Thanks for your excellent video. We just replaced our broken square skylight with the Maxim. Your supply list was really helpful. I was able to source the adhesive and stainless screws on Amazon. Only addition to your info is we used Goof-Off Pro Strength to loosen the old adhesive, and sanded down with some sandpaper to get all the old sticky residue before the new install.
Great video. Just finished my install and watching you helped a lot. By far the hardest part for me was cleaning off all the old adhesive that Airstream used, it was really on there. I am very happy with the result!
Awesome video and Maxim Skylights thanks you for providing this very informative installation video to all your viewers. Safe travels! David - Maxim Skylights
It was our pleasure. You make such great skylights that this is one of our favorite mods to our Airstream. They are so well made and provide more insulation than the standard skylights that during a resent overnight snow fall, the snow did not melt off the skylight until the sun hit it in the morning. I really enjoy looking out them at night and seeing the stars. Please feel free to share our video with your customers thinking of doing this upgrade to their Airstream.
Maxim Skylights did not sponsor this video or offer any support in our purchasing these skylights. We bought them on our own and wanted to share the installation procedure with our TH-cam audience. If you are interested in purchasing from them, their website is the first to pop up when search their name.
Quick note to say thanks for this video. Used your tips to do mine just now. Other than taking some time to get the old one and that 3M tape off it was as simple as you made it look. Thanks!
This has turned out to be one of my favorite mods that we done to our Airstream. I really enjoy looking out these skylights over the stock Airstream ones.
Quick question . . . I've had two Airstream dealers refuse to install Maxim skylights on our Globetrotter because it is too difficult to order the correct size. After watching your video, I may take this on myself but wondering how you determined the size to order prior to taking the old skylights off so you could accurately measure the flange? Thank you!
This is from memory- so check Maxim website for has on how to measure the opening, please check there to confirm what I am telling you is correct. You want to size the Maxim skylight 1/4 inch larger than the outside of the curbing for your skylight on your Airstream. Because the factory skylight are transparent- I was able to measure the opening with out removing the old skylight. Add a 1/4 inch to each measurement- this will give you 1/8 inch on each side. Installation is easy. The factory skylights are held in place with two sided tape, use a pudy knife from the inside to cut the tape. Clean the curbing of any old tape them apply a flexible sealant (check what I used in the video). Use stainless screws to attach the Maxim skylight to the curbing- I used two screws on each side. Be sure to drill pilot holes otherwise the stainless screws will bind and brake when screwing then in. Our skylights have been in place for over 3 years and I have not had any issues with them. You should be able to install them your self in a afternoon. If you found this video helpful and haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our channel. And let me know how you make out with your skylight installation. Good luck 👍
Good job on the Vid. "Cloudsplitter" sez Hi. Val mentioned you had helped her out with the TPMS. I talked to her today about her winterization, she was having a hard time finding her WP and opening the LP drains. We're pretty close so if she needs help we can shoot over if needed. The skylight was also one of our first 'up-grades'. It was 15yrs + ago, before the maxim was popular, same design as the OEM but much heavier Plexiglas. Used 3m Extreme sealing tape around the curb and 4200 for caulking. Bob 🇺🇸
Hi Bob, I am going to do a winterization video in a couple weeks. Every RV is so different, it hard to cover it all in one video (or email), thanks for helping out. How the replacement skylight holding up after 15 years? I heard a lot about you from Val, you should join us next summer for one of our Airstream meet-ups. ...Randy
Brake and parts cleaner, I had it in the garage . The active ingredient is tetrachloroethylene, the same chemical that used for dry cleaning clothing. Learn from my mistake, don't use it on plastic skylights 😀!
Thanks for the video. I wish you would have included a shot at the end from the interior of the Airstream so that we could see the light level of the new skylights. Are you happy with the level of light you get? Which tint did you choose? We are nprenovwting a 1981 Airstream & I'm trying to decide which tint to order from Maxim. We live in Florida so I'm wondering how much light I want to let in vs. the added heat. Thanks!
Hi Mary - We picked the light grey 50% tint on the outer dome and clear (no tint) on all of the other layers. I am very pleased with this level of tint, it about the same as what Airstream used on the OEM skylights. From the inside it does not look tinted when looking out, but does provide some level of sunblock. This is the minimum level of tint available from Maxim (about the same as the side windows on the Airstream). If you are concerned about added heat, I would recommend adding the same tint to the middle layer. This should give you 75% tint, about the same as tinted car windows. You could also add the white tint to the inside layer to block visibility through the skylight if you want added privacy. I am very pleased with our skylights. One of my favorite benefits of the new skylights is being able to lay in bed and look out at the stars through the hallway skylight. The OEM hallway skylight was white tinted for privacy. Connect with us on Facebook, Zephyr Travels USA and I will send you a picture from the inside.
Thank you. The install was much easier that I had anticipated, but I am not sure if that is a good thing. 😬. We are glad we made the change, the skylights are much better quality thab what Airstream used. They should last for years, as long as we don'y have another cleaning misshap.
Thanks for the video. Not sure im ready for a new one but I noticed looking up through mine that it is off center. When I looked on the roof I only saw sealant on the front and rear sides of the skylight, not the sides. Is this how your original AS skylight was or should I be concerned?
I would not be concerned. The skylight is sealed to the roof at the top of the opening with two sided tape. The sealant around the edges is just there to give additional attachment for the skylight.
@@ZephyrTravels Thanks. Have 2 new Maxim skylights ready to install. Do you recall how many tubes of caulk you used in the install? I'm going with the 3M 4200FC ...pricey stuff ...wondering if I need 1 or 2?
Thank you. I went with a 50% Lt Gray tint on just the outer layer. If you want darker, you can tint the middle or inside layers as well. Unless you live in the south, the 50% tint is a good level between being able to see through it and not heating up the inside.
Great video! Did you custom measure or did the standard size fit OK? We have an '06 30' Classic LTD and I've replaced ours twice and I think the Maxims will be the next and hopefully last ones!
Maxims skylights are custom built to order, you need to supply them with the dimensions for your opening. They will create a blueprint of your skylight for approval before manufacturing. It is suggested on their website to add 1/4 inch to the measurements. Thankfully the skylights Airstream installed are frameless allowing me to get the correct measurements. After almost 2 year these are still one of my favorite mod we don’t to the Airstream. Being able to look out through the skylights and see the stars on a clear night never gets old.
I used 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV (PN06580) to seal our skylights. Airstream uses 3M double sided tape on the original skylights, so that why they used it in your installation. Because of the overlapping design of the Maxim skylights it should seal fine. Hopefully they also used screws around the side to secure the skylight to the roof flange.
@@ZephyrTravels yes they did use stainless screws the Maxim really helps insulate however I do not like how water accumulation stays around the frame. Never leaks but kinda concerning
@@ZephyrTravels last fall we noticed it on aNorth East trip. It runs off the dome hangs on the frame edge no big deal if you move. Nice job on your video. I hope working that window your ladder did not dent the flooring. We find our Airstream vinyl floor discolored
Just called on my RV dealer. My Stratus RV is a 2021 and in every corner there are hair line fractures in both skylights and OF COURSE those are not covered by the warranty. They want to charge $255.69 per skylight for TRASH. They are so cheap and flimsy. I swear nothing is made of quality anymore. I had a 1965 trailer for several years and never had one leak or one mouse in that trailer. It's BS, definitely not the American we grew up in!
Thanks for your excellent video. We just replaced our broken square skylight with the Maxim. Your supply list was really helpful. I was able to source the adhesive and stainless screws on Amazon.
Only addition to your info is we used Goof-Off Pro Strength to loosen the old adhesive, and sanded down with some sandpaper to get all the old sticky residue before the new install.
thanks for the tips!
Great video. Just finished my install and watching you helped a lot. By far the hardest part for me was cleaning off all the old adhesive that Airstream used, it was really on there. I am very happy with the result!
Glad the video helped. We had our for a couple years now and no issues with leaks. Still very happy with them.
Awesome video and Maxim Skylights thanks you for providing this very informative installation video to all your viewers. Safe travels! David - Maxim Skylights
It was our pleasure. You make such great skylights that this is one of our favorite mods to our Airstream. They are so well made and provide more insulation than the standard skylights that during a resent overnight snow fall, the snow did not melt off the skylight until the sun hit it in the morning. I really enjoy looking out them at night and seeing the stars.
Please feel free to share our video with your customers thinking of doing this upgrade to their Airstream.
INTERESTING Thank You!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video. Very insightful as to step needed to install a quality skylight. Thanks.
The Maxim skylights have made all the difference. It we one of the first charges I would make to a new Airstream.
A link to Maxim skylights would’ve been nice
Maxim Skylights did not sponsor this video or offer any support in our purchasing these skylights. We bought them on our own and wanted to share the installation procedure with our TH-cam audience. If you are interested in purchasing from them, their website is the first to pop up when search their name.
Great video! I have heard about this upgrade but hadn't seen any videos on an install of one til this video. Thanks for making this. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Finding this video saved my butt today, thank you! The only thing I did differently was put the skylight up top through the hole. Thanks again.
If memory serves me - I believe I did the same with one of the two skylights on my trailer.
Just found this great video. We need to replace our skylight. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Besure to check out some of our other videos too.
Great Video! I just shared it with a customer that was interested in this.
Thank you.
Thanks Randy, something we haven't had to do, yet..lol. but now we have info stashed away.
You never know when that info will be useful! 😀
Great review- will come in handy -
Glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully it gave you some idea on what is involved with changing your skylight.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Great Video. Maxim skylights are super insulating
Ours. Have worked very well since we installed them.
Quick note to say thanks for this video. Used your tips to do mine just now. Other than taking some time to get the old one and that 3M tape off it was as simple as you made it look. Thanks!
Glad it helped. Now sit back and enjoy that great view of the sky!
Thanks for the video, very informative.
This has turned out to be one of my favorite mods that we done to our Airstream. I really enjoy looking out these skylights over the stock Airstream ones.
I cannot fid anyone tell what screws length and # self tapping??
The screws should be #8 and no more than 3/4” in length
Nice video, thanks. Did a great job!
Thank you! I am glad you found it interesting.
Well done.
Thank you, Jeffery.
Informative and well done.
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Do they make these for any RV not just Airstreams?
Great video
Thank, glad you enjoyed it.
What size screws did you use ?
It has been a while since I did the instal, I believe I used a #8 SS screw - two per side.
Quick question . . . I've had two Airstream dealers refuse to install Maxim skylights on our Globetrotter because it is too difficult to order the correct size. After watching your video, I may take this on myself but wondering how you determined the size to order prior to taking the old skylights off so you could accurately measure the flange? Thank you!
This is from memory- so check Maxim website for has on how to measure the opening, please check there to confirm what I am telling you is correct. You want to size the Maxim skylight 1/4 inch larger than the outside of the curbing for your skylight on your Airstream. Because the factory skylight are transparent- I was able to measure the opening with out removing the old skylight. Add a 1/4 inch to each measurement- this will give you 1/8 inch on each side. Installation is easy. The factory skylights are held in place with two sided tape, use a pudy knife from the inside to cut the tape. Clean the curbing of any old tape them apply a flexible sealant (check what I used in the video). Use stainless screws to attach the Maxim skylight to the curbing- I used two screws on each side. Be sure to drill pilot holes otherwise the stainless screws will bind and brake when screwing then in. Our skylights have been in place for over 3 years and I have not had any issues with them. You should be able to install them your self in a afternoon.
If you found this video helpful and haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our channel. And let me know how you make out with your skylight installation. Good luck 👍
Good job on the Vid.
"Cloudsplitter" sez Hi.
Val mentioned you had helped her out with the TPMS. I talked to her today about her winterization, she was having a hard time finding her WP and opening the LP drains. We're pretty close so if she needs help we can shoot over if needed. The skylight was also one of our first 'up-grades'. It was 15yrs + ago, before the maxim was popular, same design as the OEM but much heavier Plexiglas. Used 3m Extreme sealing tape around the curb and 4200 for caulking.
Bob
🇺🇸
Hi Bob, I am going to do a winterization video in a couple weeks. Every RV is so different, it hard to cover it all in one video (or email), thanks for helping out. How the replacement skylight holding up after 15 years?
I heard a lot about you from Val, you should join us next summer for one of our Airstream meet-ups. ...Randy
what was the product you used that destroyed the sky light?
Brake and parts cleaner, I had it in the garage . The active ingredient is tetrachloroethylene, the same chemical that used for dry cleaning clothing. Learn from my mistake, don't use it on plastic skylights 😀!
Thanks for the video. I wish you would have included a shot at the end from the interior of the Airstream so that we could see the light level of the new skylights. Are you happy with the level of light you get? Which tint did you choose? We are nprenovwting a 1981 Airstream & I'm trying to decide which tint to order from Maxim. We live in Florida so I'm wondering how much light I want to let in vs. the added heat. Thanks!
Hi Mary - We picked the light grey 50% tint on the outer dome and clear (no tint) on all of the other layers. I am very pleased with this level of tint, it about the same as what Airstream used on the OEM skylights. From the inside it does not look tinted when looking out, but does provide some level of sunblock. This is the minimum level of tint available from Maxim (about the same as the side windows on the Airstream).
If you are concerned about added heat, I would recommend adding the same tint to the middle layer. This should give you 75% tint, about the same as tinted car windows. You could also add the white tint to the inside layer to block visibility through the skylight if you want added privacy.
I am very pleased with our skylights. One of my favorite benefits of the new skylights is being able to lay in bed and look out at the stars through the hallway skylight. The OEM hallway skylight was white tinted for privacy.
Connect with us on Facebook, Zephyr Travels USA and I will send you a picture from the inside.
You did a nice job on the install and the editing. Are you heading south in the winter?
Thank you. The install was much easier that I had anticipated, but I am not sure if that is a good thing. 😬. We are glad we made the change, the skylights are much better quality thab what Airstream used. They should last for years, as long as we don'y have another cleaning misshap.
What size/kind of screws did you use ? Great video
I used a #10 stainless steel self tapping screw with stainless steel star washers to male sure everything stays tight.
Thanks for the video. Not sure im ready for a new one but I noticed looking up through mine that it is off center. When I looked on the roof I only saw sealant on the front and rear sides of the skylight, not the sides. Is this how your original AS skylight was or should I be concerned?
I would not be concerned. The skylight is sealed to the roof at the top of the opening with two sided tape. The sealant around the edges is just there to give additional attachment for the skylight.
@@ZephyrTravels thanks! When I get ready to upgrade I’ll definitely use your method. I subscribed to your channel. Thanks again.
What frame option did you go with ...anodized?
I got the white finish frame to match the white roof on our Airstream. I think they look great and are one of my favorite mods we done to the trailer.
@@ZephyrTravels Thanks. Have 2 new Maxim skylights ready to install. Do you recall how many tubes of caulk you used in the install? I'm going with the 3M 4200FC ...pricey stuff ...wondering if I need 1 or 2?
Nice job! What tints did you choose for them?
Thank you. I went with a 50% Lt Gray tint on just the outer layer. If you want darker, you can tint the middle or inside layers as well. Unless you live in the south, the 50% tint is a good level between being able to see through it and not heating up the inside.
Great video! Did you custom measure or did the standard size fit OK? We have an '06 30' Classic LTD and I've replaced ours twice and I think the Maxims will be the next and hopefully last ones!
Maxims skylights are custom built to order, you need to supply them with the dimensions for your opening. They will create a blueprint of your skylight for approval before manufacturing. It is suggested on their website to add 1/4 inch to the measurements. Thankfully the skylights Airstream installed are frameless allowing me to get the correct measurements.
After almost 2 year these are still one of my favorite mod we don’t to the Airstream. Being able to look out through the skylights and see the stars on a clear night never gets old.
Maxim is insistent on a certain brand of silicone. When I had Jackson Center install ours they used 3M double sided tape.
I used 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV (PN06580) to seal our skylights. Airstream uses 3M double sided tape on the original skylights, so that why they used it in your installation. Because of the overlapping design of the Maxim skylights it should seal fine. Hopefully they also used screws around the side to secure the skylight to the roof flange.
@@ZephyrTravels yes they did use stainless screws the Maxim really helps insulate however I do not like how water accumulation stays around the frame. Never leaks but kinda concerning
@@herveyforward5956 I have not noticed the water around the frame yet. We been staying in the desert most of the winter with very little rain.
@@ZephyrTravels last fall we noticed it on aNorth East trip. It runs off the dome hangs on the frame edge no big deal if you move.
Nice job on your video. I hope working that window your ladder did not dent the flooring. We find our Airstream vinyl floor discolored
Just called on my RV dealer. My Stratus RV is a 2021 and in every corner there are hair line fractures in both skylights and OF COURSE those are not covered by the warranty. They want to charge $255.69 per skylight for TRASH. They are so cheap and flimsy. I swear nothing is made of quality anymore. I had a 1965 trailer for several years and never had one leak or one mouse in that trailer. It's BS, definitely not the American we grew up in!
That about the same as I paid for our Maxim Skylight.
Great video
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!