Skylight flew away.

vzac

vzac

Joined
Aug 26, 2021
Posts
1,049
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Location
Fleetwood, UK
Funster No
83,741
MH
a class frankia
Exp
since 2011
Just heard this almighty noise and noticed we had no skylight. Found it several meters up the campsite. Just landed in France as well. Need to find a frankia dealer, so no heading to the sun, sea or mountains just yet.
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No need for a frankia dealer just a caravan or motorhome shop that sells spares. It's a standard heki skylight
 
Yes - I removed the top of one of mine earlier this year to give it a proper inside and out clean.

There are two metal pins in the hinges that you need to pop out, I think I used a small screwdriver. Gently prise the handle into the slot - there are some small protrusions each side that run in the slot. Makes sense when you see it!
 
B+W vanman said:
Easy to fit?
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Yes if reasonably competent you can remove old one. Clean up and refit new one in under an hour.

I've done dozens by now as I've removed all skylights and resealed them on most of my previous vans and fitted replacements on a few

Removed aircon unit and fitted a heki on this one just a few months back .

Very easy job

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JimmE said:
Yes - I removed the top of one of mine earlier this year to give it a proper inside and out clean.

There are two metal pins in the hinges that you need to pop out, I think I used a small screwdriver. Gently prise the handle into the slot - there are some small protrusions each side that run in the slot. Makes sense when you see it!
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He will need to replace the whole unit not just the top as it's broken
 
Oh gosh, what a shock for you, I'm really sorry to hear this. Were you driving at the time? I hope you are able to put together a temporary cover for the space, and that you can find a workshop to install a replacement asap - so that you can continue on your holiday. 🤞
 
As the van is less than 12 months old, I want to make sure that the habitation warranty is not void if I fit a new one. Not looked at the hinges on the roof yet, they may need replacing, that could involve screws or sikaflex. On a new van not my cup of tea.
Thanks for the support.
 
I'm sure you've already found this, but just in case, here's a link to the Frankia dealer network - you can filter on service partners - hopefully you'll find one near you in France. 🤞

Dealer Search - FRANKIA

Here you can find a FRANKIA dealer or service partner near you – in Europe and worldwide.
www.frankia.com www.frankia.com
 
vzac said:
As the van is less than 12 months old, I want to make sure that the habitation warranty is not void if I fit a new one. Not looked at the hinges on the roof yet, they may need replacing, that could involve screws or sikaflex. On a new van not my cup of tea.
Thanks for the support.
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Should be a warranty job then.

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Lenny HB said:
Should be a warranty job then.
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I doubt warranty would cover wind damage or user error .

The amount of vans I pass driving with skylights open is unreal ...some aren't even secured on the latch and are flapping up and down .


I've lost a remis one in high wind when parked up but the hekis have lock catches to prevent it happening.


Can't see the framework being undamaged though...I reckon it will require a full replacement
 
March Hare said:
Oh gosh, what a shock for you, I'm really sorry to hear this. Were you driving at the time? I hope you are able to put together a temporary cover for the space, and that you can find a workshop to install a replacement asap - so that you can continue on your holiday. 🤞
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Hi, no not driving at a camping aire in Calais. A gust of wind caught it and snapped it clean off.
 
Lenny HB said:
Should be a warranty job then.
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May be, but it was on the lowest setting open and a gust of wind caught it. So not sure they will warranty that. Will enquire Monday though. Fingers crossed
 
Northernraider said:
I doubt warranty would cover wind damage or user error .

The amount of vans I pass driving with skylights open is unreal ...some aren't even secured on the latch and are flapping up and down .


I've lost a remis one in high wind when parked up but the hekis have lock catches to prevent it happening.


Can't see the framework being undamaged though...I reckon it will require a full replacement
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I think you are going to be correct on that, i can not see how the hinged side can not be damaged.
 
I would have you could just replace the top, as long as it hasn’t damaged the frame hinges, it only has a couple of plastic pins.
It a design fault on these mini heki roof lights not locking on the first position, that’s why I made a aluminium locking device and have since had PaulandChrissy design and 3d print a better version
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IMG_5234.webp

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Manic said:
I would have you could just replace the top, as long as it hasn’t damaged the frame hinges, it only has a couple of plastic pins.
It a design fault on these mini heki roof lights not locking on the first position, that’s why I made a aluminium locking device and have since had PaulandChrissy design and 3d print a better versionView attachment 1121415View attachment 1121416
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Not sure how it works but would like a couple if that's possible.
 
vzac said:
As the van is less than 12 months old, I want to make sure that the habitation warranty is not void if I fit a new on
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If they suggest that then suggest a small claims court will be coming as the item was not fit for purpose.

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gus-lopez said:
If they suggest that then suggest a small claims court will be coming as the item was not fit for purpose.
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It's a standard heki skylight Richard...I thought everyone was aware to not leave them on the first or last opening during wind as not secured . The second slot has locks to hold it in place.

Nearly all modern motorhomes and caravans have them fitted but I'm willing to bet it's a minority that are lost in the wind .

So I don't think a not fit for purpose claim would hold much water. There must be millions of these sold
 
Cling film as a temporary bandage, if you're able to get on the roof.
Mike.

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Northernraider said:
It's a standard heki skylight Richard...I thought everyone was aware to not leave them on the first or last opening during wind as not secured . The second slot has locks to hold it in place.

Nearly all modern motorhomes and caravans have them fitted but I'm willing to bet it's a minority that are lost in the wind .

So I don't think a not fit for purpose claim would hold much water. There must be millions of these sold
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Yes we left it on the first opening, but had forgotten or thought we had closed all 5 yes 5 openings, but had left that one open on vent over the bed.
 
vzac said:
Yes we left it on the first opening, but had forgotten or thought we had closed all 5 yes 5 openings, but had left that one open on vent over the bed.
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I've often had mine on the first setting then a gust of wind has lifted it enough to knock it off the setting and it to drop down to the closed position ...that's usually enough for me to then close it properly or secure it on the second position with the clips. It's possibly just been luck I've never lost a heki skylight but I've lost a remis one the same way you did as it has no securings

I imagine it must have been a good strong gust to rip it straight off.... I had winds like that in Ireland...had to move a few times in the middle of the night lol
 

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