If I ever meet the man that designed this unit I will spend some time behind bars. lol From day one we have had issues with the latches and finally they broke and also broke two of the hinges holding the front down. I cant justify spending $700 for a new one and need some ideas on how to close it permanently. Im going to first remove the gas shocks but not sure what to do after this. The white tabs on the inside snapped off also..

Is this the unit?If this is possible, I'd add screws around the lip of the lid and then flash / seal the entire perimeter with eternabond. It will still look like a perfectly good fixed skylight and not leak wind or water.

As much as I like the concept and the air flow, the actual skylight has been a real pain, and I suspect that due to the sheer size of the thing, we have had leak issues almost since the start. I do believe that the camper flexes so much during movement that this is particularly prone to stress fractures, both of the skylight, and of the material around it.My husband has talked about putting some sort of plexiglass "bubble" or cover over the unit. Because, like you, the replacement cost is just not justifiable.

One thing I kept seeing when I researched TCs was the repeated troubles that owners reported having with these things. I was glad to find out that Arctic Fox doesnt use them when I purchased.

Super_Dave wrote:Is this the unit?If this is possible, I'd add screws around the lip of the lid and then flash / seal the entire perimeter with eternabond. It will still look like a perfectly good fixed skylight and not leak wind or water.Im just scared to put holes in the roof of the camper. I was thinking about drilling into the sides and install some very small S.S bolts and then taping the sides. I would need to be careful not to over tighten them..Any more help would be great. Could also put a small bead of 5200 marine sealant around the top...

Im just scared to put holes in the roof of the camper. The collar of the frame looks like it sticks up enough to easily screw into the side of the frame and not the roof. I'd still cover the edges and the screws with a piece of 4" eternabond. Think a couple inches in the vertical and a couple inches on the horizontal. That should be bulletproof for leaks.

Heki midi skylight broken,, | Good Sam Community

mooring_product
Explorer
Jul 14, 2013
I was tired of the latches failing and the top opening as we drove. We never open it anyways and spending $700 for a new one isn't worth it.
mangymarmot
Explorer
Jul 14, 2013
Looks like a good permanent fix....

I believe the quality control and grade of plastic in the handles of the locking mechanisms is to blame for all the failures. Myself and many others have been very careful in the use (and lack of use) of these hatches with ultimately the same disastrous results, yet I've talked to others that are not as careful and use their hatches without reserve and their handles and locking mechanisms are still intact.
mooring_product
Explorer
Jul 14, 2013
FIXED IT!!

I pulled the gas shocks off since it wont open again.

I installed two 1" screws in each side. I drilled the holes as I pulled down on the top to make sure I had a snug fit.

Victory...The top doesnt move even with a good push..

Heki fix by MooringProduct, on Flickr
Butch50
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
I have one of those POS also.:M It is also our escape hatch in the overhead but I sure wouldn't worry about getting out if I sealed it down. It is built so flimsy you lay down on the bed and give it a quick kick and it well break the thing to pieces without any problem and then you are out.
mooring_product
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Here is my latest idea. I pulled the gas shocks out and will be using the gas shock mounting hole and run a screw into it from the inside. This will keep my back down..I hope. In the front Im going to run three pieces of tape north-south over the hinges and then run two over the six ends.

I may put 3M 5100 caulk on the broken hinges first before taping...
mooring_product
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013
SugarHillCTD wrote:
Pete- sorry to hear about the frustration- you haven't had the unit long, IIRC.

We have the newer version (Heki 3 ? ) with a single handle running from side to side that acts to lock it closed or at any of 3 positions

It has worked great for us. No problems. But this design is simplified.

I do find that any door or hatch with pressurized pistons really stresses the hinges and latches. Ours does not have those.

I believe the gas shocks are the issue. They are always pushing up on the glass and I believe this to cause stress on the locking tabs and hinges.

Im going to tape the hinges to the roof and build some small aluminum tabs for the inside to screw the black part with the hold down clips to the inside face where the taps once were.

Here are some pictures..not that great..

Skylight by MooringProduct, on Flickr

Skylight by MooringProduct, on Flickr

Skylight by MooringProduct, on Flickr
SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013
Pete- sorry to hear about the frustration- you haven't had the unit long, IIRC.

We have the newer version (Heki 3 ? ) with a single handle running from side to side that acts to lock it closed or at any of 3 positions

It has worked great for us. No problems. But this design is simplified.

I do find that any door or hatch with pressurized pistons really stresses the hinges and latches. Ours does not have those.
jimh406
Explorer III
Jul 05, 2013
It sounds there may be some differences in the installs between Host and Lance, but I can't guess what.
KansasKen
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
Thanks for the post, although I have had a new one in a Host Everest for couple of years without issues, I will in the future be real careful when operating it. I hope it stays trouble free because I like the clear view of the sky at night, the opportunity for ventilation and a way out that I can then slide down the front onto the truck rather than try to crawl out the small side windows (I'm a little big for that). I am concerned that overtime, just like car headlight lenses, the dome will become opaque either from UV or being scratched from wind blow dust.
3_tons
Explorer III
Jul 04, 2013
jimh425 wrote:
Mine is fine, but I'm not hard on stuff.

We NEVER EVER even use ours and already after one unintended opening, yet another while traveling thru Montana. The lexan lid ripped open and was destroyed while the latches were still in the closed position!...The replacement unit was mere $675...Now I've rigged a bungie across the top to prevent this recurring disaster from happening again...Heki, a real POS...BTW, with heki's make believe plastic latches, security (LOL) is a joke too. Save your money.

Best Regards Always,

3 tons