Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-09-2016, 05:04 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Roof Skylights

Guys and Gals Id like to talk about roof skylights, Im in the UK and am looking for options to get more light into my 34 limited from above and over here i have found these...

http://www.rainbow-conversions.co.uk...rooflight.html

They appear to be the biggest skylights I can find and I Was wondering what you guys over there have done to yours or what products exist over there that I might be able to get shipped over here to use on mine so any suggestions/advice would be most welcomed.

Thanks

Tom
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2016, 06:58 AM   #2
retired USA/USAF
 
2001 30' Excella
Somerset , New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
Hi Tom. I replaced both of my factory installed skylights last year. One of the originals had blown off and disappeared while traveling so I covered the hole with plywood and continued on my way. Factory installation was El Cheapo. Taking advise from others here on the forum I replaced both with MAXIM replacements. Don't know if they are the best out there but they are sure a very nice unit. They do a lot of work with Airstreams and know what they are doing. If you are replacing existing take good measurements of the curb dimensions and they will take it from there. IF you are starting from scratch check with them first, I can't help you there. They might be able to set you straight so you can do the job right the first time. Mine were a very easy installation and a direct replacement with no modification. The hardest part was removing the old caulking and cleaning up the seams and re-caulking. Do it right the first time and you'll never regret it.
__________________
Roger in NJ

" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948

TAC - NJ 18

polarlyse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2016, 08:24 AM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Thanks for the info mate but they are on the small side for what I want....I wanted to see what others have done if they have installed bigger ones over just simply re-using the same hole and replacing it with a piece made by maxim to fit, if you are with me?
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2016, 08:10 AM   #4
2 Rivet Member
 
Cruiser6483's Avatar
 
1954 25' Cruiser
Bern - Thun , Berner Oberland
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Images: 31
Blog Entries: 1
Hi Tom
In England there are also various forums with Airstream. For example on facebook "Vintage Airstream Caravans in UK and Europe". Question there too!
Greetings from Switzerland - Werner
Cruiser6483 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2016, 08:52 AM   #5
retired USA/USAF
 
2001 30' Excella
Somerset , New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
I'm with you Tom. I guess what I was suggesting was that maybe Maxim ( or other makers ) could work with you with a custom installation. Shipping from the US might cast it beyond reasonable costs but something you might find in Jolly 'Ole England
__________________
Roger in NJ

" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948

TAC - NJ 18

polarlyse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2016, 08:58 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
J. Morgan's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
Images: 11
Imho, a person could install as big of a skylight as he could find or desire, assuming of course he was up to the task of performing a sound and well thought out installation.





Gradiens super tenui glacie.
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......

J. Morgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2016, 02:27 PM   #7
2 Rivet Member
 
Cruiser6483's Avatar
 
1954 25' Cruiser
Bern - Thun , Berner Oberland
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Images: 31
Blog Entries: 1
Tom
Thoughts on the skylight ... The size of 960 x 655 is too much. The space underneath would have a lot of light in comparison to the existing windows. Certainly not a pleasant atmosphere! As an architect already often I made this experience!
What have you for a type of Airstream and how big the existing skylights?
Cruiser6483 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2016, 06:11 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
1974 31' Sovereign
1979 23' Safari
Wayland , New York
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,632
Images: 3
Tom,
My comment on size has to do with installation. With the way the hinges are on the unit I'm going to assume it would have to be installed hinges forward to keep the wind from blowing the lid off. Meaning the window would have to be installed perpendicular to the trailer length. At close to a meter in length I think you would have a hard time mating it to the curve of the AS roof for a good seal.
You might be better off with a pair of these,
http://www.rainbow-conversions.co.uk...ntilation.html
Joe
HiJoeSilver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2016, 12:43 AM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Cruiser6483 -> I have a 34 Limited and I cannot see the issue with loads of light thats what I want ha ha oh and the Vintage Airstream Caravans in Europe FB page, the guy who runs it messed me about on a deal so I told him to leave it and he blocked me from that page!

HiJoeSilver -> I dont have to install this perpendicular as long as its secure there is no reason I cannot go for it opening on the side length ways plus its going on my 34 and Im not planning on towing it really so its not going to get exposed in that respect lie a smaller trailer would do so Im prepared to install it the other way round as a side opening window.

polarlyse -> I could try and work with Maxin but when you start adding import duties and VAT onto any price its silly money so id like to source something over here if possible.
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2016, 05:59 AM   #10
2 Rivet Member
 
Goliad , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 55
Try EZ Top World Wide INC. We ordered our sky light from them for our '65.

Do not know if they are truly "world wide" or not but they have lots of sizes and MOC.
__________________
The Frommes
Goliad, Texas
The Birth Place of S. Texas Ranching
WBCCI #6256
eartick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2016, 01:36 AM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Thanks I'll have a look....I'm even tempted to look to car manufacturers for sunroofs that would be cool and funky instead!!!!
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2016, 02:01 AM   #12
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Why not add some VistaViews, they are much better at letting in light than skylights?
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2016, 02:51 AM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
I've got vista view Windows mate!!!

I just want to make my mark and do something different!
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2016, 11:41 PM   #14
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Quote:
Originally Posted by t0mmie View Post
I've got vista view Windows mate!!!

I just want to make my mark and do something different!
Well different would be to remove the aluminum sheet in the roof area and replace with Lexan!
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2016, 12:36 AM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Like that idea mate has anyone done it before and are you talking the whole length?

Im toying with car sunroof's instead mounted length ways (so they open to the side) this means they should fit in the roof and its a funky feature that is different mate.....and they can open....
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2016, 02:59 AM   #16
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Most sunroofs have substantial frames which need to be inserted to retain the glass, so I think it opens a whole other box of complexity.

If you want to go with an alternative to regular Airstream skylights (like Maxim, or Fan-tastic fan), I would look to genuine caravan windows like you mentioned in the first post. Seitz Heiki do a complete range.

http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/se...rooflights.htm

That said, I can't see why replacing one sheet material with another, that has similar strength and flexibility for a similar weight, would not work - never seen it tried by anyone though!
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2016, 12:56 AM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
well I like to be different and mate I'm just exploring it at the mo so let's see where it goes if not I'll have to have boring plastic caravan stuff!

If the roof can take an aircon box I'm sure a sunroof isn't a problem but we'll see!

Thanks for the advice mate!
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2016, 03:40 AM   #18
2 Rivet Member
 
Cruiser6483's Avatar
 
1954 25' Cruiser
Bern - Thun , Berner Oberland
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Images: 31
Blog Entries: 1
tOmmie's dream....[IMG]

[im
g]http://up.picr.de/26887137qm.jpg[/img][/IMG]
Cruiser6483 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2016, 04:13 AM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
Lichfield , Staffs
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cruiser6483 View Post
tOmmie's dream....[img]


http://up.picr.de/26887137qm.jpg[/img][/IMG]
Yeah too right and it will look ace trust me...im a doctor ha ha ha ha

ps dunno what your link was supposed to show mate!?
t0mmie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2016, 08:19 AM   #20
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Joseph Milgiore (JM2) has a sunroof from VW bug in his 20ft MH.....and the roof profile is the same.

martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Step by Step: Replacing OEM skylights with new Custom Maxim Skylights Bambi_Bandit Roof Vents, Skylights & Fans 449 10-19-2023 08:04 AM
Roof re-seal and new skylights millvalleyca Roof 2 04-21-2014 05:02 PM
Skylights on 75 sovereign bdbluegrass Roof Vents, Skylights & Fans 5 08-21-2006 07:26 PM
Skylights..... Silvertwinkie Our Community 4 08-14-2003 08:32 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:52 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.