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!

[@drishy94303]

This is the best RV maintenance / discussion channel on KZbin

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@jancash2944]

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

[@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! :)

[@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

[@markstench4470]

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

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome Mark!

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

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

[@AZExpert]

LOL ok

[@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!

[@22howards]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thank you! Will do!

[@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! :)

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@nataliatrumpo3893]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@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. ✌️

[@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! :)

[@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? 🤔

[@MrBlankebw]

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

[@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.

[@philw7174]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Phil!

[@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

[@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! :)

[@erniedavis8893]

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

[@cruzer01]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@steveegbert3554]

Always very informative, thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carmencolon3520]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Carmen! Thanks for watching! :)

[@rtjautomotive]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thanks! :)

[@scoobiedoo2517]

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

[@AZExpert]

I think so too

[@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

[@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

[@mavision6525]

Looking forward t9 the updates.

[@hddm3]

Love your videos of repairs. Thank you. Godbless

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@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

[@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!! :)

[@RebeccaRaven]

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

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@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

[@byronewhite]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing

[@AZExpert]

My pleasure Byron!

[@scarter176]

Battery powered caulking gun is a nice touch. Even trail.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@MrMrWrench]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Nice work, looks good

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@hectorperez7655]

well done job 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Hector

[@leonardh8269]

Great content.....

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Leonard!

[@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.

[@hammerdon1962]

Nice work

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@jjohnson8867]

Are replacement lenses available? I have the diamond shape skylight

[@MililaniJag]

As always Great Vid & Great Info! Thx!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@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

[@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

[@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...???

[@terryayers7549]

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

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@ricktaylor6373]

Always get something from your video’s 👍

[@AZExpert]

Glad to hear it!

[@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.

[@lindanadaud9698]

Great video.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@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

[@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

[@BenjaminMedlock]

Fantastic content as always.

[@AZExpert]

Much appreciated!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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 😆

[@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?

[@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

[@WindyCityAudit]

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

[@Edwardmodos]

Aren't all Milwaukee oscillating blades dull?

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@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 !

[@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

[@cwshumate914]

Looks good. You need to make a trek East to beat the heat.

[@AZExpert]

Then I hit the humidity! I dont know what is worse

[@cwshumate914]

@@AZExpert very true. We were at about 98% humidity earlier today here in the Cincinnati area.

[@jay0726]

Super cool 😎

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@garlido536]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@richardmondor1360]

So if one cant get Heng's what do you recommend instead?

[@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!

[@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”. 👍🏻

[@TRUCK_TECHNICIAN]

What do you think of sikaflex construction sealant

[@anthonylawlor9130]

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

[@AZExpert]

I shouldnt

[@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

[@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 ;)

[@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

[@calvinlogan3668]

Lemme know when this is for sale please!

[@chrisk164]

Love your videos bud

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@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.

[@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?