay in place, so I wouldn't lose any headroom.

    I can see that a dome shape might shed more dirt than a flat sheet. However, the existing skylight on my trailer has turned from it's initial white color to a yellowish tan; I'm thinking that a non-yellowing clear polycarbonate with some dirt on it could transmit more light than a yellowed piece of acrylic. Besides, I do climb on the roof and wash it periodically.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Nov 14, 2014
    My question is why would you want to do this unless the cost of the replacement dome it too much? I had a mh where the po had done this and it did seem to collect more grunge than a domed one. Personally I wish they would make skylights in the bathroom optional but that would mean they need a bit more headroom.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Nov 14, 2014
    Jay Pat wrote:
    It could hold water and dirt. After the water evaporates, you will just have dried dirt that will build up.
    Looking up, it will probably be an eye sore....
    The dome is kind of, "self cleaning".
    Pat


    X2
  • Jay_Pat's avatar
    Jay_Pat
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2014
    It could hold water and dirt. After the water evaporates, you will just have dried dirt that will build up.
    Looking up, it will probably be an eye sore....
    The dome is kind of, "self cleaning".
    Pat

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