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04-09-2019, 07:30 PM
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#401
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2 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 30
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Finally got my 22”x22” Maxim installed this weekend. Borrowed my color choices from ShinyPete (Dk Grey/Lt Grey/Clear) and the result is amazing: ample shading from direct Texas sun while maintaining exceptional visibility.
I used EternaBond sealant tape. While it was tricky to work with, the result was pleasing and not nearly as demanding as caulking. Even removing the old sealant—which was either the consistency of chewed gum or powder—was fairly simple using a 3/4” chisel and acetone. (I recommend removing all scrapable traces of old sealant with the chisel and doing the final cleanup with acetone.) Final prep was done with denatured alcohol, which did a better job of lifting dirt than acetone.
I followed the indispensable advice of working from inside the A/S. I was able to remove the old sealant, clean & prep, apply new sealant, and lift & place the skylight, all from inside. Only removal of old skylight, installation of fasteners, and outer sealant bead required being atop the roof.
In applying the EternaBond, I cut the backing with a utility knife, revealing the portion that would adhere to the vertical face of the curb (see pic). This allowed me to place the EB tape along the vertical face without exposing the entire adhesive surface. At that point, I’d pull back an inch of the backing at a time, allowing me to more easily cover the curb/roof junction.
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04-09-2019, 07:51 PM
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#402
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2 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 30
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Here are a few shots showing application of the EternaBond (with a portion of the backing removed) adhered to the vertical face of the curb, while the backing is slowly removed at a 45° angle. Pressing begins at the inner corner, then pressed down in a direction toward the backing from inner to outer perimeter.
(These shots were grabbed from a video, which I am happy to provide should the instructions be unclear.)
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04-09-2019, 09:27 PM
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#403
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,226
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I will be replacing both of my sky lights so I need to join this thread.
Dan
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04-09-2019, 09:31 PM
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#404
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Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TouringDan
I will be replacing both of my sky lights so I need to join this thread.
Dan
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Dan Maxim is a GREAT company to work with.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...skylight-3003/
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07-23-2019, 01:21 PM
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#405
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2 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
Los Gatos
, California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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Curved vent holes
Hello!
I have a 1968 Overlander with curved holes/vents. I'd like to replace the center, longer vent (14"x25") with a maxim skylight. I've seen some other 60's trailers use the VTS lexan skylight ( https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com...-p/vts-279.htm), which can apparently be used with the original curved metal vent frame. Do maxims come with their own frame? If so, I assume that would involve me cutting my rounded hole corners to square ones.
Thanks in advance for your help!
__________________
Summer
1968 Overlander
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07-23-2019, 02:13 PM
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#406
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Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stargirl
Hello!
I have a 1968 Overlander with curved holes/vents. I'd like to replace the center, longer vent (14"x25") with a maxim skylight. I've seen some other 60's trailers use the VTS lexan skylight ( https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com...-p/vts-279.htm), which can apparently be used with the original curved metal vent frame. Do maxims come with their own frame? If so, I assume that would involve me cutting my rounded hole corners to square ones.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Post a pic of what your hove and we can help. Maxim skylights do have a frame. Your trailer will need to have a curb for the skylight to mount over.
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07-24-2019, 10:11 AM
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#407
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2 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
Los Gatos
, California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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Photos
Here are some photos I had on my phone that show the vent hole and the original vent frame shape (the picture is of one of the smaller fans but the frame shape for the large vent is the same).
__________________
Summer
1968 Overlander
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07-24-2019, 10:46 AM
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#408
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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I have a Maxim skylight and love it. They seem geared up for simple production of Airstream skylights that are square or rectangular. However, a review of their site would appear to indicate that they are ready to do any kind of custom work. If you can make a template of your curb, inside and outside perimeters, then I bet they can make them for you. These things are great for light, heat rejection, and construction details. I am sure they will last forever.
Larry
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07-24-2019, 02:43 PM
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#409
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Rivet Master
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Greer
, South Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 511
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Is there standardized sizes for newer Airstream
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07-24-2019, 03:12 PM
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#410
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cispook
Is there standardized sizes for newer Airstream
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Maybe not. I got a great deal on here from someone who ordered the "standard size" for his trailer and they didn't fit. It may depend on years. Your best bet is to measure the inside and outside dimensions of the curb on your roof. You may, or may not, be able to do that without removing your existing skylight lens.
If your estimate of the curb outside dimension is too big by 1/4" or so, and/or the inside too small, they would still fit. The seal is sealant on top of the curb, not the side. You also need to know the curb height as the skylight frame skirt shouldn't be sitting on the roof.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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07-25-2019, 06:22 AM
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#411
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Rivet Master
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Greer
, South Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 511
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Thanks
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07-25-2019, 06:53 AM
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#412
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Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stargirl
Here are some photos I had on my phone that show the vent hole and the original vent frame shape (the picture is of one of the smaller fans but the frame shape for the large vent is the same).
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Here is an elementary drawing. You will need to save and reuse the old roof curb or or make a new on by cutting and welding some aluminum Z or C channel
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07-25-2019, 10:07 AM
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#413
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2 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
Los Gatos
, California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL
Here is an elementary drawing. You will need to save and reuse the old roof curb or or make a new on by cutting and welding some aluminum Z or C channel
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Awesome thank you so much! Does the skylight end up needing to be installed/sealed then on top of the rivet line of the roof curb? Or do you size up enough so that the skylight sits completely outside of the seams of the curb?
Out of curiosity - does anyone have experience with the lexan skylights sold by VTS? It seems since these fit the curve of the original vent they would be aesthetically more pleasing and potentially easier to install. Mostly concerned about durability.
__________________
Summer
1968 Overlander
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07-26-2019, 11:58 AM
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#414
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2 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 30
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See graphic for Maxim measure/install diagram
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stargirl
Awesome thank you so much! Does the skylight end up needing to be installed/sealed then on top of the rivet line of the roof curb? Or do you size up enough so that the skylight sits completely outside of the seams of the curb?
Out of curiosity - does anyone have experience with the lexan skylights sold by VTS? It seems since these fit the curve of the original vent they would be aesthetically more pleasing and potentially easier to install. Mostly concerned about durability.
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The Maxim unit rests upon the top lip of the curb; a small gap is left between it and the roof, which is then also sealed. (I left my bottom gap unsealed after confirming with Maxim that it is optional.) And, if your concern is durability, the Maxim will allow you all available peace of mind.
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08-21-2019, 06:56 PM
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#415
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stargirl
Awesome thank you so much! Does the skylight end up needing to be installed/sealed then on top of the rivet line of the roof curb? Or do you size up enough so that the skylight sits completely outside of the seams of the curb?
Out of curiosity - does anyone have experience with the lexan skylights sold by VTS? It seems since these fit the curve of the original vent they would be aesthetically more pleasing and potentially easier to install. Mostly concerned about durability.
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The Maxim skylights are as good as it gets for durability.Your oem skylights are likely cracked when they leave the Airstream facility.
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08-21-2019, 08:40 PM
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#416
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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If I remember correctly from my installation, the tops of the curbs are not curved. The skylights sit on top of and hang over the edges of the curbs. The sealing surface is flat.
I sealed my Maxims on the top surface of the curbs.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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08-22-2019, 06:15 AM
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#417
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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My Maxims are now almost 9 years old. No leaks, cracking, fading, fogging etc. The rear one also passed an impact test. As some may recall, I had a 4" diameter X 6' long branch fall on my trailer from about 40' up a couple years ago. Caused about $3.2k in damage to the rear end cap, but what I didn't tell you all is that it fell across the Maxim as well. Just a smudge to the surface of the polycarbonate outer shell. And most of that rubbed out.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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08-23-2019, 10:24 AM
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#418
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2 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
Los Gatos
, California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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rounded vs square corners
Thanks so much for the advice everyone!
I'm still concerned (or maybe just confused) about the shape of the skylight and how that works with the shape of my current vent curb. Maxim skylights (and I believe newer model AS vents) have sharp 90 degree corners. My original vents and curbs have rounded corners. How will that affect my skylight installation? I know to install my MaxxAir fans I have to make the vent holes into regular 90 degree corners.
Would it end up being easier for me to install a makeshift curb with squared corners than to reuse my curved one?
Thanks!
__________________
Summer
1968 Overlander
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08-23-2019, 10:56 AM
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#419
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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Stargirl, that is a good question. One that I did Not have to deal with having a 2012.
First, do you want the same size skylight... or bigger? If you want to change the dimensions, obviously you will need to re-frame it. Is your Airstream a wide body? I am thinking that with rounded vents it couldn't be one. Airstream's roof curve has evolved many times. The 13 and 7 segment endcaps are much more curved than the current 5 segment ones. And in the current 5 segment units, the only segment that changes between the 7.5 ft. Wide Sport, the 8 ft models which are less than 25 ft long, and the wide bodies is the center top segment. The current curbs on all those are flat on top, though a few like.mine weren't actually true squares.
You MAY need to build a new curb just to have the top flat so the Maxim will seal. I would guess the answer is YES, but I would take a couple of pictures of what you currently have and send them to Maxim and ask them.
Whatever you do... "makeshift" isn't a word to use... more like "custom crafted". The skylight will only be as secure as the frame is. Finding and correctly installing the right materials? Weigh your strength, persistence and willingness to learn against the depth of your pockets.
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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08-26-2019, 11:21 AM
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#420
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2 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
Los Gatos
, California
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foiled Again
Stargirl, that is a good question. One that I did Not have to deal with having a 2012.
First, do you want the same size skylight... or bigger? If you want to change the dimensions, obviously you will need to re-frame it. Is your Airstream a wide body? I am thinking that with rounded vents it couldn't be one. Airstream's roof curve has evolved many times. The 13 and 7 segment endcaps are much more curved than the current 5 segment ones. And in the current 5 segment units, the only segment that changes between the 7.5 ft. Wide Sport, the 8 ft models which are less than 25 ft long, and the wide bodies is the center top segment. The current curbs on all those are flat on top, though a few like.mine weren't actually true squares.
You MAY need to build a new curb just to have the top flat so the Maxim will seal. I would guess the answer is YES, but I would take a couple of pictures of what you currently have and send them to Maxim and ask them.
Whatever you do... "makeshift" isn't a word to use... more like "custom crafted". The skylight will only be as secure as the frame is. Finding and correctly installing the right materials? Weigh your strength, persistence and willingness to learn against the depth of your pockets.
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Thank you for the info!
I am planning on keeping the skylight the same size. I do not have a wide body trailer. I will certainly reach out to Maxim and see what they think.
I'll update you with progress!
__________________
Summer
1968 Overlander
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