Reflectix in a Hiki Skylight

Thanks for all the replies. the refletix should be good for the glass windows but the skylight needs something else I'm thinking foam, like couch cushion foam might be a better way to go. something the absorbs heat or at least something that doesn't reflect it back into the dome area

I had a closer handle latch break. I don't think it got soft. I think it got brittle like other plastics do.

JimK-NY wrote:
One of the issues are the latches. These are poorly designed. First they are plastic instead of metal and second they are black. The sun really cooks them. I applied a strip of white paint on the outside of the Heki above each latch. I think that helps.

While I don't know, I suspect those latches are made from a thermoset plastic where heat hardens it, as opposed to the thermoplastic we're all more familiar with where heat softens the plastic. Using an IR thermometer I've measured over 170*F on those latches on a hot summer day and there was no indication they were softening, though I had to use a rag to open the latch.

I did have one latch break, but that was me forgetting to close the Heki completely and leaving it latched in the vent position. I'm certain that added vibration is what broke the latch, not any weakening due to heat. Just remember to push the button before turning the latch and have the dome latched in the fully closed position before you drive off and you probably won't have any problems.

When the sun beats down on the Heki, there will be a lot of heat built up between the shade and the top of the Heki. I don't know if Reflectix will make that worse. The Reflectix is going to do its job and reflect a lot of light and heat. It may actually help keep the upper space a bit cooler. One of the issues are the latches. These are poorly designed. First they are plastic instead of metal and second they are black. The sun really cooks them. I applied a strip of white paint on the outside of the Heki above each latch. I think that helps.

I am not sure how you are able to attach the Reflectix and keep it in place above the shade. I used a piece of rigid foamboard with a reflective coating.

I have a reflectex covered windshield shade that folds to the right size to fit under the Heki dome. It doesn't block all the light but enough that I don't get heat buildup inside the camper. I use the bar you pull to open the hatch to hold it against the bottom of the dome. My thinking is to minimize the air space that traps the heat, as opposed to blocking the heat down at the shade which allows the latches, bar, and everything else under the dome to get hot.

I doubt, even without the reflectex, there's going to be enough heat built up to do any damage, but unless I'm camping in cold weather I prefer to keep the heat out of the camper. In cold weather, a dark bedspread under the Heki on a sunny day adds a lot of solar heat.

One thing you can do is wrap the reflextix around a piece of dense 1" thick foam that is cut to just fit the inner frame opening and pop open the hekki to its smallest opening (while parked). It keeps the heat out by blocking the vent hole and it will not bake the skylight.

I used it on the outside of the skylight. Cut it for a good fit and used the tape. Put a bead of self leveling dicor to keep the wind and rain out. On my third season with no problems.

I did put some reflextix on my roof while living in Mesa AZ. Basically most of it blew off, and I removed the rest to not upset the landlord.

You would need to secure it with some good duct tape, and it is not worthwhile to install it when camped in a place less than a month or so. It will probably come off while driving, so frequent removal might damage the roof with all the additional traffic on the roof.

Good luck!

Fred.

Cover the outside. Reflextix will focus the heat too much.