Standard or Non-Standard Roof Vent and Skylight

[man7sell]

OK. So the skylight leaks and yes I've looks at most of the other posting. By hey, this can't be standard. Forward of my 'Galvanized' roof vent is a 12"x16" thin plexiglass skylight. Flat not domed and yes cracked and leaking. For one it overlaps the edge of the roof vent, no way that's going to seal well. Is this a PO mod?

Think I might replace the whole lot if I can find the right sized boat deck hatch.

[3Ms75Argosy]

I think this is a PO modification... if this is the very front vent... then yes, it's supposed to be one long vent about 14x26" if I remember correctly... see Vintagetrailersupply.com for a replacement vent... be advised, however, that 1) the vent cover does not allow light in 2) it's expensive 3) you need new "lifters" that are pricey (about $100 for both) 4) I don't see the tanges on the interior that should be there in your interior.

If I were you, I'd replace the whole lot with some new lexan and call it good.
Marc

[goransons]

I justed did a quick search and found several places that sell the plastic, the problem is that it appears that someone removed the entire collar/base of the original unit to install that 14x14 unit that is there. Might check with some of the airstream salvage yards like colaw RV salvage (1-877-548-2125), they have quite a few airstreams. I called afew weeks ago looking for parts for the 66 and the oldest they had was a 1970, but sure that a 70's one would fit close with minimal modification, might even come with the lifters already with it. InlandRV sells that replacement plastic lid for those, and it is solar gray (tinted of sorts) so light comes through it nicely.

[samb]

If ventilation is not important, I would agree with the above suggestion and fabricate a fixed polycarbonate (lexan) skylight.

If you want ventilation also, you will need to get or design some parts---the collar/base unit, lifters of some sort, and a frame for the lexan. Try the "search", advanced, and google search "hatch" and scroll down and bring up "Wally Byam hatch". That might give you some ideas if you haven't already done this. Your idea of a boat hatch sounds very interesting.

Not too far south of you is Singleton's RV salvage. www.singletonsrv.com/
They were closed for a while, but might be open now. They seem to have lots of parts.

I salvaged my lifters , original screen, and base/collar, built a frame with lexan and built my own vent/skylight. I still plan to frame out the inside of the vent with mahogany in my "spare time".
Sam

[man7sell]

Originally Posted by samb

If ventilation is not important, I would agree with the above suggestion and fabricate a fixed polycarbonate (lexan) skylight.

If you want ventilation also, you will need to get or design some parts---the collar/base unit, lifters of some sort, and a frame for the lexan. Try the "search", advanced, and google search "hatch" and scroll down and bring up "Wally Byam hatch". That might give you some ideas if you haven't already done this. Your idea of a boat hatch sounds very interesting.

Not too far south of you is Singleton's RV salvage. Singleton's RV Salvage & Sales | We are here for you...check with us BEFORE you buy new!
They were closed for a while, but might be open now. They seem to have lots of parts.

I salvaged my lifters , original screen, and base/collar, built a frame with lexan and built my own vent/skylight. I still plan to frame out the inside of the vent with mahogany in my "spare time".
Sam

Sam, that's a nice looking hatch.

[man7sell]

OK replaced the long skylight with a bubble long skylight, also got rid of my AC and put in an opening skylight with a fan (that is noisy and a power hog so that will go). Sealed them like I would on a boat with a bead of silicon and riveted. A little silicon on the top of each rivet. After the winter they are now both leaking. I'm guessing with the movement of the Airstream traveling that this is not the way to seal a skylight. Suggestions?

[samb]

I have had the best success sealing my vents and skylights with butyl tape. I applied it to the cleaned aluminum surface and fastened the vent through the butyl tape to the body with SS screws. Rivets could also be used, I imagine. I then trimmed off the squeeze--out butyl and sealed the seam with Alcoa aluminum gutterseal from VTS. The gutterseal provides a secondary seal and helps prevent the butyl from drying out over the years. I have never had a seam like this leak and I am not one to avoid an off-road, rough surface adventure.
Sam

[Trailbossb]

Hi Sam, I need to built something for my 1961 trade wind, the bubble is expensive and more invasive replacement. Can you tell me what type of metal tubing you used for the frame, how you fit it fit it together at the corner (weld?) and how you sealed the lexan to the frame? I will also try to do the search you mentioned. Thank you!