Camper Skylight Replacement and Roof Repair

Рет қаралды 31,386

3 жыл бұрын

#ilovervlife #CamperSkylightRepair #RVmaintenance Well it’s happened again. Our camper skylight cracked. It not only cracked, but water leaked into the ceiling and created quite the mess. And this isn’t our first time at this rodeo. This is the second time our camper skylight has cracked. Fortunately the task isn’t too difficult for this camper skylight replacement and roof repair.
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Пікірлер: 124

@seymourscagnetti1413 Жыл бұрын

Your tenacity is infectious. I think I'll shall rise from the couch and go fix something! Love your videos Jerry. Keep 'em coming. Cheers.

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@LenvilleMartin 17 күн бұрын

Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Len. 06/14/24

@iLoveRVlife 16 күн бұрын

Thank Len. Thanks for watching.

@cinmay2000 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the editing in this video. Time not wasted!

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@DreamingOutloudRVing 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great! Jerry you are such a kind person you cannot pull of showing frustration! LOL...

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Just live RV life 😎

@roypboston1 3 ай бұрын

The Etrnabond tape is geniuses. Yes, it definitely should be done at the factory. Im going to incorporate that into my repair. Thanks, sir!

@iLoveRVlife 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

@insanity4411 3 жыл бұрын

jerry thanks for all the wonderful videos, keep up the good work, god bless you.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch.

@frostieswift4887 3 жыл бұрын

as always, Jerry u provide great info! Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch.

@davidblessing8724 3 жыл бұрын

Well done Jerry , Thanks for sharing !

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and always.

@johnw3724 Жыл бұрын

Hi Jerry - the permanent fix is to get a piece of King Starboard in 1/4 inch thick in the white color. Cut it to the size of the skylight footprint and use it to replace the upper dome. The starboard is a marine product and will never crack on you; it is basically indestructible; and the 1/4 white is still thin enough you get light to pass thru it so it's still a "skylight". It works well with the same eternabond flashing you installed which is a very clever improvement -- just like modern house window installs. They also have 1/8th material that may work but I had a sheet of 1/4 handy and it's worked very well.

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip.

@johnw3724 Жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife After 4 skylights I needed a better solution and it's worked great!

@scottfranson4215 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Scott.

@tommcl386 3 жыл бұрын

Great job!! Love your videos

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom.

@chancee1 3 жыл бұрын

You did a great gob,thanks for sharing this

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Danny.

@n1njazx7 3 жыл бұрын

Another great repair Jerry. That one won't leak anytime soon that's for sure. Keep up the good work.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch.

@stevefrederick8215 3 жыл бұрын

Keep the up the good helpful vlogs Jerry.🍹

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch Steve.

@jdaniels1371 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jerry. First time replacing an RV skylight; your video made the project much more straightforward. The Eternabond tape was the secret sauce in the recipe.

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

That’s great. Glad the video was helpful.

@mikeandshawnahual4072 3 жыл бұрын

I regularly apply 303 UV Protectant Spray to all the plastics on our rig. So far it has helped keep ours from becoming brittle. Love your idea on the Eterna bond on the inside of the cover.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a good practice. I apply on the awnings, but skipped this step. It’s on the list going forward.

@toddspencer5926 3 жыл бұрын

Great repair Jerry definitely an improvement from the original repair. I Eternabonded my entire roof seams and seals that had been factory screwed, and then replaced with a clear graphite skylight. More durable than most skylights. Love the video on the repair you preformed. You're the best Jerry!!

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch.

@jenfugit7801 Жыл бұрын

Wow, learning another new thing from you! I upgraded a vent over my bed last weekend to a reversible fan. While on the roof I looked at my skylight and thought, "Yeah, it is probably time to replace that one." I had no idea there were TWO domes in the construction of what I thought was just a basic bubble/flange type product. Off to shop for future upgrades! LOL Thanks again Jerry for your informative videos!

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Jen.

@mssixty3426 3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for this! Have sent this to my email for future reference, I have a lot of work to do on my RV roof due to age and hail damage.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Ouch! Sorry to hear about the damage.

@carmenmorales1365 3 жыл бұрын

Good job

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@redthreads5258 3 жыл бұрын

Looking, Good Jerry! I have a skylight that is cracked on my Motorhome! Thanks for this video!

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and glad we could help.

@deepnature6117 3 жыл бұрын

I have a PVC roof on my Surveyor we purchased in Nov. There is a 15 year warranty on it with no treatments which was better than any warranty I found on a Rubber or TPO roof while shopping around. Hopefully it lasts. I just had a carport installed last week for my trailer and it was expensive. Thanks for sharing the repair. Didn’t look too bad. I am thinking about changing out my bathroom vent fan for a MAX air. I am definitely going to install the rain covers over both my vents as that will be an easy upgrade. We are heading back to FL as our getaway trip this month.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Theses PVC roofs are great. Super easy to clean, no chalking and the reflective quality has a big impact keeping our 5th wheel cooler during hot summers. Year one of ownership we replaced our fans with Fantastic Fans and rain covers. Good investment. Safe travels to the Sunshine State.

@pigybak 3 жыл бұрын

labor of love.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

So true

@williamfry6087 Жыл бұрын

great video thanks. Sunlight damages all plastic, rubber, skin, and tires. This should be a regular replacement. I need to do this now. I like the eternabond solution. I will try this.

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks. So true. After a few years they do become brittle. And then there are those tree limbs…..

@TheBuellerBunch 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. They gotta make these skylights better so they dont crack all the time.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

So very true.

@sealanderadventures 3 жыл бұрын

Great content! You inspired me to get out today and work on my unit. I'm changing my smoke color entry door window, based on your past video recommendation. Please consider a trip over to the WALTER F. GEORGE reservoir (lake Eufaula , AL.) To one of three COE campgrounds. I recommend Cotton Hill because it is full hookup. The beàch sites are the best.if you need exact site numbers just ask. The other two COE are awsome as well. Thanks again, Sealander

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

It been a very long time since we’ve been to WFG. It’s time to go back. Think we may be able to fit in this year. Thanks a bunch for the tip.

@normgibson6565 3 жыл бұрын

Did the same to ours this last summer thanks a hailstorm.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Quite a few have shared hailstorm damage. It does beat the stew out of the camper roofs.

@LenvilleMartin 17 күн бұрын

Hey Jerry this is my time to see your videos. Man you are a life saver. My sky light started leaking just recently. And low and behold cracks everywhere especially the screws. Im not carperter inclined but i was wondering if when I put the screws back in if i added flat washer along the the sealing if that would help prevent cracking?

@iLoveRVlife 17 күн бұрын

Glad you found us. It think it’s more of over tightening the screws that will cause premature cracking. But over time, the sun UV kills the plastic. Once it gets fragile it does take much to cause cracking.

@nathanurick8320 3 жыл бұрын

We went through a hailstorm last year and had to do the same thing.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

What a pain Nathan. Can only imagine the damage.

@thomasbumgardner6970 3 жыл бұрын

A 2004 Gateway is six years old in 2021? Is that some of that “new” math we hear about? 😂 Just fun in’ ya. Another great and helpful video. Thanks for making these.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Oops. Misspoke. Should have said 2014.

@MScottBlalock 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you both for clearing this up. I rewinded twice to see if I heard that right. I was wondering if these videos were a decade old....

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Nope, just got a little head of myself.

@tecmah 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Do you notice the shower head holder slipping down the rod? Ours will not stay in a set position

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marc. No problems with the shower head holder. It stays where placed.

@claudius622 3 жыл бұрын

The first time mine cracked, i replaced them with the ' Lexan sky light ' and no problem since.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a thought. Would have to work something out on the bottom side, but shouldn’t be difficult. If it happens again, I may go that route.

@claudius622 3 жыл бұрын

The one I took was uv traited too

@dustinmccune6481 3 жыл бұрын

I would suggest if you want to stop a crack from spreading drill a small hole at the end of the crack to stop the spread before you seal it.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip.

@tombrown6464 3 жыл бұрын

A couple of qyestions Jerry. #1 What about using some washers(fender washers) under the screw heads on the roof to help spread out the load? #2 What is the sealant you're using on the roof?

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a good idea. If it happens again we’ll give that a try. I used XTRM RV lap sealant. Holds up well.

@ronlangham3071 4 ай бұрын

What is the sealant like Xtri?? stuff that you did the "small bead" with at 11:25, between the eternabond and the shell on the top side? Maybe I am missing the links you mentioned to the products. Not sure if this the self leveling or the sealant? Thanks, great video

@iLoveRVlife 4 ай бұрын

If you have a rubber roof as found on most RVs, you can use Dicor lap sealant. My roof is PVC and this was LaSalle Bristol XTRM. Thanks for watching.

@rossbagley9015 2 жыл бұрын

When you're putting screws through acrylic or lexan, make the holes oversize and use flanged screws or washers. Also, you're 100% right that engineering plastics do not like it when screws are clamped tight: creates stresses in the plastic that will eventually crack. The "right" way would be to use an aluminum frame that applies clamping force over the entire flange, but no RV makers do this. I'm not sure it matters with eternabond tape, and I saw that you're adding to an existing tape layer, but you usually want to layer waterproof flashings from the bottom up. That way the flashing edges are always facing down: less likely for water to move up and get underneath. Also, eternabond adhesive is pressure activated. Rolling and pressing to activate the bond is essential.

@iLoveRVlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments Ross. The main problem I found with the OEM skylights was the plastic became brittle after a couple of years of sun exposure. This was the second repair and they just crumble. This last unit was purchased from a RV supply house. It’s 50% thicker and since installed, not more surface cracks.

@ronstacy6054 3 жыл бұрын

Two questions: why not put a washer with each screw providing a larger surface for the screw to seat? How about taking the dome to a metal shop and have an aluminum frame fitted to put around the flange?

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That’s an idea. These’s things become so brittle after a few years from the heat. We need another option that won’t breakdown.

@jal8888 2 жыл бұрын

Fabulous. My2021 Keystone Cougar 29BHS and it came home brand new, 4 months ago, with cracks in our shower skylight. We bought it from a dealer that is 3 hours away and after watching your video, we are fixing it ourselves! What wood screws did you use? Were they stainless steel or regular screws?

@iLoveRVlife 2 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help. If the existing screws are in good shape, you can reuse. If not stainless would be the better option.

@kevincameron8437 3 жыл бұрын

Why not use eternabond on top of the screws and seal it that way? But good idea on the EB on the interior frame.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That’s an option, but expect this may crack again over time. The self leveling sealant is a little easier to remove.

@southcreekoutfitters Жыл бұрын

Jerry, I cant find on your website the skylight replacement part. I need to get one. Could you post the link to the Amazon item?

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Here’s the blog with the link to the skylight we used. Tnere’s now standard size for these RV’s so measure we’ll before you order. www.ilovervlife.com/camper-skylight-replacement-and-roof-repair/

@joewolters2399 3 жыл бұрын

Jerry, is there any need to seal (caulk) the lower lens to the ceiling to prevent moisture damage to the ceiling above the lower lens?

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Joe, I don’t see any need. Theirs no air movement between the two pieces. Also recommend running the bath exhaust fan if equipped to draw any moisture from the bathroom during a shower.

@wk7060 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@iLoveRVlife 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@trina3176 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, my husband and I have been trying to find the right type of skylight to replace ours, it's very similar if not the same to what you have. Can you post a link of what type of skylight you used (for the inside and outside) or where you purchased it from? I've been having a difficult time finding the inside dome skylight part. Thanks! PS very well done video!

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Ours is 18x26 OD or 14 x 22 ID. Here’s a link amzn.to/3hLtDo3. And thanks, glad we could help.

@tommcl386 3 жыл бұрын

Question for you. Did you go with white because of the heat? Last longer? Mine are more of a clear. Which I do see is also available on Amazon. We camp more in upstate NY, which is north of Albany NY. Not north of NYC or Tappan Zee Bridge as some think.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure if the white last longer than the clear. We used these to give more of a diffused light vs. direct sun. Business would take me to Upstate NY often. Pretty country.

@tommcl386 3 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife If you ever venture up this way again would love to meet you.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

You bet.

@robertnewman1593 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jerry. What brand.of sealant was that?

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

It’s XTRM RV sealant by Lasalle Bristol. It’s made for PVC and fiberglass roofs. Also works on rubber roofs too.

@lauraleevanommenkloeke3325 Жыл бұрын

How has the eternabond aspect held up over the last year?

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

No problems. Check every Spring as part of yearly roof inspection.

@DonGebhardRealtor 3 жыл бұрын

0:33+ "2004 Gateway, I understand it's 6 years old...." is this an old video... or is this common core? Love your vids! #BrokerDon

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

Oops. Misspoke. It’s a 2014.

@FixingCrappyCars 15 күн бұрын

What would you say the thickness of the 24x14 is?

@iLoveRVlife 14 күн бұрын

This is the last one I installed. amzn.to/4ca87mv I didn’t measure the thickness, but it was around 3mm.

@frankmitzen2008 2 жыл бұрын

Jerry, I believe a pair of cheap foam knee pads should be in your future.

@iLoveRVlife 2 жыл бұрын

Agree!

@sallyolson1166 Жыл бұрын

And maybe a way to attach your camera to your hat for two-handed use at times! 😊

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Used a tripod to keep the video steady.

@user-zl7sc5uo9s 10 ай бұрын

Can we get a link to the skylight on Amazon?

@iLoveRVlife 10 ай бұрын

This is the one that fit our opening amzn.to/47ANBtf

@briangregory5161 3 жыл бұрын

Can you share the link to get both of them skylights

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

You bet. Go to the blog at www.ilovervlife.com/camper-skylight-replacement-and-roof-repair/. I have links for all products discussed. Just click the product pictures below the video.

@briangregory5161 3 жыл бұрын

Did you buy 2 of the same ones

@briangregory5161 3 жыл бұрын

We camp at pc park in Nancy ky if your ever this way come camp

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

We did. An inside unit exits, but it’s paper thin. The same on fit on the bottom and looks just as nice.

@johnnycarroll5007 Жыл бұрын

What are the name of the skylights you used. Thanks!

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the suppliers of skylights change often. I found by doing a search on Amazon. Something like this amzn.to/40DPDpa The last set I used were listed as heavy duty. They were thicker than the one I replaced.

@johnnycarroll5007 Жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife Thanks so much I appreciate all you do. Good video!

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

@jos9569 3 жыл бұрын

I worked in the roofing industry for over a decade. Skylights can be a real nightmare. I'm tempted to replace our OEM shower skylight with a homemade 'belvedere' or 'monitor top.' Maybe a tiny shed roof with a clerestory window facing the back which would be more aerodynamic. That would allow light in, and raise the roof a tad over the shower. With proper flashing, it should last a good while longer than those cheap replacement skylights.

@iLoveRVlife 3 жыл бұрын

That would be an interesting project.

@iLoveRVlife Жыл бұрын

Here’s the link amzn.to/3BIi2jT