adding a skylight to roof

[Jayjohn]

I have purchased a 2012 Jayco Flight Swift 198 RD
The interior looks like it could use a skylight to brighten things up in the middle of the trailer.
My question is: is this possible? I know it would be a big job but I would like to hear from anyone who has done this. I imagine it would involve removing the inside paneling and framing in a wood box to contain the skylight/fan and also for the roof membrane to rise over.

[Bassdogs]

Is this do able? Yes. Would I do it? No. Why? Cutting a hole in your roof is almost always a bad idea and I do not think a vent/fan enclosure would provide that much light. Opening window shades and adding a couple interior accent light would be a better solution.

Once you cut, you're committed and there is no going back. Not a good idea.

[troutslayer]

I did it twice on my 5er. One powered and one not and they both added a bunch of light. I think you should be able to see pictures on my site. The first thing to do is call (or email) Jayco, give them your VIN and ask for the roof schematic. That should tell you if they pre-built the box in the roof structure. If they did, it's a piece of cake to install a new vent. Good luck!

[Mustang65]

I originally was going to install one but when I measured the temperature around the skylight in the bathroom, it was over 100 degrees. One skylight in the bath room radiating heat was enough. Plan cancelled.

Don

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by troutslayer

I did it twice on my 5er. One powered and one not and they both added a bunch of light. I think you should be able to see pictures on my site. The first thing to do is call (or email) Jayco, give them your VIN and ask for the roof schematic. That should tell you if they pre-built the box in the roof structure. If they did, it's a piece of cake to install a new vent. Good luck!

X2 on contacting Jayco for the roof skematic, that will tell you where the framing is located. Very doable. If your handy no big deal. I have been thinking about adding another vent in my htt. My roof structure is fairly thick. I suspect you can cut the roof penitration (inside and out) then reach in and do the work, aka make the framing.

As for sealing the outside use eternbond tape.

[spoon059]

Seems that an additional light or two would be vastly cheaper, less likely to leak and provide better lighting year round and during the cloudy and dark times of day as well. Even better, an interior light has almost no chance of leaking water into your roof, nor adding solar heat gain in the summer.

Perhaps you add the LED lights on the newer Jayco's that other members are complaining are too bright... maybe see if some of those guys want to trade some LED lights of theirs for the dimmer halogen in yours.

[Jayjohn]

Thank you for all your input, I will contact Jayco to get as much info a I can on the roof framing.
This is a future possible project for consideration at this time.

[Fairenatic]

I think it all depends on where you use your RV and how much. Living here in Texas, I wish my new Eagle did NOT have skylights. I will be full timing in March and the heat a skylight can generate really makes them less attractive. And with the new energy efficient LED lighting, I see no use for them in my state. They generate too much heat or let in too much cold in weather extremes.

I would rather control my lighting without the ill effects of weather. But, it would not be to big of a deal if I did not use my RV but on the rare occasion.

[Crablad]

We have the 2013 eagle 31.5 RLTS and instead of a skylight we put plexiglass in the screen door. Lets in lots of light and we can still run the air conditioner or the heater without losing too much of either Found the instructions somewhere in the mod forum

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

They generate too much heat or let in too much cold in weather extremes.

I would rather control my lighting without the ill effects of weather. But, it would not be to big of a deal if I did not use my RV but on the rare occasion.

Last summer, I eliminated the heat issue from the bathroom sunlight (120 degrees+) and front bedroom vent during those bright sunny days. I had a large scrap piece of CELOTEX insulation board (R4 - 3/4" thick) and cut it to the needed sizes. They both fit nice and tight and are easy to remove. The side windows provide enough light in the bedroom and the bathroom has an outside door window. I still have 4 natural light (not bright white) 650Lumin LEDs in the 2 bathroom ceiling fixtures (DW request), 2 in the bedroom ceiling fixture, to see in the closets. They are actually brighter than the skylight. Since the prototypes work, I will now cover them with contact paper, to make them look good.

How do they work you ask? PERFECTLY!!!! No heat passes through them.

They even keep the COLD out in the winter. You would probably pay $20+ for store bought inserts. Home Depot has a 4x8x3/4" insulation board for around $15, you can glue the remainder of the board to the underside of the bed for those cold winter nights...

Don

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

Last summer, I eliminated the heat issue from the bathroom sunlight (120 degrees+) and front bedroom vent during those bright sunny days. I had a large scrap piece of CELOTEX insulation board (R4 - 3/4" thick) and cut it to the needed sizes. They both fit nice and tight and are easy to remove. The side windows provide enough light in the bedroom and the bathroom has an outside door window. I still have 4 natural light (not bright white) 650Lumin LEDs in the 2 bathroom ceiling fixtures (DW request), 2 in the bedroom ceiling fixture, to see in the closets. They are actually brighter than the skylight. Since the prototypes work, I will now cover them with contact paper, to make them look good.

How do they work you ask? PERFECTLY!!!! No heat passes through them.

They even keep the COLD out in the winter. You would probably pay $20+ for store bought inserts. Home Depot has a 4x8x3/4" insulation board for around $15, you can glue the remainder of the board to the underside of the bed for those cold winter nights...

Don

It will be on my list of Things To Do. I am also thinking of just painting over them or pouring a sealer over the entire sky light(s).

[Danmer]

Hi guys, can you tell me the Jayco's email address, I need the roof information on the 26bh, thinking to install a ladder, thank you!!

Dan

2014 Ford F150 5.0
2015 Jayco Jayflight 26bh

[Mustang65]

service@jayco.com

Make sure you add your VIN
Don

[Danmer]

Thank you Mustang65, take care!!

Dan

2014 Ford F150 5.0
2015 Jayco Jayflight 26bh