Reflectix over the skylight

[Dewclaw]

We are home from a trip to the midwest. On this trip I used a piece of Reflectix over the top of the skylight, secured with small binder clips to the skylight hatch edge, when were were camped longer than overnight. It was easy to attach and remove by opening the hatch and standing on the bed. I wish that I'd thought of it years ago. It made a terrific difference in keeping the bunk cool.

[bb_94401]

Fantastic Fan also has the option of having a dark smoke colored, double pane dome, instead of the clear acrylic one. Combine that with a dark vent cover and very little light or heat comes in during the day, even when open.

Still insulate this during winter to retain more heat in the TC and avoid the condensation from dripping on you.

[Gary3]

I had the dealer call Lance and ask about replacing the hot thing with the fantastic fan and they said sure.I would not have ordered a Lance or any other camper with that very hot thing ever again that was in 2011.

[Dewclaw]

I would like to have something in the skylight blocking the sun most of the time but don't want to chance damaging the plastic skylight. The instructions warn against closing the shade fully in sunlight because of heat buildup so I went with the outside cover. The two foot wide piece of Reflectix covers near all of the skylight and gets rid of the solar cooker effect so that I can flop down in the bunk in the middle of the day in comfort. I use four tiny binder clips on each side and flip the little handles up against the plastic so that they won't interfere with clearance under the hatch.

It's only a small bit of trouble to put in place and remove, and the best I've been able to come up with so far. I much prefer the metal hatches on my previous campers, but that's the way this one was built.

[Photomike]

For people that block their roof vents, if you are concerned about heat build up open the skylight before you put in your pillow or reflectex.

[Halmfamily]

I cleaned up and sprayed the outside of the bathroom skylight with White Krylon Spray Paint for plastic. Looks great and greatly reduced the heat load. I tried using reflectic on the inside prior to painting but wasn't happy with the results. The white paint seems to work for heat reduction.

[joeshmoe]

dave17352 wrote:
I wonder how well a solar reflective paint would work?

I've considered doing this to the outside of the skylight in our bath. This time of year is horrendous. It lets in an enormous amount of heat. Reflectix stuffed up inside has helped some, but still, it's gets hot.

I don't really care about letting in light. With all LED lighting, the skylight really only serves as headspace while standing.

[Old-Biscuit]

I use a 14" square throw pillow and just stuff it in opening from inside
Blocks out sunlight and the heat PLUS I can use it to prop up my head in bed for reading :B

[jimh406]

I agree not a good idea to trap heat in the skylights. You can also damage double pane windows that way. On the inside, reflectix would concentrate the heat.

[bcbigfoot]

I sprayed mine with white Plasti Dip, I can remove it for winter or leave it, it has approx. 4 year life span. I like narcodog's idea of the aluminum furnace duct insulation, I have some in my garage, I might run a test to make sure it is removable without leaving a mark.

[Bedlam]

Gary3 wrote:
It makes a difference putting it outside as long as it stays there,we did it both ways but when we ordered the new camper they put a fantastic fan up there instead much better fix.

I didn't know Lance was willing to do that - My Host also has a Fantastic Fan instead of the Heki. I heard people were damaging their skylights by trapping the heat in the underside with reflective covers. The only safe way seems to be a cover over the outside of the skylight.

[wyocowboy00]

I have been looking for a solution for covering the skylight too, but was hesitant because I was afraid it might deteriorate the plastic in the skylight.

[kohldad]

I just have a piece of 3/4" foam board that fits snug in the opening. Put a piece of tape on the top side letting it hang a little down one of the edges so it's easy to grab and pull the foam out. Easy to pop it in and out as required from inside the camper without having to open anything.

[narcodog]

I used a/c duct works insulation. It's sticky on one side and aluminum on the other. It's been on there for years.

[dave17352]

I wonder how well a solar reflective paint would work?