Get rid of skylight

[badagle]

Has anyone ever gotten rid of the skylight? Not just replaced/repaired/recaulked.
I really hate the light. I keep it covered all the time. It is leaking. It needs repair, but I just want it gone.
Is it reasonable to replace it with aluminum on the roof and something else on the inside? Have any of you ever done something like this?

[GMFL]

You could build an Aluminum lid “pan” with 1 1/2” lips and replace the skylight with that. Then use some insulation inside followed by covering the hole with a new piece of Aluminum skin. That should hide it well.

If it were me and I wanted to “hide” the skylight I would replace it with a Maxim Skylight and then just cover the inside with a new piece of Aluminum. That way it could be removed if you changed your mind later or sold the unit.

[CRH]

I just replaced my skylight. I used the original OEM. It is made by Sun-Tek. Home Depot can order them for $72. I did not replace it using the screws that go down through the skylight and curb the way it came from Airstream because as we all know the skylight will eventually crack and leak....Instead, I made 4 spacers and attached it with 4 screws going vertically into the side of the curb. I used VHB tape to seal the skylight to the curb flange..
..Had I wanted to block all the light, I could have just painted the underside black before the install.

[badagle]

Originally Posted by CRH

I just replaced my skylight. I used the original OEM. It is made by Sun-Tek. Home Depot can order them for $72. I did not replace it using the screws that go down through the skylight and curb the way it came from Airstream because as we all know the skylight will eventually crack and leak....Instead, I made 4 spacers and attached it with 4 screws going vertically into the side of the curb. I used VHB tape to seal the skylight to the curb flange..
..Had I wanted to block all the light, I could have just painted the underside black before the install.

Thanks CRH. But would painting it black make it more likely to crack in the heat?

[tjdonahoe]

Our 13 31 Classic has 2 skylights....no problems with either one...they are held in place with double sided tape....on screws....no cracks..

[CRH]

Badagle,

You would just be painting the flat part that you see when you look up. I wouldn't think it would get any hotter than not painted.

[CRH]

I used the 4 screws going in horizontally as a belt and suspenders approach in case the VHB decided to let go going down the road.


Yeah, I meant to say horizontally in my first post...lol

[gklott]

Originally Posted by GMFL

If it were me and I wanted to “hide” the skylight I would replace it with a Maxim Skylight and then just cover the inside with a new piece of Aluminum. That way it could be removed if you changed your mind later or sold the unit.

Agree. If you get the Maxim Skylight with the dark gray tint, you will greatly reduce light. You could paint the Lexan outer pane for near complete opacity.

Our Maxim skylights are super - and fully weather tight. This is a much simpler and less expensive alternative to closing the opening.

73/gus

[Wazbro]

A couple years ago Del Gurney posted about replacing the skylight with a marine hatch. This was to block light and allow roof access from inside trailer.
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f47...tch-97128.html

[Janet H]

We got rid of the astrodomes on our 1964's (large skylight) as they leaked, cracked, etc and so did the direct replacements we tried out. Our final solution was to have a local window shop made a fixed skylight that we installed over the opening. The old astrodomes opened and our replaces don't but that has been a non-issue s there are other roof vents - we have plenty of airflow. The high r-value skylights have worked well, letting in filtered light and sealing up the big hole..

[Hermes]

As soon as the weather allows, I'll be replacing the OEM skylights (one cracked, patched with Gorilla tape) with a pair of Maxims. Much better design and material.

[bibbs]

If it is the standard 14” hole why not put a 70s’ style roof vent with a solid aluminum cap?

[CRH]

It's not a standard 14" hole

[Lynntalsma]

Originally Posted by Janet H

We got rid of the astrodomes on our 1964's (large skylight) as they leaked, cracked, etc and so did the direct replacements we tried out. Our final solution was to have a local window shop made a fixed skylight that we installed over the opening. The old astrodomes opened and our replaces don't but that has been a non-issue s there are other roof vents - we have plenty of airflow. The high r-value skylights have worked well, letting in filtered light and sealing up the big hole..

This sounds like a great solution for our 1964 leaky astrodome. Can you pm me with details, pics perhaps?
Thanks,
Lynn

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Lynntalsma

This sounds like a great solution for our 1964 leaky astrodome. Can you pm me with details, pics perhaps?
Thanks,
Lynn

Hi Lynn - you'll need to go up on the roof and measure the opening. Have a skylight made that will cover around the hole perimeter. The skylight sits on top of the trailer roof - not into the hole. The ones we had made stand proud of the roof about 2 inches and you can choose the frame color - they are aluminum but you can get them in anodized colors, if desired.

On the inside, we removed the lifters, leaving the channel in place. You can just leave it that way, or fit the channel with some reversed U channel to fill the gap, or perhaps some nice wood. On the overlander we just left the channel - it's OK -ish but looks unfinished. On the glove trotter we actually made a picture frame sort of thing to fill cover up the channel - will try to take some pics later today - but it's pouring outside just now...

[Nanook6234]

We replaced ours with another Fantastic vent fan. They do not let in nearly as much light and provide more air circulation. Win win situation. The factory tech did a great job.

[samb]

I removed the skylight in my '61 Safari and covered the hole with a 24" by 24" square of aluminum. I then covered the inside hole with a home built 20" by 20" light fixture using LED's for the light. I like it very much and have light only when I want it.

Sam

[David Logue]

I replaced mine with a flat piece of plexi 1/2" oversized the piece by about 6". The outer dome had cracked and started leaking. To much direct sunlight. Now even with the new piece I keep it covered. It sits in my back yard.