Replacing a Very Broken RV Skylight

[@Chris_A_]

Very nice RV. Then again, who doesn't enjoy a clean Beaver 🤔

[@AZExpert]

You got that right!

[@ronaldnielson8591]

I just started this project today on my Arctic Fox by removing the exterior skylight and ordering a new one. Now, we wait for the new one. How handy to have this video today,

[@AZExpert]

Awesome Ronald!

[@jdwond3673]

I have to complement you for your concern for future repairs or touch ups. As a welder, I always ran into problems with prior repairs when people used the wrong filler metal or procedure.It made the job a whole lot more frustrating, and sometimes more expensive.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks JD! Thanks for watching! :)

[@kenmatthews6476]

I love The Roof Man products. He’s a few miles away from me here in Elk Grove (Sacramento) CA. The owner is a good guy and the product works great. I had an older travel trailer and his product had my roof water tight.

[@AZExpert]

Thats awesome to hear!

[@andysherman4107]

I always find your repair / inspection video’s informative. I would keep a notebook with notes on repairs that I would include with my maintenance logs if something was changed from original. That way, a new owner has all the pertinent info for future repairs. I would go as far as having pictures of serial numbers and product codes and put them on a memory stick and keep that with the maintenance logs. A future owner would be forever grateful.

[@nataliatrumpo3893]

I concur!!! We just bought a 2005 Winnebago out of FLn(we live in UT), and the original owner had left many notes and “quirks” that his ol’ Bessy had, and We are grateful for them.🙏🏻🥰

[@AZExpert]

That was really cool of them

[@BonFShaw]

Some years ago I installed 3 flush mounted skylights using the manufacturer recommended sealant - no problems. Abut 2 years later hail damage required a roof replacement. The original skylights were fine so I let the roofers reinstall them. A couple of months later we had leaks at the skylights. It was Florida so if it's going to leak it will! The roofing company came back and we looked for the problem. The roofers had used Black Jack to seal around the flanges. The flanges had turned to goo. Totally dissolved - and leaking. Lesson learned.

[@AZExpert]

I hope they took care of you

[@BonFShaw]

@@AZExpert I lost all faith in flush mounted skylights and roofers, so I installed curb mounted skylights because roofers can be trusted around galvanized metal flashing. And, yes, the roofers paid up for their mistake. Regards!

[@drishy94303]

This is the best RV maintenance / discussion channel on KZbin

[@johnp.6770]

Great video and really liked that you showed the difference between the types of sealer that is available to use on RV roofs. Have a 2017 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 33D and would like to see the generator service you mentioned at the end of the video. Going to take on a generator service in the fall and also looking to add solar panels to the roof that is “Fleetwood” pre-wired. Always appreciate the “outtakes” at the end that shows you having fun!

[@wandawilliams2397]

Would love to follow this thread. Is that possible on KZbin? 🤔

[@jeffstarkings5474]

James Thanks for another amazing how to video. Great information on sealants as well. Enjoy all your videos. Keep them coming. 😁

[@AZExpert]

Hey Jeff! Thanks for watching! :)

[@markstench4470]

Thank you for educating the masses James, appreciate your thorough explanation. What a gorgeous view.

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome Mark!

[@therealjayseh]

I took my RV to some guy 7 years back and he did Bedliner on my rubber roof. Absolutely genius idea. Now it's good for life basically.

[@jancash2944]

So glad you took time to work on your own RV . Hopefully we will find us a good motorcoach in the near future.

[@pault1964]

Just watched nomadic fanatic giving you lots of praise,braided pipe for his new toilet and you gave him details how to acquire it

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@NoelBarlau]

Excellent demonstration both of how to remove old sealant and also of your considerations when selecting a new sealant. It really helps out folks such as myself who are immediately lost in the woods with such a range of products available.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Noel! and Thanks for watching! :)

[@bobchallquist4577]

If that were a membrane roof of some sort how would you remove the sealant, thanks as always, great video and we appreciate the time you take out of your day for us.

[@marychristie6194]

Very interesting-We have a 2023 Newmar Dutch Star ordered and there are no skylights on it -They do that back bathroom cathedral ceiling for height in the shower -learning a lot about these roofs with your videos 😃🚌🇺🇸

[@AZExpert]

Hi Mary! Thanks for watching! :)

[@philw7174]

Yeah, getting to watch you do some work on your Beaver. Looks good, thanks for the tips. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Phil!

[@stevegordon5243]

Great video! The skylight on my 2001 Winnebago Minnie cracked at 3 of the 4 corners. I put some self leveling silicone on it to hopefully get by for a bit longer. Thanks for sharing that Icon Direct makes replacement skylights for ALOT cheaper than Winnebago. I will be purchasing a replacement from Icon Direct.

[@AZExpert]

Very cool!

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

I am gonna come visit you when I get on the road! 😁👍✌

[@AZExpert]

LOL ok

[@nealdavis350]

James said, "See, I make mistakes all the time." Yes, but you know it is a mistake quickly, AND you can fix it. Only part of why I'm a fan. 🙂

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Neal

[@carmencolon3520]

Glad to see that you're making time to care for your rv. Thank you James.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Carmen! Thanks for watching! :)

[@steveegbert3554]

Always very informative, thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@22howards]

Bloopers are very funny this video. Keep them coming. Very informative!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you! Will do!

[@MrBlankebw]

another great video James, never would have dreamed you were on tiktok. hate to miss your videos .

[@erniedavis8893]

Thanks for the video! I'm getting ready to do the same on my 2005 Tiffin Phaeton and this will help immensely!

[@farcohollis1369]

Thanx James! Another goodie to store in my vault….as soon as I can find a replacement for my outer skylight. So far it’s unobtanium!😖

[@AZExpert]

Try the manufacturer I listed

[@lorrieleaver2447]

I learnt a lot by watching your video and it’s given me additional security for buying an older model RV. Thank you for your demonstration and I’m sure you could start a subscription channel for all RV repairs and what to look for when buying a RV. Thank you 😊 I can’t wait for the finished product and what you had to do along the way. I’m sad to say that it’s likely not everyone will survive with their RVs due to the price of the fuel so if there’s any modifications that you can recommend to reduce the consumption bills please do share your thoughts. After this season or even before I believe the prices will drop substantially. Perhaps this will help people to buy something they couldn’t afford previously and wait out the recession for better times and possibly renting their coach in the meantime 😊

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Lorrie! You just described most of my videos LOL

[@terry3193]

Hi James. As usual, a very helpful and informative video. I do think it can be confusing of which type of sealant/caulk to use on the various types of RV roofs. It sounds like you prefer the self-leveling silicone on the fiberglass roof. I'll have to give that a try. I really enjoy watching the videos of the work you are doing on your Beaver motorhome. Look forward to others. Thanks for sharing and take care!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Terry

[@rtjautomotive]

It is a pretty coach.Anything else you do to it is added bonus.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks! :)

[@nataliatrumpo3893]

You’re SOO “under-cover”🤣🤣😂 I Love your knowledge AND sense of humor.🤣🥰

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@cullenmiller8170]

I just got some Dicor to take South with me to do my Beaver and bought one of those Milwaukee tools. I didn’t even think about using that to get the old sealant off. Thanks for sharing.

[@AZExpert]

Make sure its a DULL blade

[@theR1ddle]

Who else came here because of Nomadic Fanitics' RV toilet video? I'll be sure to subcribe here and watch more of your great videos. Thank you for showing us that great adapter sir!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@cruzer01]

Excellent video with a lot of great information. Thank you!

[@ernieb3626]

good info on what sealants to use. I ordered a Tube of Hengs before the video was over for my 2005 winnebago Voyage I just purchased. Man I wish your shop was closer I would love to pay for and inspection from you.

[@AZExpert]

Good stuff! Thanks for watching!! :)

[@CC-fx4nn]

I ended up replacing my own cracked skylight a few days ago on my 2018 Lance 1685. Even though the trailer was stored indoors, it is amazing how long the original skylights don't last. I bought the replacement skylight from ICONdirect, and ordered the screws and sealants that went with it. You are right that the sealant that was provided does not appear to be self leveling and you have to spread it yourself. It does not turn out to be as nice looking as the normal self leveling sealants. One concern that I have is that these skylights have a degree of expansion and contraction as the temperatures change. As the normal roof sealants age, they often become hard as a rock, which I suspect would interfere with the expansion and contraction of the skylight material. I suspect this is what cracked my original skylight as it really wasn't yellowed at all. This is the reason I installed my new skylight using the sealants and screws provided by ICON. Time will tell whether or not this was a good decision. I will say the skylight provided by ICON was about twice the thickness of the one that originally came on the trailer so I have high hopes it will last longer then the original skylight. The "fun" part was that Lance used what appears to be a Geocel adhesive between the original skylight and the roof membrane, which made the skylight removal challenging. Applying heat helped a lot, but it still was a time consuming process. Thanks for posting the great videos.............I always learn a lot!

[@scoobiedoo2517]

I like that no see thru skylight myself. It definitely looks a lot more durable!!!

[@AZExpert]

I think so too

[@gavinkeller183]

Great video James. I love that you share all your knowledge to us. Definitely saved us on our new to us camper being the first thing I looked at on all the used ones were the roof

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nyckhampson792]

Great job, 👍 also the test drop of Dicor (pls excuse spelling) to silicone sealant and showing it doesn't adhere was well pointed out. Also your RV is stunning bud. ✌️

[@dikd4019]

Great video James. Now show me how you’re gonna level up those slide outs. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@AZExpert]

It's on my list

[@jamesdrew7315]

Hi James, awesome video, I like the way you clean the surface and what do you use. Good information on those screws that were originally in it.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like it!

[@mavision6525]

Looking forward t9 the updates.

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Appears the "tooling" on the lap sealant did not completely flow out smooth? thanks as usual James.

[@AZExpert]

It's pretty smooth

[@mykgrauss9872]

Another great video James. I've missed your videos lately. Hope everything is going good for you. Regards, Myk

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍 I'm on the road currently with enough footage to make 40 videos

[@AZExpert]

YOu can follow along on Tiktok under azrvexpert ,i f you have the app

[@EM-fi2qg]

They also make a multi-tool blade that is not serrated. Its for removing glued down vinyl and other things like that. Im going to use it when I replace my vents and sunroof.

[@jmartin4030]

great video, why don't they use stainless screws on the side moulding, I have an old 1990 Elite RV and all the screws are rusted so bad I cannot remove them, I am concerned the roof is over the sides and front and rear caps, and am worried the roof may lift off... I have been drilling new holes between the original screws and using stainless screws..

[@AZExpert]

I've also used rivets

[@wandawilliams2397]

It didn’t occur to me that I could replace just the outer cover. Thanks for the video. I’m thinking go big or go home 😆 aka slightly larger “bubble”. Is this a plan or not so much? Oh it’s a 1992 holiday rambler imperial. (It’s the skylight over the bathtub so I’ve been procrastinating)

[@AZExpert]

I would try to stay about the same size

[@wandawilliams2397]

@@AZExpert thank you for the input. Pretty much all of her parts have different skew numbers than the ones it came with. But my parts aren’t the same as they were then either 😆

[@orvjudd1383]

I have a bit of info FYI. Whenever you paint over any plastic surface and if you get good paint adhesion, if the paint itself develops some cracking, that crack will carry through the plastic. I believe that there are some types of paint available that will not do that. Conversing with a plastics expert will help determine which paints react with which plastic substrates.

[@RebeccaRaven]

Always informative and entertaining....to watch someone else work! ;)

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheDesertdawg1]

The black sealing strip/plastic insert. I’ve replaced it twice on my 5th wheel in 4 years. Sits in the sun all year here in Az. I’ve ordered a tan version this time to see if it last longer.

[@AZExpert]

The sun is brutal here for sure

[@MaryWehmeier]

We have to do this on our ‘20 Holiday Rambler. Trouble is, it’s at triangle shaped. No one has one in stock. I’m going to need to send it in.. ugh

[@AZExpert]

That's annoying

[@papabapyro8169]

Glad you experiment on your own stuff hate when you try the latest and greatest on someone else’s only to find out a couple years later it was junk. Looks like you got some dust going on. Pretty clean under the dicor. 😜 Thanks always enjoy your video’s Cheers

[@AZExpert]

Yeah the desert tends to be rather dusty

[@hddm3]

Love your videos of repairs. Thank you. Godbless

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I still hear Beavis and Butthead whenever I hear beaver. LOL

[@AZExpert]

LOL, everyone does

[@rdrose61]

Great vid... looking forward to the future Beaver vids. You didn't comment on the cured "tooled" lap sealant but the 48 hour video looked like the untooled sides leveled out nicely. Thanks...

[@AZExpert]

Yes they did

[@chriswoodward5368]

Interesting we have a 1999 Prevost and was doing some roof up grades I used Dycor on one of them as every one is telling it is better than Silicone. Not at all in my experience. All roof jobs will be done with Silicone from now on. Interesting that there self levelling silicone available. You do great work.

[@AZExpert]

just make sure you remove all the old sealant and residues before using silicone.

[@MrMrWrench]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@byronewhite]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing

[@AZExpert]

My pleasure Byron!

[@leonardh8269]

Great content.....

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Leonard!

[@hectorperez7655]

well done job 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Hector

[@jay0726]

Super cool 😎

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@dinosaur6756]

So James minus the filming etc. how many hours labor would you have billed the client for a job like that? I don't want dollar amounts because I know every job is unique but gimme a ballpark on labor hours. Thx. Btw, great job as always. After watching you for the last couple of years I feel like I could tackle almost any RV project....except slides. Ain't nobody got time for that.

[@richbutinski1367]

Question??? If you extended the the wiring for the thermistor to put it to the outside of the unit...could you have just extended it down to the thermostat area...???

[@paulandtiffany2904]

Thanks for another great video! what brand of razor scraper did you use? I see you use it in a lot of your videos and can't fugur what brand it is. Thanks for all that you do.

[@nataliatrumpo3893]

I found a razor scraper like James has at Harbor Freight. It was called an “automotive scraper”. 👍🏻

[@johngreydanus2033]

If it were up to me, I would love a clear skylight; I mean who's going to be looking in and being able to see the blue sky or clouds or the stars would be awesome!

[@AZExpert]

I'll have to make a video if I get the chance

[@andrewspies1968]

Great video. I was under the impression however that you could not put silicone on a rubber roof. You mentioned that you can.

[@johnreyn19]

The roof is fiberglass not epdm. He mentioned that in the video.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@andrewspies1968]

No I know, I know the roof is fiberglass, but he also said that you could put silicone on a rubber roof. It was my understanding that you cannot do that.

[@Edwardmodos]

Aren't all Milwaukee oscillating blades dull?

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

When r u going to build a stairwell and tressel arrangement walk way around the roof so u can work on RV roofs easily instead of using a ladder?

[@AZExpert]

When I have time, which is never

[@OffGridAussiePrepper]

@@AZExpert thats the problem these days, they r time poor.... its a shit way of life and stopped doing that years ago.... for prepping and self sustainability, like we use to do b4 technology. So if it all vanishes tomorrow I hope i have a better chance of survival and in the interum live more frugal/sustainable.. and i am no greeny either but i love solar power generation as its nice and quiet and no mechanical issues to deal with.

[@BlackRVer]

Good Day James, by chance, do you know what type of roof is on a 2000 Prevost H3-45? It was a commuter bus that I am presently converting to an RV.

[@michelmichael8957]

Great video. Do you have a video on sealing the side of rv. The proper way to do it. I have a Winnebago aspect 30 J. And I'd like to remove sealant around the water heater and reseal it. They did a lousy job reasealing it when they replaced it. Thank you so much. And Winnebago did send me the sealant they use. Called Henry crystal clear sealant. 👍

[@AZExpert]

I dont think I have any specific videos but I have a bunch in the library

[@WilliamMarella]

Great video as usual. But I have a question, my skylight is broken and it has Eternal Bond tape over all the edges with self leveling Dicor on top. How do i get that mess off? Same way or is there a special trick to remove that tape?

[@Jim-vi4hh]

Thanks for sharing this video. I have now watched many of your videos in preparation of me replacing a bathroom vent fan with a MaxxFan vent. I wish I would have viewed this video two weeks sooner. I used the butyl tape for my installation and am hopeful that it will work fine but I like your rationale for using the liquid butyl and will be using that in the future. I am curious if self leveling silicone can be used for all RV roofs and why does it seem that Dicor is the predominate brand of sealant when it appears that the silicone is better?

[@Brian-os9qj]

Nice work, looks good

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@hammerdon1962]

Nice work

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@CatFoodDraino]

Not on topic but I have a question. You mentioned how to repair bubbled wallpaper on one of your videos but I can’t find it… I have a 2020 palazzo with some mild wallpaper bubbling (no water damage). What’s the best way to get wallpaper to stick back to the wall?

[@carmencolon3520]

Having same problem on my 2015 ACE. I thought removing screws around that area and pushing it back will do fine but I am probably so wrong 🙃 😅.

[@CatFoodDraino]

I believe you can use a hair dryer to get it sticky again and roll it back on. I’m hoping we can hear from the expert himself ;)

[@diesel46809]

Great job on showing how to replace a skylight. I need to do that on mine. I have a 1994 Fleetwood flair motorhome, not sure what style roof I have, rubber or something close to it. Would you have a idea of what to use to seal it up when replacing the skylight? Same as what you used. I know yours is fiberglass roof but not sure what to use. Thanks again and great know how video. Keep up the great work

[@AZExpert]

I list what I use in the video

[@diesel46809]

@@AZExpert yes I realized that when I watched it again. Thank you for responding to me.

[@OddsandSods26]

Gee, if you had a Canadian friend, he/she could bring down a couple of boxes of the washer top, self-tapping screws...but with a ROBERTSON head👍, for the ultimate grip and utility. Much better than the old fashioned Phillips head.🌴🌵

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@loveistheanswer8137]

Torx are the best screw head. They seldom ever strip, and the bit lasts forever. Robertson is second best. Phillips is just one step ahead of the old slot screw. Can't believe America is still holding out with the Phillips screw.

[@lindanadaud9698]

Great video.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sgeffen4892]

I have a Holiday Rambler that has a metal roof and have to replace the skylight. Would I use the same adhesive and caulking that you used on your skylight repair?

[@tomtaylor7709]

So I see you are using Acrysol to remove the (Mineral Spirits) to remove the Dicor amd adhesives. I have been using Acetone on thec Fiberglass roof of my 2005 Itasca. Is one better than the other?

[@BenjaminMedlock]

Fantastic content as always.

[@AZExpert]

Much appreciated!

[@jimdutton7008]

Getting ready to do the same one on my beaver. What part# would you use for the clear inner dome? If I see any issues with it once I open it up

[@MililaniJag]

As always Great Vid & Great Info! Thx!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@kpcrf450]

Another awesome Job James !!! Quick question I wanna install Rv gutter spouts on my Winnebago 31k C class. I don’t wanna drill what would u recommend I use to glue them on Geocel Proflex or some marine sealant slash glue thanks in advance

[@georgemorissette8856]

Good video. Thanks for posting. I just purchased a used 2021 Winnebago 25B. Unfortunately when I got it home I noticed the skylight is leaking. The. Sealant seems to not be bonded to the skylight in a couple areas . Is that common in a unit this new ? Thx !

[@WindyCityAudit]

Would the sealant be a possible issue for customs and maybe thats why it didn't come with?

[@rickl6697]

Can you use self leveling silicone sealant on a TPO roof? Thank you James.

[@AZExpert]

it is not recommended to use silicone on membrane roofs

[@terryayers7549]

one inch x 1/8 alum strips predrilled works real well to compress the sky lite edges down ..

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@dalegaines3577]

Thank you James, for another very informative video as always. I recently purchased a 2011 Monaco Knight and I am not sure which type of sealant was used on the skylight, vents, etc. The end caps have the alum. tape material applied over them. If you have any suggestions on how to determine which type was used would be greatly appreciated ! Thanx

[@georgemorissette8856]

What lap sealant does Winnebago use on 2021 Minnie Winnie 25B ? It doesn’t look like silicone. Thx. Also , if there is a slight bit of delamination on the inside of the ceiling panel one only one side . Should I be concerned? Only about 12” back on one side . Doesn’t seem to be any rot . Thx.

[@ricktaylor6373]

Always get something from your video’s 👍

[@AZExpert]

Glad to hear it!

[@anthonylawlor9130]

Will you get any condensation between inner and outer domes? Usually double domes are built in a vacuum type construction.

[@AZExpert]

I shouldnt

[@rerkens314]

Hello! Thank you for the series of excellent videos. For a membrane roof, we stick with plastic manual putty knife correct? And are mineral spirits ok on a rubber roof to clean? Much respect!

[@AZExpert]

plastic will still cut the membrane so care is just needed, ,mineral spirits and any petroleum product will damage the membrane. Alcohol on the cloth is best until you get the hang of it.

[@rerkens314]

@@AZExpert thank you!!

[@mikenavy360]

Looks good James, As all of your videos. Can you share a name for someone that could take a look at my basement air on my 05 Vectra. The last owner had two roof airs installed $8500, but this AZ heat is brural and I would like to run the basement air on a separate service.

[@deddie4645]

I don't know if you can get this anymore but they used to have window tint and spray can

[@AZExpert]

I dont think I have seen it

[@charliemartin-k7m]

I don't know why but the Don't Worry I've Not Sold Out Yet comment made my day.

[@AZExpert]

I would never hear the end of it

[@vincetoscano7018]

Hi James, thanks for the information. Do you know when you will be working on your main slide? On the generator servicing, I ended up cutting the cover panel to make it easier in the future to service the generator.

[@AZExpert]

Not sure yet, hopefully soonish--I'm absolutely SWAMPED. I'll definitely make a video

[@coreymerritt7742]

Hi James I purchased my fenders from icon perfect match as I live in Vancouver bc it only took 3 days lol 😂

[@AZExpert]

Nice!

[@garlido536]

How do you recommend cleaning old sealant and butyl tape off a membrane roof?

[@leannehendricks6116]

Love your videos. I have a 2014 Solitude with a EPDM roof that is turning gooey in spots. Dicor told me its the color coating. They are sending me a new TPO roof as a “good will gesture”. I have to ask… is it beyond recoating? And is 10k for labor a reasonable price to replace the membrane?

[@AZExpert]

I have been seeing that a lot lately. Its on my list of videos to make. $10k for labor is too high.

[@genemohney5566]

Looking at a Beaver right now that has the same leak, but the the ceiling around the shower several feet is stained, also, above the bed is stained, clearance light leaks maybe? Are the ceilings built in a way that sections can be fixed?

[@AZExpert]

No. You would need to replace the whole thing. More seams=more leaks

[@genemohney5566]

@@AZExpert thank you! Going to pass on that one!