MargaretandDerek replied on 02/04/2019 11:29
Posted on 02/04/2019 11:29
I think the Roof Light manufactured by Dometic Seitz is a dangerous design. It can slam open unexpectedly, leaving the van exposed to rain and potentially breaking the light right off. It is fitted to many caravans makes, including my Bailey.
The problem is that when the light is latched into one of its two slightly open positions, gusts of wind can unlatch it and slam the roof open. Photo 1 shows the light fully open on my return from a day out, after it had been left in the slightly opened ventilation position.
Here is a video showing the fault and how this happens: https://youtu.be/sxhl97c4YWc (Video opens in a new window)
Has anyone else had similar problems? (The older version of the roof light had a positive lock, as shown in Photo 2, so didn’t have this problem.)
When I suggested to Bailey that they were using a faulty design of roof light and ought to do something about it, they said it wasn’t their problem, it was Dometic’s. (However, I think that it would be the caravan manufacturer who would be liable should damage or costs be incurred because of an item they chose to use that ‘was not fit for purpose’ and they had been made aware of the problem.)
PARTIAL SOLUTION
Photos 3 & 4 show my solution. I have used thick nylon cord (threaded through the vent holes), to tie the opening bar in its open positions, so that gusts can’t unlatch or rip off the roof light. Photo 5 shows what I do with chord when the light is closed.
Not the most elegant solution, but better than having a holiday disaster! Has anyone come up with other solutions to this problem?
MargaretandDerek
Caravanner