RV Skylight Repair

#ilovervlife #rvskylightrepair #rvroofrepair For those who have an RV that is several years’ old, repairs often pop up due to general wear and tear. We recently experienced a water leak around the skylight in our bathroom. We inspect our roof at least twice a year and even with this effort, very fine cracks occurred in the RV skylight. On a recent trip, enough road vibration, hot sun then cool North Carolina evenings open these cracks. After a hard rain we discovered water dripping from the roof and knew we needed to act quickly.
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Visit our website for more I Love RV Life travels, tips and camper modifications at ilovervlife.com
Products discussed in this video:
Heavy Duty RV Camper Trailer Exterior Skylight - 18 x 26 OD - amzn.to/2YSzr2k
Dicor 501LSG-1 Grey Lap Sealant - amzn.to/2GQot5c
6-in-1 Painters Tool - amzn.to/2HlK5ce
Black and Decker Cordless Drill - amzn.to/2wVlCUX
Kline 11-in-1 Multi Tool - amzn.to/2JPLM3x
Purchased use of Digital Juice BackTraxx 1 End User License Agreement for Travelin. The Music may be used, altered, or incorporated according to the guidelines described herein into any production (including but not limited to, broadcast, commercial, industrial, educational, and personal).
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[@Keyn0rHaX]

Thanks for making this video! We just bought an RV and our first weekend we realized there was leak in the skylight. Now that I know how to remove the sealant and inspect for cracks in the skylight I feel much more comfortable doing this on my own.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Appreciate you watching Ken. Good to hear you found this helpful.

[@williamhager1872]

Excellent instructional video! Thank you for filming the process.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks William. Glad to share.

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

Good stuff. I will remember this for when we need it. Thanks 😊

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch.

[@toddspencer5926]

You're the man Jerry! Great video with the simple but true way to repair that skylight!! Not that I've done it before. But I really like how you do repairs remolding job's you share on your channel! Thanks for all your hard work on this video! Be blessed Jerry!!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch Todd. Glad we can share with everyone.

[@cmdavis74]

Great Video! Detailed, to the point, and good explanations as to why you did everything. Thanks! 😊

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@browniac]

This was an awesome video!! It's always a great help to see how someone who is as knowledgeable as you explain the details of such a crucial skill and task. And like you said it's not if it happens, it's when it happens! Thanks Jerry, now go get yourself a tall glass of sweet tea!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch Andy. Glad to share. This was one hot day! I bet I drank 2 gallons of water.

[@edmorse3529]

Another detailed video, thank you Jerry!!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Ed. Appreciate you watching.

[@philstucker1312]

Great video! Thank you, sir!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks.

[@rebeccadufrene4225]

Another great video!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Rebecca.

[@earlribaudo4807]

Great video, its good to see someone who can do minor repairs, and maybe not so minor repairs. Really enjoy watching your video's. Being fairly new with my fifth wheel, I have learned quite a bit from you. Keep up the good work and keep the video's coming.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks so much Earl. Glad to share.

[@adolph289]

AWESOME FIX

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks!

[@wk7060]

Another great video, Jerry!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@jenfugit7801]

"Gullywasher," haven't heard that in a while and I loved hearing it!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Haha! A gullywasher is little less rain than a frog choker 😏

[@normgibson6565]

@@iLoveRVlife like a flash flood

[@jenfugit7801]

@@iLoveRVlife I shared this information last night at work when someone said "gully washer" I said "Better than a frog choker!" Got a good laugh!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Great to know we got a few chuckles out of this one!

[@crystalherrin7858]

Another great informative video! You make me feel like I can do with you and the video next to me!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. You can. Most of this stuff is easy.

[@perrywillingham9109]

Good stuff !

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Perry

[@mikeandre9903]

Nice job thank you for the video👍👍

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Mike. Hope it was helpful.

[@jim-uu2db]

Made my day when you said "painters friend".

[@juanescobar687]

Thanks for sharing Jerry. Another thing to look forward too as a new rv owner. But at least I will know how to do it not if, but when it happens to me.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Juan. Stuff happens. I don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the views 😏

[@kalibaby78]

Good job I love learning this stuff no pansy here lol - Laurie

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks! Glad to share.

[@bethpace3472]

Seriously love you so much

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks much. Blushing a little bit.

[@rickeygreen7019]

Good job

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Rickey.

[@timf6916]

It sucks working on a hot roof. Nice video

[@iLoveRVlife]

Yes sir it does. Mucho better now.

[@xtyentertain4057]

Nice video and helpful 👍

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@octaviofuentes7781]

Thanks for sharing I just replaced mine and used self levelin sealant and the strip under the sky light to stop any water from going in Thanks again

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Octavio.

[@lindagross8112]

Jerry, you could ice wedding cakes. Good job!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Haha Linda. Thanks. Maybe as long as someone asked the cake to look like RV caulk 😉

[@srperk6163]

Good channel Jerry. And yep, it looks like a weld.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch. It’s been a while. Muscle memory I guess.😏

[@greglopez7345]

Great job, I have a leak in my sky light in the shower also thanks for that great information on how to my

[@iLoveRVlife]

Glad we could help Greg.

[@RVacationer]

Excellent demo of the repair and good catch to get it fixed before it would have gotten much worse. I think you did such a good job, I would be happy for you to do mine too. ;-) Actually we are paying to get a new RV Armor roof system installed on our Dutch Star in about 2 weeks. Looking forward to having mine fixed too. AWESOME video and "how to". Keep up the good work and stay out of this summer heat. ha ha ha maybe the neighbors are mowing your yard for you :-D

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch. Hear good things about the RV Armor roofs. If only, I had to cut mine the next day 😓

[@jayrichardson6872]

Hi there buddy. Great video. And yep you got me. I’m now a subscriber 😁😁😁😁 I’ve got the exact same problem on my motor home. But luckily I don’t have any cracks in the skylight. 👍it’s just the sealer that has given up the ghost. Well this is cold old England and it’s winter here so a good repair but a fairly quick one. Until the spring comes anyhow as it’s freeeeeezing here at the moment 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶roll on summer 😜😅😁👍 Anyway hope all is good. Stay safe 👍👍👍👍👍 And a superb repair you did 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks for the sub Jay. Glad the video was helpful. Hold on! Spring is on the way.

[@anders4621]

Thank you. RV and Trailer camper repairs are expensive as heck! so scared to fix my camper trailer but ima do it!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Glad to help.

[@vernondeadmond740]

When I replaced our sky dome I had my local machine shop to make a aluminum ring so I could clamp the sky dome down. I drill the holes to match the sky dome then inserted the screws then dealer it up with the appropriate sealer. I think that this will not put as much pressure on the sky dome screw holes. Maybe this will stop the sky dome from cracking at the screw holes.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@greghomestead8366]

A well done job is a job well done👍

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Greg.

[@greghomestead8366]

@@iLoveRVlife Hey Jerry. I've been using dawn soap in my tanks just like you suggested. I also us it to wash our rv but someone posted that dawn takes off the wax. I'd like to hear your opinion. Thanks in advance Greg in Michigan

[@iLoveRVlife]

Greg, it probably does a little work on the wax, but I put a good Meguires Marine Wax on mine every 3 years or so and can’t tell any difference.

[@greghomestead8366]

@@iLoveRVlife Thanks for the response Jerry. That must be good wax to last 3 years. Our rv is 1 year old and I used turtle wax but maybe I'll switch. We do keep ours in my inlaws barn for the winter but it sits outside spring to fall. Once again thanks. Have a Jesus Christ and Greg in Michigan

[@charlescastle1630]

Thanks for the instructional demo. My question is about the zig zag caulking you did over the screws and around the edges at the end. I heard some recommend using Eternabond tape instead because it doesn't leave a small dam between the skylight and the caulk that can hold water and eventually possibly leak. What do you think of this?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Glad to help Charles. I the follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never had an issue with it holding water.

[@ronnikaye9773]

oh boy. I have a leak over my toitie. I'm scared of heights but I am going to attempt this!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Sooner than later Ronni. If it goes to long, it can wick under the roof and create rot and mold.

[@bruchlandung1]

Nice job I have seen the screws are rusty I like to fill the screw holes with caulking which seals the screw head to the sky light nicely

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@biggyjames6483]

You was lucky I just bought a leak free national seabreeze and the first big rain I found water leaking into the shower I pulled of the cover and was swarmed by moisture ants and then I seen the black mold then I seen the little spots of rot in the thin plywood sheet that's on the insulation.There was no way to spot this unless there is a major rain event like what happened here for 3 days.I do not know if previous owner lied or not.I also found gaket leak in the bay.Hiw would u deal with the rot.I paid quite a bit for this motorhome and I thought I checked it out good .Look one over after a big rain before u buy.Thank you.

[@iLoveRVlife]

The skylights last about 3 years. Between to road vibration and sun baking them, fine cracks start at the screw holes and run. Should check the roof twice a year. Once the one crack starts, they run and others will follow. For the mold, scrape what you can then hit it with straight bleach every other day for a week. This should kill it.

[@rFifthWheeling]

nice pool I miss ours

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Don. We don’t get to use it much with our travels, but the kids come over and enjoy it.

[@rFifthWheeling]

sent you an email about issues with new truck

[@akllera]

I always carry flex seal for emergency fixs. Found my skylight had cracks yesterday. 😥

[@iLoveRVlife]

That’s good stuff. Sorry to hear the skylight cracked. Good news, it’s not a difficult repair.

[@johnnorman8424]

I enjoy watching your channel. Especially the fixes and the improvements.What part of Georgia are you from? I am from Douglas in south Georgia. We have a Keystone Passport Grand Touring TT.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi John and thanks. I know a little about the Douglas / Alma area. We have a home in Macon.

[@Hundert1]

Any idea what the best and least expensive brand clear opening skylight is available instead of the dome type that we cannot open or usually see through clear?? I've seen Hengs escape hatches and Heki brand but still trying to figure out which will work best. Thanks

[@iLoveRVlife]

No brand that I can recall. Give the folks at etrailer.com a call. They specialize in these types of products and have helped me in the past. If they don’t have something in stock, they can order with a short turnaround.

[@maxb2768]

Great video! When you took measurements for Amazon purposes, did you measure edge to edge?

[@iLoveRVlife]

I did, then made sure the skylight ordered had an inch or more flange for the screws.

[@mssixty3426]

Will there be a follow-up video showing how you finish up on the inside - also, how do you know/find out what material your roofing is? Great video as always - many thanks! I have a tarp over my RV roof at the moment.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch. Most RVs have a rubber roof either TPO or EPDM. These have a thick feel, almost a cushion. They are a little rough to the touch. My roof is a replacement after a not very bright fellow guided me into a large, low hanging tree limb. For the same prices as rubber, I went with PVC. A little more durable, very bright white, firm to the touch. Some units have fiber glass or aluminum, which are obvious.

[@mssixty3426]

@@iLoveRVlife Many thanks for your quick reply, I'll keep this video on filler for when I need to do this work on my rig. Happy travels!

[@VincentWestberg]

I'm glad I found this video thank you you so much. We just purchased a Forest River Wildwood and storm this week I noticed water on the floor. In the bathroom the skylight was damp I thought it was condensation from a shower. now I believe it is a leak. Do you know where I can find what size to purchase.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Glad we could help. Don’t let this go on. Leaks can quickly cause rot and mold. Until you can replace, find the cracks and put some silicone caulk to stop the leaks. This is a temp fix. Go on top and measure the outside flange. There are several common sizes. I bought this one off Amazon.

[@VincentWestberg]

@@iLoveRVlife thank you. I will get to this right away.

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

Can I use Dicor on fiberglass rooftop? Thanks

[@iLoveRVlife]

You can.

[@fredtew4162]

bleach doesn't kill mold you need to add soom borax to the solution this is what I was told by a restoration comp. just thought you needed to know

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@marilyngatson2289]

I just found a leak in my skylight but how do you remove the inside. I removed the screws but the inside would come out.

[@iLoveRVlife]

I’m doing this again over the next few weeks. Cracked inside and out. Carefully take a putty knife and work around the edge. The manufacturer may have used some type of adhesive to seal the fixture.

[@arkansastraveler7698]

Wish mine didn't have a dome, I keep a 4 inch thick foam push into it to keep heat out.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Ours is a 2 piece. With the air gap, it keeps the bathroom from heating up.

[@arkansastraveler7698]

@@iLoveRVlife mine is too, but it still let at lot of sunshine in.

[@timlist4173]

Looks good, did you need to clean the prepped area with a cleaner?

[@iLoveRVlife]

I did. Little window cleaner. Had to speed things up. Was hot as a frying pan that day and skipped some of the minor shots.

[@timlist4173]

@@iLoveRVlife Thanks, was wondering what you used. seen others using acetone, but i think that would be a bit harsh.

[@chrismichael3486]

I bought a used RV trailer, and I have no idea what kind of roof is on it. Is there any way to tell one type from another? What happens if you use the wrong type of lap sealent?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Chris. Mine is a little rare. You don’t find many with PVC roofs. Most RVs have rubber TPO or EPDM roofs. Easy to tell the rubber type. They are a little rough to the touch. When you press them with a thumb, they have a bouncy feel. There are those that are aluminum or fiberglass and obvious when you see these. Plain Dicor lap sealant works for most.

[@peterkettelkamp7162]

@@iLoveRVlife I have a TPO roof on my Keystone Cougar. I contacted Keystone and they said to use Alpha Systems sealant. Apparently Dicor makes a TPO compatible sealant called Dicor ULTRA.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

i saw you replacing another skylight. did you have 2 different rvs with the same problem? or did the job you did on the 1st one didn't hold up. thanks.

[@iLoveRVlife]

We had another one fail. Did the job correctly, unfortunately the hot sun in the southeast weakens the plastic over time causing small fractures.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

@@iLoveRVlife i have seen people applying 303 aerospace protector and they swear by it. or some have applied that liquid henry even on their awnings. i am doing what you did on your last video thank you for posting that. Also i know you said you sprayed bleach to remove black stains , did you leave it on for a few days did you have to scrub? what did you use?

[@iLoveRVlife]

303 is an excellent product. For the bleach treatment, a couple hours was all we needed. A light brush and let it dry did the trick.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

@@iLoveRVlife ty i used a rag. 😀

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

Hi Jerry, just checking in after you have this installed for a little over a year now. How is the new skylight holding up? Has it faded at all? I need to replace ours and want to replace it with one that will last and not fade. I hope you and the family are doing well. Mike

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Mike. It’s held up well. No issues. I suspect over time it will discolor. The sun is pretty intense on these plastic components.

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

@@iLoveRVlife Only time will tell, we never know :)

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

@@iLoveRVlife I'm debating on getting the white one or a clear one. We have a clear one now and am wondering how much light would be decreased by having a white one. Do you know?

[@iLoveRVlife]

We have a white. Much preferred. Gives a nice diffused light. Plenty bright for the barhroom

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

@@iLoveRVlife Good to know, I appreciate your response and enjoy your videos

[@blainemcdonald6972]

The screws appear to be rusty and the substrate material is rotting out do you figure that the screws would still hold? Doesn’t appear to be a good long lasting repair in my opinion.

[@iLoveRVlife]

It wasn’t rot. I would have replaced. The wood and screws had gotten a little discolored. Once dried out, I pulled up the roofing and all was in very good condition.

[@petersallander2455]

Ii would have put it around the screw and then tighten them down.

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Did you just use one tube of white sealant ?

[@iLoveRVlife]

I did.

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

@@iLoveRVlife Thank you 🙏

[@Bigfish11]

How old was the skylight?

[@iLoveRVlife]

4 years. Think the screws were too tight. Cracks ran from screws up.

[@peterdement]

Get some knee pads.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Have some. Was to hot to wear them. Not a good excuse.

[@normgibson6565]

@@iLoveRVlife gardening pads work great and don't sweat as bad

[@iLoveRVlife]

Buying some for the next job.

[@akllera]

I was up on my roof when it was 94. Not a fun job. You should have used knee pads. That roof gets HOT.

[@iLoveRVlife]

That it does. These summer roof maintenance tasks are something else in this heat.

[@normgibson6565]

Don't you just love leaks? Leaks the one thing I don't love about RV life.

[@iLoveRVlife]

No kidding Norm. They can be a pain. Worse they sneak up on you when you least expect!

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

Di-cor is junk when working on Rubber PTO or even fiberglass Roof Seika Flex or MI with a bonding agent last 20 years

[@stevestratton1888]

Is there anything more annoying than the way a cordless drill sounds on KZbin?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Maybe, but when working on a project, it’s sounds like progress.