Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:53:13 -0800
Reply-To: Adam Grove <roverini@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Adam Grove <roverini@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 1991 Vanagon Camper: skylight / roof vent leak
In-Reply-To: <3FC70B02-E5CC-4954-B615-BEBEC6AC301A@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Perhaps it is a bigger "fix" than most would want but I removed the
skylight in our 91 which was just fine but I needed something to provide
more ventilation. I replaced it with a powered "Fantastic fan" now sold by
Dometic I believe. It meant cutting a bigger hole and making a trim bezel
for the inside and running power but boy, did it make the van more livable
in the heat of a Yukon summer!. The problem in Alaska and Canada is
mosquitos and when they are bad and the van is only ventilated through the
sliding windows and the old skylight, it gets unbearable. We now modified
the rear hatch mosquito netting so it actually seals and can leave the
hatch open or partially open and locked with the little latch extender
thingie, turn on the fan and have fresh cool air blow right over our heads
and up out of the roof top vent in a cooling hurricane. I would never,
ever go back.
Our fan has several speeds, turns itself on and off on a thermostat and
closes when it senses rain. It is one of the best modifications I have ever
made and made the pain of cutting the hole bigger well worth it. Parts are
easily available and the 14" x 14" size is a universal RV vent size it
seems.
Of course installing this meant installing a 100ah lithium battery under
the driver's seat etc but that runs our auxiliary freezer which sits
between the front seats and makes ice for my wife.
Adam
1991 Syncro Westy
On Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 4:37 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi wondering what the original poster decided.
>
> I wanted to read about the modified skylight version but could not
> get the site to work. But I appreciate the site link. It looks like a fun
> site with useful info.
>
> I have had a couple skylights fail over tme. Usually cracking
> along the outer edge.
>
> I thought my 84 needed a new one but a little tightening up and
> some cleaning of the seal seems to have solved my concern.
>
> I have a skylight from Bus Depot on hand with gasket as I don’t
> like needing one and not having it ready to go. The one I purchased is a
> double version that I hope keeps out a bit of heat. Or maybe keeps in some
> warmth when using the heater.
> Frankly, I’d be happy to replace it with an aluminum version that
> would not crack and yet I could open for venting if needed. Of course, I
> don’t care about the light being blind.
>
> All things being the same, if I had the earlier Poptop without the
> skylight I’d be happy with that and the lack of future repairs and leaks.
>
> Eric Caron
>
>
> > On Aug 24, 2023, at 12:13 AM, Ben T <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > The Skylightguy (Trevor Reid) used to make the kits for both BD & GW. He
> pitched the product and GW ended up knocking off the product and produce on
> their own. BD eventually bought out Trevor and now produce the skylights.
> Trevor had been selling to VW dealers. BD probably took over that business
> model as well.
> >
> > The mechanisms themselves might be coming from European sources. Just
> Kampers has a long time relationship with Bus Depot. Maybe Ron Salmon can
> clear that up.
> >
> >
> > BenT
> >
> > On Aug 23, 2023, at 1:49 PM, Ryan Cresawn <jrcresawn@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > My skylight / roof vent in the fiberglass top has developed a small
> leak.
> >
> > The previous owner repaired cracks in the plastic frame that houses the
> gear and lifting mechanism and used a gasket sealant around parts of it. I
> have considered replacing the skylight seal alone or replacing the entire
> > skylight. I see two options online:
>
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