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Topic: Sky llights and traveling

debcon

via mobile 27/8/2022 at 4:43pm
Location: west yorks
Outfit: Caravanett

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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

SoggySteve

27/8/2022 at 6:00pm
Location: Bristol Uk
Outfit: 2012 Outwell Trout Lake 4 & Tarp

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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.

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Monty15

27/8/2022 at 6:17pm
Location: London
Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524

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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!

Fiona W

via mobile 27/8/2022 at 7:43pm
Location: Ayrshire
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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.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

Dot P

via mobile 27/8/2022 at 8:15pm
Location: North Wales
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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.

dk168

27/8/2022 at 11:25pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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I always travel with mine closed, and it is on the list of things to do before setting off.

DK

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birdman101

28/8/2022 at 8:34am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

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Have caravanned nearly 50 years now and have always locked down. But still lost one about 35 years ago when towing in high winds..

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Prospector

28/8/2022 at 9:19am
Location: Hedon East Yorkshire
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Always locked down.

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Paul

Just-us3

via mobile 28/8/2022 at 2:52pm
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Closed and lock every time though we’ve forgot before now.

chrisandsandra

28/8/2022 at 4:39pm
Location: Somerset
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Always locked.

We saw an open one fly off a motorhome roof in France once when we were following on the autoroute. Frightening.

Fiona W

via mobile 28/8/2022 at 5:39pm
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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.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

Mrs. Bonce

28/8/2022 at 7:54pm
Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Why on earth would you want to travel with them open? we have forgotten occasionally and have been alerted by other motorists.

dk168

28/8/2022 at 10:22pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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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

Fiona W

via mobile 28/8/2022 at 11:02pm
Location: Ayrshire
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 28/8/2022

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. Iï¿½d 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 didnï¿½t 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.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

blueexpo97

29/8/2022 at 5:14pm
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Down and locked, always.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

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