Skylight Diffuser

[mazeeff]

I have made a very simply mod to my 2005 3255RL, that has had a big impact and only costs $1.59! I have noticed that my last two 5th wheels with skylights over the shower, let in a tremendous amount of heat and light. The sunlight was so intense that it slightly discolored my tub over time. I did not want to lose the headroom I get with the skylight, so I looked for another solution. Forgive me, if someone has already figured this out! I went to Walmart and bought a basic white bath towel for $1.59. I removed the 8-10 screws that hold the lower part of the skylight to the ceiling, and removed it. The skylight is a 2 piece model, with a void in between. I placed the towel over the lower piece, and replaced it back into the ceiling. I still get a fair amount of light through the towel, and have reduced the heat load about 75%. Makes a big difference in the summer, and reduces the fear that my wife has about someone climbing onto the roof to watch her shower!!!!!

[azstar]

I like it. The "KISS" principal in action. (Keep It Simple Stupid).
Good idea Mike.

Happy Camping

[NJ Hillbilly]

I bought a cheap windshield sun shade, cut to fit and velcro'd it up. It blocks a lot of light especially if You park near a street light.

John

[Northstar]

Some good ideas. Keep it up. Happyrving.....

[VanMan]

I took mine apart to clean it and repaint the white trim. I suppose you could paint the whole thing any color you like. The paint should be on the side toward the sky on the inside piece. The new Krylon Infusion spray paint for plastic is GREAT !!

[sreigle]

Mike, I like your idea. We'd like to keep some light coming through so your post spawned an idea of using window tint film. I'd put it over the top of the lower part as you did the towel. Only question is whether the curvature of the skylight would prevent a nice smooth application of the film. Maybe some window tint liquid application would be better. Will have to think this through.

[jsmitfl]

Steve, just read your post about the curvature on the skylight. I havent pulled mine down to check how much it curves but if its not to bad how about laying the film out on the bubble and then use a hair dryer to form if you will the film. Hotter here ... hotter there as it is needed. I watched the person do my wifes camero rear window. Noone else was doing them in one piece but this fellow did a great job. Something to try.

[mazeeff]

Window tint is a great idea. Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

[sreigle]

jsmitfl, that sounds workable to me. I'd not thought of that. I also have not pulled ours, just looked at it from down below. I assume the curvature is the same on top of the bottom piece but don't know that for sure. Maybe mazeeff will see this and can enlighten us.

Thanks for the idea, sounds like it might be worth a try. In the worst case the film should peel off (I hope) if I really messed it up (messing things up is one of my strengths.)

[jsmitfl]

Steve I didnt mention that you heat it up before pulling the film backer off. This will help from messing up. At least if you do itll not stick to the window.

[sreigle]

Good to know, thanks jsmitfl.

Mazeeff, didn't see your post earlier. Will do.

[mazeeff]

If I recall, the curveature of both pieces is the same. After I installed the towel, I went up on the roof to sse what it looked like. The towel appeared to be a uniform distance from the top dome. This would indicate that they are the same.

[VanMan]

They have a LOT of curvature !! Perhaps a window tinting paint - something that's really intended to be translucent like this this

[sreigle]

Great advice, everyone. Thanks!

Had to chuckle about something I read on the link VanMan provided. It says --

--quote--
Product has chemical known to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm in the state of California.
--end quote--

I guess if you're not in California when you use the product then there is no potential for harm.

[captbanjo]

I'm having my mother, who is handy with such things, take some foam rubber material and seal it in a custom measured piece of material to approximate one of those skylight pillows that block the sun. Then we'll just put it up at night, same as with the regular sized ones.

[Bill and Ann]

I may be a little late for this post but here is what we did to cut the heat. We installed bubble wrap between the two layers. It lets the light in but keeps the heat out.
We used the large bubble wrap and folded it over two or three times.