2022 Imagine Skylight Cracking Badly

[Miklb58]

I've searched and read through the forums as much as my brain can handle in reference to replacing our badly cracked skylight.
I'd prefer to not have to replace the inner diffuser/trim if I don't have to, and don't know how to determine this other than ordering a GD replacement, but since my skylight cracked so badly, I'm hesitant to go that route. In my reading I saw posts that GD had an issue with them cracking, and our TT was purchased used, so it's not a warranty thing.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good quality replacement skylight that doesn't require replacing the internal diffuser/trim part?

[Jlawles2]

I don't have a part number for it, but I had the dealer install a tinted cover over our skylight to help keep the heat down in the bathroom. You might try that option vs pulling the sealant and fighting that headache.

[howson]

I've searched and read through the forums as much as my brain can handle in reference to replacing our badly cracked skylight.
I'd prefer to not have to replace the inner diffuser/trim if I don't have to, and don't know how to determine this other than ordering a GD replacement, but since my skylight cracked so badly, I'm hesitant to go that route. In my reading I saw posts that GD had an issue with them cracking, and our TT was purchased used, so it's not a warranty thing.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good quality replacement skylight that doesn't require replacing the internal diffuser/trim part?

I'm not sure I understand why the internal diffuser/trim is a concern? That's just a decorative piece. What is a concern is the actual skylight (mounted on the roof) cracking. Those cracks let in water -- the #1 enemy of RVs.

This is the interior decorative diffuser:



This is a typical skylight showing the screw holes for attachment to the roof. (The screws are buried under sealant.)



TucsonJim has a good thread on what he did when replacing his skylight. See https://gdrvowners.com/forum/exterio...ht-replacement

Howard

P.S. The reason most skylights crack is because GD used the wrong type screw on installation. Probably not the right term, but they used concave (angled) head screws instead of squared off (flat) head screws. They also overtorqued them, which is normal. Unfortunately.

Howard

[TucsonJim]

Miklb58 - I replaced my two outer skylights in 2021 and documented it on this forum. Here's a link:

https://gdrvowners.com/forum/exterio...ht-replacement

The link shows the skylight I purchased from Amazon. I sold that trailer a few months ago, and the skylights still looked to be in great shape.

Jim

[Miklb58]

I'm not sure I understand why the internal diffuser/trim is a concern? That's just a decorative piece.
Howard

Hey Howard,
Thanks for the reply.
Sorry that I didn't state that concern clearly. I'm a little unsure as to whether a different make/model that's shaped slightly different (which all appear to be shaped differently) will contact the inner diffuser/trim piece. That is all.
The thread that you referenced by TucsonJim was one that I'd read recently! Very good write up.
I'll send TucsonJim a PM asking if the brand he used worked without interference from the internal diffuser/trim.

Thanks again!

[Miklb58]

Miklb58 - I replaced my two outer skylights in 2021 and documented it on this forum. Here's a link:

https://gdrvowners.com/forum/exterio...ht-replacement

The link shows the skylight I purchased from Amazon. I sold that trailer a few months ago, and the skylights still looked to be in great shape.

Jim

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the input! Your detailed write up was great!
Did the replacement skylight you used clear the inner diffuser/trim ok? With different shaped replacements, I was concerned that the skylight might contact the diffuser.

Mike

[TucsonJim]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the input! Your detailed write up was great!
Did the replacement skylight you used clear the inner diffuser/trim ok? With different shaped replacements, I was concerned that the skylight might contact the diffuser.

Mike

The inner diffuser and trim were the original and they didn't interfere at all.

Jim

[Miklb58]

The inner diffuser and trim were the original and they didn't interfere at all.

Jim

Fantastic!
I will order one based on your success.
I was considering purchasing the Icon brand, but they recommended using their own sealant, and I don't know enough about plastics to know if the Alpha self levelling &/or Butyl Tape might cause an allergic reaction to the plastic.
Lastly, in your write up, you said:
"Step Six - Apply new lap sealant. I used Alpha Systems Super Flex beige self leveling lap sealant."
I don't find a product at Alpha (or Lippert) by that name. Was it just the 1021 Self Levelling Lap Sealant?

Mike

[TucsonJim]

Fantastic!
I will order one based on your success.
I was considering purchasing the Icon brand, but they recommended using their own sealant, and I don't know enough about plastics to know if the Alpha self levelling &/or Butyl Tape might cause an allergic reaction to the plastic.
Lastly, in your write up, you said:
"Step Six - Apply new lap sealant. I used Alpha Systems Super Flex beige self leveling lap sealant."
I don't find a product at Alpha (or Lippert) by that name. Was it just the 1021 Self Levelling Lap Sealant?

Mike

I think they changed the name a while back. 1021 is the correct product.

Jim

[BillinTexas]

This is the one I used. I also documented my replacement on our Transcend in 2021. I don't have the link to that thread.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[howson]

I also documented my replacement on our Transcend in 2021. I don't have the link to that thread.

Here's your thread: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/exterio...nt-outer-cover

[Miklb58]

I think they changed the name a while back. 1021 is the correct product.

Jim

Great, thank you!
I assumed the 1021 would be good, so a skylight, butyl tape, screws & lap sealant should all be here in the next couple of days.

Mike

[Miklb58]

Country Campers Advised me the next morning that my pics did not come through, so I edited the post. Hopefully they're showing now.

I completed the skylight replacement today.
The type of screws used was not the issue, but just a poor job. Over tightened screws, Screws not hitting the butyl tape under the skylight, and one screw completely missed the skylight.
December 2021 build date.

Terrible workmanship to say the least.

Left rear cracks. This is the only one that I thought I had until a few weeks ago.
All those white lines are cracks with lapping in them. The cracks were present when they applied the lapping.
The gooey stuff all along the radius is my patching over all the cracks last week to stop water intrusion.



A completely buried screw


Right front cracks


Right rear cracks


Installer fails the eyes closed attempt


New skylight screwed in place


The screws I used (stainless)


After one tube of Alpha 1021 Self levelling lap sealant


I purchased 3 tubes of the sealant but only used one so far. Should I use more?

[Country Campers]

Miklb58

Mike,
If you attached pictures they did not make it.

Brian

[Miklb58]

Miklb58

Mike,
If you attached pictures they did not make it.

Brian

Thank you for letting me know.
I think I fixed it.
Last night when I made the post, I used the "Upload Attachments" button at the bottom, and they were showing for me in the post.
I edited each one this morning using the image icon at the top, so I believe they're showing now.