Hi Whats rhe general opinion of traveling with skylights open ie fully open or closed on the leading edge or is it a no no to risk traveling with them open thanks debcon
There's probably no one answer to that. I think the two we have can be open a little but I don't remember what it said in the instructions. Personally, we close ours (sometimes forget!) every time as there is little to be gained from having them open.
Closed and LOCKED SHUT is what I've always seen instructed.
The slipstream when towing can be remarkably powerful and not just damage, but completely rip off any open skylights or windows.
It's difficult to tell what effect wind will have as dependent on aerodynamics of the van, and it may well change with speed, it may try and push the vent closed to such a degree the hinges/stays can't stand the strain, or it could act the opposite way, like an aerofoil and try and lift, again putting too much strain on the hinges/stays, either causing damage, and once damaged potentially total loss.
It's an expensive and troublesome fix if it gets damaged! Why would you need/want to travel with them open?
Seem to recall someone on here not so long ago, arriving at their destination with entire front overcab window missing from their MH, because it hadn't been fastened tight before journey!
I've found it necessary to shut my skylights in strong winds, as they were being strained and buffeted too much, and at risk of damage. That's a LOT less wind effect than found at towing speeds!
Pre departure checks that come with the MH say they should be locked shut.
Apart from the risk of the lid blowing off (meaning rain comes in at your next campsite, while you go online to order a replacement at £££), why have the extra noise? I know people who have covered over their skylight because of the down draught over the cab.
Wind down a door window if you want fresh air. Much safer.
Absolutely agree locked down. We have forgotten once and no harm done despite being a very windy day but would, as other posters have said, recommend keeping them firmly closed when on the move.
I always travel with mine closed, and it is on the list of things to do before setting off.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 28/8/2022
Drove behind a VW campervan with its pop top roof still up, a few weeks ago. I’d have thought an alarm would have gone off to alert them.
My PVC does not have alarms to warn me about window/roof vent being opened, hence I have a checklist before I set off to make sure they are all closed and secured beforehand.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 28/8/2022
Drove behind a VW campervan with its pop top roof still up, a few weeks ago. I�d have thought an alarm would have gone off to alert them.
My PVC does not have alarms to warn me about window/roof vent being opened, hence I have a checklist before I set off to make sure they are all closed and secured beforehand.
DK
We have a checklist too. But the VW campervan didn�t have its roof light open as it drove away down the main road. It was the whole ROOF that was up, with the standing room at the cab end.
As well is two words!
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Topic: Sky llights and traveling
via mobile 27/8/2022 at 4:43pm
