Step by Step: Replacing OEM skylights with new Custom Maxim Skylights

[WALL-E]

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.

[WALL-E]

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.)

[TouringDan]

I will be replacing both of my sky lights so I need to join this thread.

Dan

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

I will be replacing both of my sky lights so I need to join this thread.

Dan

Dan Maxim is a GREAT company to work with.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...skylight-3003/

[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!

[GMFL]

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!

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.

[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).

[lsbrodsky]

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

[Cispook]

Is there standardized sizes for newer Airstream

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by Cispook

Is there standardized sizes for newer Airstream

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

[Cispook]

Thanks

[GMFL]

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).

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

[Stargirl]

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

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.

[WALL-E]

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.

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.

[Moflash]

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.

The Maxim skylights are as good as it gets for durability.Your oem skylights are likely cracked when they leave the Airstream facility.

[Al and Missy]

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

[dznf0g]

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.

[Stargirl]

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!

[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.

[Stargirl]

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.

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!