RV skylights are great stuff to improve the quality of light in RVs. They can provide natural light where there may not be a light or light source in your recreational vehicle.
But nothing lasts forever, and the RV skylight is no exception. No matter how dedicated you are and how well you take care of it, you will need to replace it someday. Therefore, understanding RV skylight replacement is essential.
The good news is that camper skylight replacement isn’t complicated, and you can complete this project yourself. Here are some steps you need to follow to get the job done.
Now, let’s get into the details!
A Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Things
Let’s start with preparing the RV skylight replacement kit and tools you will need for this project:
A new RV Skylight: If your current RV skylight is too old, making it impossible to determine the exact size, it is wise to buy a broader or bigger model, which can cover the whole opening.
- Sealant: Once you get the matching RV skylight, read the owner’s manual carefully to buy the sealant the manufacturer recommends.
- Putty Knife: With the help of at least one putty knife, you can quickly get rid of the old sealant and RV skylight without damaging the roof.
- Extra Screw: The screws used for your old RV skylight may be rusty. So, buying extra screws is necessary.
- Screw Gun: It’s difficult to fasten the new screws and attach the new RV skylight with your bare hands. So, you will need to prepare a screw gun.
- Expandable rag and gloves: We recommend gloves for safety reasons. It is also a good idea to prepare a rag to scrape up and clean the excess sealant.
- Mineral Spirit: This clear liquid, derived from petroleum, can help you clean excess sealant with ease.
Step 2: Use a Putty Knife to Remove Old Sealant
To expose the screws of your old RV skylight dome, you will need to remove all the sealant. You can use a putty knife to scrape the old sealant without damaging the roof.
Step 3: Remove Old Screws
Once the removed sealant reveals the old screws, unscrew them.
It is best to replace them with new screws. But if you find they’re not damaged or rusted and are good enough to be reused, it is okay to utilize them again.
Step 4: Get Rid of the Old RV Skylight Dome That Is Damaged
You will need a putty knife for RV skylight dome replacement. Loosen the dome before pulling it from the roof and slowly prying it between the roof and dome. You need to do this step carefully to avoid damaging the roof.
Step 5: Remove Remaining Sealant
Once the dome is removed, use your putty knife to scrape the remaining sealant. You can scrape the sealant more easily with the help of Mineral Spirits and a rag. Get rid of as much of the old sealant as you can.
Step 6: Use a Sealant to Fill the Original Screw Holes
Once the old sealant has been scrapped completely, use new sealant to patch the holes. Cover a single thick layer of sealant around the holes and make sure they are covered entirety.
Step 7. Dry Fit Your New RV Skylight
Place the new RV skylight onto the sealant. You need to put it at the center of the opening and shake it back and forth to flatten the new sealant layer.
Step 8: Use Screws to Fasten Your New RV Skylight
You will need more than the old screws for this replacement. So, get the new ones and fasten them to the new dome until it starts to flex.
Step 9: Use a Sealant to Cover the Edges of The New Dome and Screws
This step aims to create a barrier between the inner part of the RV and the water. All you need to do is apply sealant around the edges and atop the new screws.
Step 10: Dry the Sealant and Check for Any Open Spots
When the sealant dries, it will shrink slightly. After a few hours, recheck the dome. If you see places that need more sealant, cover them soon.
Things You Need to Know About RV Skylights
Now, you should know the basic steps of RV skylight cover replacement. Let’s take a look at some factors you need to know about the RV skylight.
There is no denying that RV skylights can significantly increase the natural light in recreational vehicles, especially when it is chilly and dark. Plus, the additional sunlight can minimize moisture and mold buildup in your camper.
Most RV owners will benefit from owning the RV skylight, so taking good care and maintaining it is essential.
1. The RV Skylight Cover
The main role of the RV shower dome cover is to block off the inside of RVs from the outside. It comes in various colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can pick one that suits your camper.
2. The RV Shower Skylight
Most recreational vehicles feature a shower skylight. The RV bathroom skylight will provide great shadingwhen bathing outdoors and deliver privacy.
3. The RV Skylight Dome
The RV shower skylight is the most popular. It has a curved top and a rectangular or square base. This design is eye-catching on any RV.
FAQs
1. What Causes RV Skylights To Wear Out?
Normal tear and wear occur due to the item’s use, especially when the bathroom features a moist and perpetually damp environment. Water can weaken the seal around your RV skylight. So, it’s always best to take good care of it.
Also, when your skylight is foggy or damaged, it will reduce the amount of light reaching inside your RV. This necessitates replacing the old skylight.
2. How much does it cost to replace an RV roof?
On average, RV roof replacement costs are around $300 per linear foot. As a result, you can expect to spend anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on its length.
3. How Can I Measure My RV Skylight for Replacement?
Before replacing the RV skylight, it is necessary to buy a new one.
Of course, the most accurate method to measure your RV skylight is to remove it and measure the skylight piece itself. But then, you would need to reinstall it or cover the opening immediately until your new skylight arrives.
It might not be an issue if you are somewhere dry and sunny. However, if you are in an area with a lot of rain, you won’t want to keep your skylight open and uncovered for too long.
First of all, you should check out the owner’s manual carefully; you may find the exact measurements right there.
If you no longer have your owner’s manual, and if the RV skylight dome is located directly on the RV roof like ours, it is possible to measure around the exterior.
Measuring around the dome/bubble may also be necessary as some skylight suppliers ask for both measurements.
In addition, a few skylight manufacturers ask for the bubble height, which can be taken from inside your RV.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you will find our RV skylight replacement guide helpful when your old RV skylight is ready for replacement.
Remember that once you discover your RV skylight is damaged or cracked, it is wise to replace RV skylight to avoid permanent damage from leaking.
Thank you for reading, and happy fixing!
Welcome to a new journey! I am Rober Clark, also a full-time RV-er and currently exploring the US with Dane. I have four years of working as a contractor, so building a home inside the RV is an extremely rewarding task for me. I find new challenges and new limits to break every day.