Camper Skylight Replacement and Roof Repair

[@roypboston1]

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]

Thanks for watching

[@cinmay2000]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks.

[@johnw3724]

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]

Thanks for the tip.

[@johnw3724]

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

[@michaelsimi2397]

Once I replaced my skylight I just covered over it with 4” dicor tape. No more heat. Some light comes through. No worries about hot Arizona sun.

[@iLoveRVlife]

That works. We use an insulated insert for the summer and let the winter sun in to add in little heat.

[@michaelsimi2397]

@@iLoveRVlife cool. I wonder about the insulation pillow and heat buildup. Both my clear skylights are yellowed and brittle. The white vent/fan covers seem ok. Going to try a white skylight cover this time.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Haven’t had an issue with the heat build up. Unfortunately, the plastic used in these skylights just don’t hold up over time. 303 UV spray about once a month helps a little. After a few years if they get the slightest bump they tend to crack.

[@dinarefior1892]

Hi I just found your channel 10 minutes ago we are watching in our RV 5:20 We just got pelted with 2 hail storms 1 hour ago golf ball and baseball size. We lost both sky lights.This video is going to be very helpful thank you. I'm gonna let all of my fellow campers here know that lost there sky lights too😊

[@iLoveRVlife]

I’m so sorry yo hear this happened to you all. Glad you found our channel and hope it makes your replacement easy.

[@DreamingOutloudRVing]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@jdaniels1371]

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]

That’s great. Glad the video was helpful.

[@frostieswift4887]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch.

[@toddspencer5926]

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]

Thanks a bunch.

[@jenfugit7801]

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]

Thanks so much Jen.

[@insanity4411]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch.

[@williamfry6087]

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]

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

[@mikeandshawnahual4072]

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]

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

[@deepnature6117]

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]

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.

[@n1njazx7]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch.

[@MrBNARick]

I fixed mine permanently... removed it and decked over the hole when I put the new roof on.

[@davidblessing8724]

Well done Jerry , Thanks for sharing !

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks and always.

[@redthreads5258]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks and glad we could help.

[@TheBuellerBunch]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

So very true.

[@scottfranson4215]

Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge.

[@iLoveRVlife]

My pleasure Scott.

[@chancee1]

You did a great gob,thanks for sharing this

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Danny.

[@tommcl386]

Great job!! Love your videos

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Tom.

[@LenvilleMartin]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thank Len. Thanks for watching.

[@carmenmorales1365]

Good job

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@mssixty3426]

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]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about the damage.

[@stevefrederick8215]

Keep the up the good helpful vlogs Jerry.🍹

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch Steve.

[@normgibson6565]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@ronlangham3071]

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]

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.

[@LenvilleMartin]

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]

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]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

What a pain Nathan. Can only imagine the damage.

[@rossbagley9015]

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]

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.

[@pigybak]

labor of love.

[@iLoveRVlife]

So true

[@dustinmccune6481]

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]

Thanks for the tip.

[@ronstacy6054]

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]

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.

[@VickiHipsher-t7g]

How do you measure the skylight to fit. How do you measure the skylight to fit the Same spot

[@iLoveRVlife]

I measured the exterior dimensions of the flange.

[@kevincameron8437]

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]

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

[@tombrown6464]

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]

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

[@lauraleevanommenkloeke3325]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@thomasbumgardner6970]

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]

Oops. Misspoke. Should have said 2014.

[@MScottBlalock]

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]

Nope, just got a little head of myself.

[@tecmah]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@southcreekoutfitters]

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]

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/

[@sealanderadventures]

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]

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.

[@bounderchris]

Shouldn’t you be using butyl tape under the top skylight instead of lap sealant?

[@iLoveRVlife]

I’ve used both. Can’t tell a difference.

[@FixingCrappyCars]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@briangregory5161]

Can you share the link to get both of them skylights

[@iLoveRVlife]

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]

Did you buy 2 of the same ones

[@briangregory5161]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@tommcl386]

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]

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]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

You bet.

[@jal8888]

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]

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

[@joewolters2399]

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]

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.

[@johnnycarroll5007]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

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]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks for watching.

[@AngelaRoberts-y7n]

Can we get a link to the skylight on Amazon?

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@robertnewman1593]

Thanks Jerry. What brand.of sealant was that?

[@iLoveRVlife]

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

[@trina3176]

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]

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

[@frankmitzen2008]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Agree!

[@sallyolson1166]

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

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Used a tripod to keep the video steady.

[@DonGebhardRealtor]

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]

Oops. Misspoke. It’s a 2014.

[@wk7060]

👍

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@mdolanot]

How do you know if you have PVC or fiberglass?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Our roof is PVC.

[@jos9569]

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]

That would be an interesting project.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Here’s the link amzn.to/3BIi2jT

[@3969120a]

Far too much negative NLP! (I Love RV Life?)