Roof Skylight/Vent question

[DezPrado]

Whilst doing some maintenace on my teardrop yesterday I noticed an unusual texture in the corners of the plastic on the roof vent. Closer inspection reveals the plastic is the consistency of old marzipan. ie, crumbly brittle & holes easily. Yup, I broke it, easily. Clearly a replacement is in order but I would have thought that being under cover when not in use, & having an EZ Up when in use would have prevented uv damage happening after only three years or so.
What are your experiences regarding the longevity of your roof vent. Any recommendations for a better replacement? Sorry I cannot advise on the manufacturers name for my current piece of (now) scrap.

[pete42]

On one of my travel trailers I too experienced the same problem I didn't keep it under shelter
I found the two vent covers were bad easy to replace but they did go bad.
also the covers over the toilet and sink vents just crumbled when I touched them which meant they need replaced as well.
but three years does seem to be a short amount of time for them to go bad.
let us know what you do

pete

[DezPrado]

Thanks Pete, for your response. I contacted a supplier some 200 miles away & they're sending a replacement on monday. Cost seems to be 75% of a WHOLE new unit though. Can grumble too much though, I desperately need it if I wish to continue camping in a weeks time. I have some thought to an alternative arrangement of better uv resistant acrylic, but that will take a few more weeks of tinkering to work out. Certainly keep y'all posted on a successful outcome

[grant whipp]

If the new one has a plastic base, as well, paint it (the base) with an automotive paint with UV inhibitor in it before re-installing. Also, make some aluminum or stainless steel "rails" that bridge all the holes and clamp the entire flange evenly to the roof ... that'll help relieve the stress of screws pulling down the plastic just where they're holes are.

Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Lgboro]

One of the two reasons I installed a vent with a metal cover. I also wanted to be able to have a dark sleeping area. My vent is non powered and I built led lights and computer fans on the inside to reduce battery drain.

[kirkman]

I use this product.
http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/65/303-aerospace-protectant.cfm

[Oldragbaggers]

I hadn't really thought of this happening to my new vent, but I think I'll be proactive and give this aerospace protectant a try!!