skylight replacement

[lrwarren]

Hello all-- I recently finished installing new Maxim skylights on my 2004,28ft,
classic trailer. Having to deal with a frustrating series of leaks from both original skylights while on the Newfoundland caravan, was not fun. After emergency repairs on one of the clear days I checked out the forums and found an incredible detailed account of Kevin Li's solution to my same problem.I followed his research and contacted Maxim skylights in Texas. I am very pleased with the results and the personnel at Maxim.
My thanks go out to Kevin and his willingness to help all of us who are having this problem. Kevin if you are out there thanks!!!!!!!! Kevin's detailed installation instructions were perfect to follow.(Maxim does a great job on sizing and it is only a matter of using self-tapping screws to do the installation and then caulk. These are hurricane proof-guaranteed and using two layers of curved polycarbonate (you can choose your tinting or clear) with a third clear panel on the bottom. A great find.A recommendation for owners (like me) whose factory equipment is failing. Thanks.
Larry Warren

[eheffa]

Thanks Larry.

Do you have any pictures?

How do these skylights differ from the OEM ones?

-evan

[Astroboy]

I have 28' as well, and I've been meaning to order a set, but I haven't gotten around to do measurements yet.

I have a square skylight (21 x 21?) and a rectangular one (? x ?).

If you could share with us the relevant measurements or order details, it would save me so much trouble and long drive, and to perhaps some other forum members.

I would very much appreciate it ;-)

[Astroboy]

This was the original thread OP was referring to, and pictures.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f478...hts-53517.html

[lrwarren]

They are far superior!!!!!!! Two layers of polycarbonate plus a third layer of acrylic.(thick) See "bambi bandit's"description of step by step installation. !! These are incredible. You get to pick the type of shading that is right for you. All clear or clear with bronze or opaque. It is remarkable.They come pre-assembled and are hurricane proof. Maxim has our measurements. So contact Maxim skylights on the web. they will send you samples and you can pick the one that is right for you. We live in Calif. so the clear-bronze-clear are perfect. Good luck. These are great. love 'em.
Larry Warren

[TropicGuy]

I was able to do this project with great results. I am very happy! This is WELL WORTH DOING!!

[Silver Otter]

I enthusiastically SECOND the use of Kevin's excellent instructions. After reading that I took the plunge, too. Done in half a day. Skylight Replacement | Cabin at Dogwood Lane

[dznf0g]

X3, very high quality. Won't have to mess with them for many years. I only have one complaint. The black sealer used between the layers of polycarbonate has oozed out a bit between the layers and is visible from inside the AS. No way to fix. It is what it is.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

X3, very high quality. Won't have to mess with them for many years. I only have one complaint. The black sealer used between the layers of polycarbonate has oozed out a bit between the layers and is visible from inside the AS. No way to fix. It is what it is.

Is this something the manufacture used?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Is this something the manufacture used?

Yes

[BSmiley]

I ordered and installed a Maxim skylight a couple do years ago, after seeing Kevin's post. Very happy with the results.
The skylight will pay for itself in just a couple of replacement OEM covers done at a dealer.

[cwf]

I installed two on our 34' 1999 Excella. Wow... Never look back.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by cwf

I installed two on our 34' 1999 Excella. Wow... Never look back.

What color did you get for the dome? Just wonder what colors work the best?

[Akronguy]

I have a 93 Excella and the plastic is shot. The rest of the fan unit is fine but probably OEM. SHould I just replace the plastic dome or the whole unit? Advice?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Bluto

What color did you get for the dome? Just wonder what colors work the best?

Living in the north, I chose Clear-bronze-clear. You might choose bronze-bronze-clear in the southland.

They say opaque white is the most heat reducing, but I like to see the sky.......

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Akronguy

I have a 93 Excella and the plastic is shot. The rest of the fan unit is fine but probably OEM. SHould I just replace the plastic dome or the whole unit? Advice?

These are for stationary skylight replacement, not fan lid replacement. For the fan, you would just replace the lift dome from OEM supplier.

[lylesgl]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

X3, very high quality. Won't have to mess with them for many years. I only have one complaint. The black sealer used between the layers of polycarbonate has oozed out a bit between the layers and is visible from inside the AS. No way to fix. It is what it is.

The sealer used oozed out on mine as well. Attached is a pic. You can see the black Ooze in the corners. The ooze does not affect the seal between the layers of polycarbonate. According to the manufacturer, the ooze is normal and will not affect the structural integrity of the skylight. Otherwise very good quality skylight. I highly recommend getting one. Much better than OEM.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[dznf0g]

Well, update...mine was worse than yours, but I called and sent pics and they are sending me 2 new ones under warranty.

I gather that my new ones are a bit of an experiment where they are laying (as I understand it) a band of foam tape between the sealed portion, behind the aluminum, to act as a dam, preventing the flow into the visible area.

They have to use this particular sealer to prevent condensation between layers, I was told. David said they heated the prototypes to 350* and the tape worked.

The implication was that ASes must be different than residential applications and maybe hotter?? So I took my oven thermometer (digital) and stuck the probe up under the aluminum and regardless of outside temp, in full sun, it is only 25 - 50* hotter in the area of flow than ambient. So, I don't know.....BUT, Maxim is standing up and trying to resolve for AS applications. And that is a very good thing.

[lylesgl]

Thanks for the info update dmzfOg. I called the manufacturer today and they didn't offer a replacement; although in fairness I didn't ask. I hope mine doesn't get worse. Currently I can live with the negative aesthetic. I'm in the midst of home renovations and I currently don't want to add to my workload. if it gets worse, I'll ask the company for a replacement. They did assure me that the ooze is normal and will not affect the integrity of the seal between polycarbonate layers. We'll see...

[dznf0g]

They did say some visibility from a narrow angle is normal, and I agree. Mine had oozed out over an inch in one area (the corner). They felt that was excessive.