Since a truck camper is so small to begin with and it has four operable windows, three operable vents (two with fans) and a full size door with screen, I didn’t feel the need to have another vent. So I choose to make a fixed Skylight (albeit small).
I got an inside bezel and mounted it so I could determine how much to cut off, using a chalk line and holding it tight to the mounting surface I marked it.
I found something the correct size to use as a cutting guide, in this case a piece of 2.5” angle. I cut one side at a time keeping the saw tight to the edge of the metal. I actually cut about ¼” short of the caulk line so the bezel does not rub the skylight.
Here it is installed
I picked up some ¼” Polycarbonate (same thing as Lexan) and cut it on the table saw to fit the opening, than eased over all the edges.
Using blue painters tape I marked all the hole locations
Drilled the small holes first, through the Lexan, fiberglass and into the plywood. Than I enlarged the holes in the Lexan a bit larger than the screws to allow for expansion and contraction.
To allow for squeeze out I added cardboard to the camper and tape to the Lexan, after the installation I will remove both for a clean line of sealer.
Since I needed to move the Lexan many times after drilling the holes I added the Blue arrow, it tells me which side is up & forward.
Sealed and screwed
Masking removed
Screw heads sealed and bezel installed
Our new low profile skylight.
Now I just need to do something with the rear vent and maybe then I can drive the truck & camper into the barn.
I have a pull shade that I may install for the times we don’t want all the light, until than I've got a vent pillow that inserts for insulation in the winter.
I think if I was doing this I'd have the lexan dish in a little to create a bird bath. Would be fun to sit at the dinette and watch them walk around in it.. Maybe even have a little fountain..
06 Ford F350 Dually/ Crew/ PS / SB
Lance 820.......
Good job. A couple of things: You're going to need that pillow in the summer too. How much height does the vent cover add to the fantastic fan? Does the fan have a rain sensor?
One thing I noticed from your photos that is news to me since I am researching your brand of camper for a later purchase.
It appears that your camper has a separate piece of fiberglass around that opening with some ribbing to give it strength for an a/c. I was under the impression that your brand camper was a two piece clam shell construction, and that was a superior method of construction to avoid leaks.
However, it appears that there is another section that is set on the roof, screwed together, and then sealed.
Am I correct? or is that just an illusion?
Thanks,
Conch Cruiser
1999 Chevy 3500 SRW 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed
1996 Coachmen Ranger 100SD
Tork Lift Front Tie Downs
Happijac Rear Tie Downs
Ride Rite Air Bags
Polar Cub AC Model 9201a-776 8,300BTU
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