Dangerous roof light - partial solution

MargaretandDerek replied on 02/04/2019 11:29

MargaretandDerek

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?

Gallery

29 replies

MargaretandDerek replied on 04/04/2019 14:19

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MargaretandDerek

Caravanner

Posted on 02/04/2019 15:27 by JVB66

We only use our large rooflight on our bailey when we are in,we get add ventilation by using the smaller roof lights that can be "locked"in the first stage of opening,i would think any large rooflight of any type would be "vunerable"in windy conditions

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:19

This problem happens in what could be called moderate to mild conditions if the wind direction is right ie average British weather, where any design that was "fit for purpose" should be OK. The small light can't be used on my van, as the locking is only in the fairly open position which lets rain spray in and onto the bed if it showers.

MargaretandDerek replied on 04/04/2019 14:25

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MargaretandDerek

Caravanner

Posted on 02/04/2019 16:32 by NevChap

Yes, I am surprised that the roof lights didn't have catches to secure them in the open position like they did on the original ones. However, I noticed that the latest models have gone back to having catches to stop them being blown right open when they are in a partial open position (or rather the ones I checked at our dealer's did have).

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:25

Thanks for this information. I had asked my local dealer if the design had changed to include a lock, and they said no. I will have to look at some new vans and see if I can find the ones you describe.

MargaretandDerek replied on 04/04/2019 14:28

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MargaretandDerek

Caravanner

Posted on 03/04/2019 06:36 by Justus2

Some years ago we had a Lunar with this same Heki midi roof light.

The second time we used the van we left it slightly open as it was very warm, a little breezy and at that point we had not realised how poorly secured they were.

On our return we found it had been lifted by the wind, had cracked at the hinges and a few bits of the plastic were on the floor by the draw bar. Having borrowed some steps, bought some plastic sheet and duct tape we repaired it as best we could.

We bought and fitted a replacement plastic dome... £190 at the time.

https://www.leisureshopdirect.com/ventilation/caravan-roof-vent/dometic-heki-rooflights/dometic-midi-heki-rooflight-and-spare-parts/dometic-midi-heki-glazing-panel-replacement-dome

We never ever opened it again. It is a very poor design.

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:28

You experienced exactly what is my worst fear, the roof light being broken. Did you claim the costs off the manufacturer on the basis that they had integrated a component into their product that was "not fit for purpose"?

MargaretandDerek replied on 04/04/2019 14:30

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MargaretandDerek

Caravanner

Posted on 02/04/2019 12:53 by brue

We forgot about the design fault when we had a caravan with this type of roof light over the fixed bed. It resulted in a pool of water on the duvet due to a thunderstorm when we were out, luckily the whole thing didn't snap off. Yes it's a bad design, our newer one in the motorhome can be partially locked but I think they are flimsy if bad weather occurs.

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:30

Interesting to hear that you had the same problems. Have you seen the post by "Justus2" where the roof light did in fact break?

Whittakerr replied on 04/04/2019 14:35

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Whittakerr

Caravanner

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:07 by MargaretandDerek

I'm puzzled. There is no spring in the Video. You can see the opening bar for the roof light. If you mean the photos, then there again is no spring, although the nylon chord in the photo where I have wound it, then tied it around the opening bar could look a bit like a spring.

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:35

There is a spring clearly visible in the video at 1.15. It is attached to the operating arm and the back of the gray bracket on the roof light and as lornalou1 says it looks as if it will assist any wind in lifting the roof light.

Justus2 replied on 04/04/2019 15:09

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Justus2

Motorhomer

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:28 by MargaretandDerek

You experienced exactly what is my worst fear, the roof light being broken. Did you claim the costs off the manufacturer on the basis that they had integrated a component into their product that was "not fit for purpose"?

Posted on 04/04/2019 15:09

The dealer as I remember wasn't in the least interested nor could they get a replacement part.. It was about 8 years ago and I just wanted to get the van in use again so a DIY repair seemed the cheapest and quickest way to move on from the event. I just couldn't be bothered to chase it any further.

lornalou1 replied on 04/04/2019 15:38

lornalou1

Caravanner

Posted on 04/04/2019 14:07 by MargaretandDerek

I'm puzzled. There is no spring in the Video. You can see the opening bar for the roof light. If you mean the photos, then there again is no spring, although the nylon chord in the photo where I have wound it, then tied it around the opening bar could look a bit like a spring.

Posted on 04/04/2019 15:38

well I must be seeing things as just watch again and see a spring attached to the grey bracket fastened to the window and the other end fastened about a third of the way down the white arm/lever.