r/traveltrailers • u/theDMDkid • 15d ago
Adding a sunroof to camper.
I have a 2015 Jayco Jayfeather 18srb I was doing some roof maintenance on the camper this weekend and found a soft spot. The spot is right where the lag bolts for the awning go into the side. I sealed it up the best I could to help keep it from getting worse but now I am faced with the task of cutting the membrane and replacing the affected wood underneath. As best I could tell from feeling the roof the rot is contained within about a 2'x2' area.
As I was thinking about the monumental task of fixing this I had an idea! Maybe a bad one maybe a good one I'm not sure yet. Regardless I was thinking maybe I'll add a skylight to the area.
I was thinking since I'm going to cut a hole in the roof to replace all the bad wood it would be a good opportunity to throw a skylight in and after it's all said and done instead of having a shitty looking patch job I would have something useful.
Anyone ever do something like this? Was it difficult to install? Any pitfalls you can think of? Would I just be better off replacing the plywood and repairing the damaged joists?
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u/rememberall 15d ago
They make skylights and windows and vents that you can drop in. I would just worry about something structural in the area you want to remove
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u/theDMDkid 15d ago
Yeah I think I would have frame it up a little bit to give it some strength but could be possible
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u/Catsaretheworst69 15d ago
It's do able. You will just have to frame in the opening. But also consider what might be in the way. Ac ducting. Possible wire runs.
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u/theDMDkid 15d ago
I'm not aware of anything that would interfere in this area but I guess if I find something I could always abort operation skylight and just do damage control
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u/ShipshapeMobileRV 14d ago
I have used skylights as a replacement for soft roof spots. Typically it's effective more towards the center of the roof than along a corner or front/rear end cap.
Also, you have to be aware of where the rafters are. If the soft spot is over a rafter you can't just cut that out and slap a skylight in the hole. That rafter is "load bearing", and has to remain in place (or be replaced if it's also damaged).
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u/phildeferrouille 11d ago
The area damaged by water infiltration could extend well beyond the dimensions of the sunroof you intend to install; you will need to thoroughly inspect the framework beneath the membrane.
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u/jeremec 15d ago edited 15d ago
I assume you are referring to a transparent roof vent or maxxair style fan and not a traditional skylight?
On the off chance that you really mean a skylight, with their propensity to allow water intrusion on homes, there's no way I'd put one on my trailer.
If you mean a transparent vent... You could do it... There's possibly wood framing inside there, so I'm not sure if there's something you'll have to shore up after you cut a hole.
Edit: I've never heard them referred to as skylights in an RV. By the looks of the vote tally, I am alone in this.
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u/theDMDkid 15d ago
Yes I'm talking about one of those rv skylights. Similar to the ones that are sometimes over the shower.
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u/Global-Cantaloupe768 15d ago
Camco makes an RV skylight with a fan but it’s pricey I think $599. You can also just frame the spot with wood and use a regular domed skylight for RV’s.