Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

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Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

January 12, 2020, 08:45:15 am

Sometimes stuff just happens. As I was nearing campground in New Mexico, driving along I-40 in some high winds, I heard quite a racket for a few seconds, and then saw debris flying in my rearview mirror. at first I thought it was a blown rear tire and body work from fender well. Got stopped, everything just fine around rear tires. I looked under coach, nothing there. I finally noticed a torn slide awning. I got up on roof to find A/C shroud gone, the outer dome of the skylight shattered, and the awning torn. Apparently the shroud came off, hit the skylight, and large debris pieces got in that space under awning and that is the racket I heard. By the time I stopped, all the debris was gone
I am thankful it did not happen the day before as I drove thru that storm in Texas with all that wind and rain. I am also thankful was not a blown tire and damaged bodywork. Todays weather has no rain in forecast, which will allow me to secure everything until I get replacement parts. As mentioned in previous postings, I will be putting fender washers on the remaining shroud and the new one when I get it. I have attached a couple of pictures
Stuff happens, its part of the journey

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #1 – January 12, 2020, 09:27:56 am

Mine were ready to come off. Good idea to check that the screws are tight a couple times a year.
AC Shroud Reinforcement
The two part structural adhesive is pricey unless you have other uses for it.

I replaced our shower skylight dome after it broke with 1/4" tinted Lexan. Much tougher than the thin molded polycarbonate dome.
It is hard to find 1/4" tinted Lexan. 1/8" is easier to find, 3/16" too. You need a 24" x 24" piece.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #2 – January 12, 2020, 09:33:23 am

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident. As you say, could have been much worse. You already know the preventative action that must be taken to avoid reoccurrence. Since you have a newer coach, hopefully the A/C shroud is readily available.

To all reading this thread: CHECK YOUR A/C COVERS!

On older coaches especially, the A/C covers get brittle with age. Once they start to crack, it doesn't take much wind force to rip them off. In some cases replacement covers may be either hard to find, or unobtainable. A little time spent upgrading the mounting hardware may save you a great deal of trouble and money. The photos below show the original shroud retaining screws from the old Penguin A/C units that came on our coach. I replaced them with the stainless screws and washers. I also added two additional retaining screws to each shroud.

Take the next opportunity to check this item on your coach and FIX it if necessary.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #3 – January 12, 2020, 09:42:35 am

Yup, I use stainless steel fender washers to help spread the load. And, if I have some Eternabond around, put a small piece of it between fender washer and shroud to help even out the holding force.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #4 – January 12, 2020, 09:43:24 am

Don't know what size skylight you have on your newer coach. From your photo appears to be the same as on our coach. The link below goes to a post from 2 years ago when I rebuilt our skylight. The links in that post are still "alive" and indicate that Lowe's still carries the amber 2-piece dome I used for my rebuild.

Shower Skylight Rebuild

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #5 – January 12, 2020, 09:49:48 am

The old joke along I-40 from Flagstaff AZ to the New Mexico line is: "If you need any parts for your roof air or awnings, just look alongside the road!"

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #6 – January 12, 2020, 09:52:02 am

Any parts you find will probably need a little work...

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #7 – January 12, 2020, 04:58:08 pm

Always suprises me that they have 4 screws holding those things on.. before the swap of the AC I added about 4 more self tapper screws with washers.. last one I almost lost was because the guy who removed the top didnt put the extras back on.. ..Safer than Sorry

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #8 – January 12, 2020, 05:39:16 pm

I took a closer look at the a/c this afternoon. The screws are are in place. The shroud tore away cleanly. I like the suggestions of adding more screws with fender washers, as well as apply some adhesive. As far as the skylight, I like suggestion of a thicker material or flat lexan

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #9 – January 12, 2020, 05:48:14 pm

Icon makes more robust shrouds.

Model A/C

Replacement A/C Shrouds

Looks like you wanted the vented option if your roof units are also heat pumps.

Oh, and be aware of the foam that's needed if it's missing Ac shroud question

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #10 – January 12, 2020, 05:58:42 pm

I went with the flat 1/4" smoke Lexan. Can't remember where I got it but it was not difficult to find on the interweb cut to the correct size.
jor

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #11 – January 12, 2020, 06:33:15 pm

Quote from: Michelle – January 12, 2020, 05:48:14 pm

Icon makes more robust shrouds.

Model A/C

Replacement A/C Shrouds

Looks like you wanted the vented option if your roof units are also heat pumps.

Oh, and be aware of the foam that's needed if it's missing Ac shroud question

Yes, good choice.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #12 – January 12, 2020, 07:24:15 pm

The PO replaced both ACs when we bought the coach. The same model/brand has covers made of two different materials. One bends and is at least a little forgiving while the other cracks and comes apart really easily. Nice to make a 2x4 form and then use aluminum sheet and alu angle iron to duplicate the shape. Probably could sell a lot of them.

Pierce

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #13 – January 14, 2020, 06:15:06 pm

Quote from: cdm – January 12, 2020, 05:39:16 pm

I took a closer look at the a/c this afternoon. The screws are are in place. The shroud tore away cleanly. I like the suggestions of adding more screws with fender washers, as well as apply some adhesive.

I found over the years that the plastic covers are a tad bigger than the metal AC frames causing the plastic to suck in when the screw is torqued down. Not only is it unsightly but I think it also stresses the plastic there allowing it to crack easier at the screw hole.

I made some small shims about 2" long with a screw hole drilled in their centers and
used them as backers between the plastic and the metal to solve the appearance/stress problem, and to also provide more clamping surface area for the stainless fender washers.

I haven't lost a cover yet.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #14 – January 14, 2020, 06:24:47 pm

I think I have the ultimate in durable AC shrouds, mine are the metal ones the coach came with, gonna pull them and paint them when I do the cracks in the fiberglass roof.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #15 – January 14, 2020, 06:58:49 pm

After hearing about CDMs busted skylight, I got to thinking (always a dangerous and/or expensive activity). What if mine got busted? Our local Lowe's currently has the amber tinted 2-piece skylights in stock, but that could change at any time. I have heard they are not available in other parts of the country. Since I have been very happy with the quality and durability of the one I installed 2 years ago (see Reply #4 above), I decided it would be a good idea to pick up a couple spares. That way if mine ever gets broke I will have a replacement already on hand.

Today our local (Midland) store had 9 in stock - now they have 7.

Skyview Fixed Impact Skylight (Actual: 26-in x 26-in) at Lowes.com

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #16 – January 14, 2020, 09:45:18 pm

Hello Chuck, Yes, here in Oregon my local store says out of stock, and no way to order. They show this one with no frame. I realize it is not the same, will look for what you have.
I'm thinking of buying this from Lowe's. Any recommendations? Sun-Tek Fixed Impact Skylight (Actual: 26.5-in x 26.5-in) at Lowes.com

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #17 – January 14, 2020, 11:23:28 pm

Jack,

I assume your coach has the same size metal skylight frame as my coach.

I can't tell from the description if that model would work with the existing metal base. The "key" to using the existing base is to find a replacement dome that measures exactly 24" x 24" at the outside edge. Anything smaller would not work. A dome that is slightly larger might work with some trimming of the outer edges. I am guessing the model you linked might be too big, but like I said, they don't give the dimensions of the plastic dome, so I can't tell. If you can go to the store and actually measure the size of the dome, then you would know for sure.

The Model # 227698 plastic pieces (bronze outer dome and clear inner dome) measure exactly 24" x 24" so they fit the bill.

You don't want to have to remove the original metal base unless absolutely necessary. It is screwed down with MANY screws, plus well sealed with white goop. If at all possible, you want to reuse the OEM metal base.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #18 – January 14, 2020, 11:32:15 pm

I just checked the Odessa Lowe's and they have 35 of the #227698 skylights in stock!

Don't ask me why our two local stores seem to have cornered the market on this item...

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #19 – January 15, 2020, 01:59:45 am

The Lowe's in Poway has them.

Re: Stuff happens- missing a/c shroud, busted skylight dome, torn topper awning

Reply #20 – January 15, 2020, 09:45:37 am

In the process of removing and the current solar panels, replacing with new panels, just noticed the shower dome is cracked and needs replacement.

The Tampa Lowes has these in stock, will pick one up today! Thanks for the tip!

BTW, we lost an AC shroud somewhere on I-40 too.

Jeff

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