Skylight Woe

EarthDemon

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Dear Forum,

In the Edinburgh area with a leaky skylight on me hands. Light rain ok, heavy rain and it leaks. I don't use it since 'the accident': I managed to drive into something not high up enough while it was open a few weeks ago. Dunno if it needs replace or repair but summut's got to be done. Any thoughts or contacts in Scotland as this is beyond my ken? Many thanks.
 
EarthDemon said:
Dear Forum,

In the Edinburgh area with a leaky skylight on me hands. Light rain ok, heavy rain and it leaks. I don't use it since 'the accident': I managed to drive into something not high up enough while it was open a few weeks ago. Dunno if it needs replace or repair but summut's got to be done. Any thoughts or contacts in Scotland as this is beyond my ken? Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Knowepark caravans & motorhomes
are not so far away.
I used them years ago, and found them ok

Motorhomes Scotland | Motorhome Sales | Caravans Scotland | Knowepark

Knowepark Caravans & Motorhomes in Scotland have over 300 new & used caravans and motorhomes in stock at our showroom just on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
www.knowepark.co.uk www.knowepark.co.uk
 
Temporary stopgap :
A small strong umbrella. Hang something heavy off the handle. Ok for overnight.
When driving , hang a bucket off the skylight handle..
So speaks the voice of experience
 
Jo001 said:
I think @marchie uses someone in Dunfermline, I can't remember who though.
Click to expand...
It's Dougie at GEM Caravans, Jo. He is a Dometic Approved Agent [amongst others], and has a good reputation for quality and sensible prices [no Dealer Showroom to support, just a large Caravan/Motorhome Workshop space in what was, I think, the old Bus Station premises

Steve
 
Check your insurance,
You ma miy be able to claim under "windscreen damage" which may not affect your "No Claims" bonus/discount.
We had similar and effected a temporary repair as finding a full replacement was not easy.
When we found a replacement unit..They paid up in full !
Insurer was comfort/aviva
 
Mine got damaged in the gails and needed a replacement, I had to cover with taupolin , delivery was 3 months plus at that time ,
 
Had same problem. Got up there and sealed it shut with silicone as temporary fix.
 
Lizzo said:
Had same problem. Got up there and sealed it shut with silicone as temporary fix.
Click to expand...
One of our members had the same problem ,but no parts available new or used , no prospect at all to get one as no one makes that model any more .mine was a Remis crank up , now when gails are forecasted I stick it closed with gaffa tape .
 
molly 2 said:
One of our members had the same problem ,but no parts available new or used , no prospect at all to get one as no one makes that model any more .mine was a Remis crank up , now when gails are forecasted I stick it closed with gaffa tape .
Click to expand...
Lizzo - Thanks for the tip. Haven't sealed yet as it only leaks when rain really heavy. Amazing how good van life can be even when fridge is gone, skylight leaks, and heating means lighting the stove and risking death. At least the water is working.
 
molly 2 said:
Mine got damaged in the gails and needed a replacement, I had to cover with taupolin , delivery was 3 months plus at that time ,
Click to expand...
Surely there is an opportunity to start a biz supplying fast turnaround camper parts...
You don't even need a premises these days. Campazon.
 
Can you access two pieces of plywood, moderately thick and both a bit bigger than the skylight? On the ground, drill two holes in both pieces at the same time, so the holes align.
(I'm assuming that you are capable of getting on the roof: if not, you may need a bit of extra help)
Climb on the roof and place one piece above the skylight so that it is all covered: drill two holes in the skylight using the wood as a guide.
Place long bolts through the holes (possibly hold them in place using a nut and washer) then fasten the other piece of wood in place from inside the van.
Attach nuts and tighten so that pressure of the wood on the ceiling/frame-surround holds everything in place.

Obviously this works best with reasonably flat skylights but a bit of adaptation eg using flexible plastic for the top piece can save the day.

Good luck - Gordon
 
marchie said:
It's Dougie at GEM Caravans, Jo. He is a Dometic Approved Agent [amongst others], and has a good reputation for quality and sensible prices [no Dealer Showroom to support, just a large Caravan/Motorhome Workshop space in what was, I think, the old Bus Station premises

Steve
Click to expand...
Norfolk NewBoy said:
Can you access two pieces of plywood, moderately thick and both a bit bigger than the skylight? On the ground, drill two holes in both pieces at the same time, so the holes align.
(I'm assuming that you are capable of getting on the roof: if not, you may need a bit of extra help)
Climb on the roof and place one piece above the skylight so that it is all covered: drill two holes in the skylight using the wood as a guide.
Place long bolts through the holes (possibly hold them in place using a nut and washer) then fasten the other piece of wood in place from inside the van.
Attach nuts and tighten so that pressure of the wood on the ceiling/frame-surround holds everything in place.

Obviously this works best with reasonably flat skylights but a bit of adaptation eg using flexible plastic for the top piece can save the day.

Good luck - Gordon
Click to expand...
Would it ever open again?
 
EarthDemon said:
Would it ever open again?
Click to expand...
Undo the nuts and bolts and the whole thing can be returned to its "original" situation (plus two small holes ;) ).
From my perspective, keeping the rain out as we head towards winter is the most important criterion. However, once a replacement is sourced, there isn't any mastic to remove.

Gordon
 
Do you need a new full skylight or just the lifting mechanism. The best place I found for parts was my manufacturer (autosleeper ) to remove the full skylight first remove the blind and flyscreen just pull it down and the clips will release ,with the flyscree removed, you can see the fixing screws that hold the skylight in place remove all the screws and the skylight can be removed ,after removing the seale,r mine was sealed and bedded with none setting mastick , once the flyscreen is removed, you can see the wooden frame that would have to be removed to enlarge the hole to fit a dometic skylight , the winding handle stays on the blind , the handle must be replaced in the correct position to fit in the handle slot and not over tightening when closed , their is a small extension on the handle do not loose ,
 
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