[SteveSS]

Why chance a window given all the flat RV skylights that are available?

 

[diytech]

I haven't found one with a low enough profile (like the universal auto sunroof kits of the 80s and 90s). I often carry building materials, etc. on my cargo roof rack, and the universal sunroofs fit almost flush to the vehicle when closed. Flush when closed will result in the least amount of wind induced noise as well.

The target installation place is the flat metal section behind the cab (I think designed for that purpose anyway), and something like the AW 1033 appears like it would be perfect if it won't leak.

Do you know of any alternatives? I looked a boat hatches, but the sizes are odd for that roof panel, and those are really $$$.

 

[SteveSS]

I haven't found one with a low enough profile (like the universal auto sunroof kits of the 80s and 90s). I often carry building materials, etc. on my cargo roof rack, and the universal sunroofs fit almost flush to the vehicle when closed. Flush when closed will result in the least amount of wind induced noise as well.

The target installation place is the flat metal section behind the cab (I think designed for that purpose anyway), and something like the AW 1033 appears like it would be perfect if it won't leak.

Do you know of any alternatives? I looked a boat hatches, but the sizes are odd for that roof panel, and those are really $$$.

Yeah, you don't what a dome skylight then. Flat ones exist. Dometic maybe. I think @Lolaeliz has one.

 

[Lolaeliz]

Yeah, you don't what a dome skylight then. Flat ones exist. Dometic maybe. I think @Lolaeliz has one.

I have this one. I put it in the back, using a DIY/ @Hein adapter. I believe they can make custom adapters if that helps with the other shylight @diytech is looking at.

Not sure it's low enough for what @diytech is looking for. Mine looks different from the one they are selling now. Looks like thay angled the shape of the dome -- lower at the hinge end.

 

[SteveSS]

I have this one.

Thanks. Yours isn't flat after all.

I know I've seen flat ones, but I may be thinking boats instead. I thought I remembered flat ones in RVs we've rented in Europe. But they probably would have been Dometic too. @diytech maybe look into cheaper marine knock-offs.

 

[diytech]

Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I did find a photo on the 'net of someone who fitted a CRL 1530 sunroof, and that's the profile I was hoping for. However, they did say the install was complicated by the curvature of the CRL not fitting the flat sheet metal of the van.

The bigger problem now is finding any universal sun roof (they have all been taken off the market, likely due to liability concerns). That's why I wondered if the awning window product would hold water in a horizontal orientation.

 

[MsNomer]

I wouldn't bet on it. Opening windows are designed for water that flows in one direction. The CRL is not designed to prevent water from coming in from underneath when installed in its proper upright position.

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

Arctic Tern make roof mounted ones

 

[HippieGypsy]

However, they did say the install was complicated by the curvature of the CRL not fitting the flat sheet metal of the van.

More than 3 years ago I installed a CRL 1530 in that uncorrugated section of roof just behind the cab, as in the pic you found, @diytech. No leakage whatsoever in that time. The 1530 was only ever so slightly curved and the roof flexed to conform to it very easily. I am not entirely sure that section of roof itself didn't have some small curvature to it. I think the notion of a marine hatch per @SteveSS is the way to go, they have much more robust frames than the 1530 and what else used to be offered for automotive skylights.

 

[proeddie]

I bought a CRL 1530, but didn't use it... sold to someone on the forum who did...

Looks available here: