What to do with roof safety hatches?

dammitAndy · 04-12-2005, 10:04 AM

I am at loss with what to do with my roof safety hatches on my rig. Any Ideas??

I am in the process of constructing my roof deck and it is obvious that I will need to cover the rear safety hatch. But I think that I will stop the deck short of the front one, leaving it open to use for whatever...

I dont know weather i should leave it installed, and just paint it, and use it for ventilation. Or if the hole isnt too big, i could install some sort of AC there. Or, if anyone has suggestions, install a bubble sun-roof to allow more light in during the day (this idea might be a winner since i have a limited number of windows now). I would really prefer not to put an inside ladder to the roof deck, it will really eat up my living space.

Does anyone have any good ideas, or photos of what they or someone has done??

Here are some photos...

lapeer20m · 04-12-2005, 11:45 AM

i wish i had a roof hatch!

Griff · 04-12-2005, 02:37 PM

How about an observatory for a telescope. . . gun turret for battling road rage. . . missile silo. . .confetti cannon. . . dumb waiter for the deck above? The possibilities are endless!

dammitAndy · 04-13-2005, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapeer20m

i wish i had a roof hatch!

Oh ya, then what would you do with it(them)????

Jarlaxle · 04-13-2005, 08:49 AM

Hey, here's an idea: how about keeping them as escape hatches? They are there for a reason.

dammitAndy · 04-13-2005, 09:06 AM

Whats the fun in that

I like the gun turret idea!!! - But i think the a sun light/vent is winning right now.

Something like this

https://www.rvsurplussalvage.com/cat...roduct_id=2169

If only i could find one to fit the 45" hole...

lapeer20m · 04-13-2005, 03:55 PM

i'd like a roof hatch so i could get onto my roof from the inside of the bus. I think this could come in very handy.

busone · 04-13-2005, 04:30 PM

How about a giant retractable middle finger. When somebody cuts you off flip a switch and up goes the birdie. You could even replace the stop sign with a middle finger. It would be great for tail gaters. LOL

koldei · 04-14-2005, 09:43 AM

FWIW guys, if/when somebody would be willing to send one along my way for a decent price plus shipping I'd be appreceative

robert

soused moose · 04-15-2005, 08:58 AM

I got rid of the safety hatch and put a skylight up thereâ€¦amazing how much light you get from it.

dammitAndy · 04-15-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soused moose

I got rid of the safety hatch and put a skylight up thereâ€¦amazing how much light you get from it.

Nice, thats what I'm thinking. Where did you get your skylight and what size was it compared to your hole?

Also, you got a pic?

soused moose · 04-15-2005, 09:52 AM

Built it myself ...
Had the glass shop cut me a piece of safety glass ...then I built a wooden frame and used aluminum edging to hold the glass to the frame.

I do have a few pics...
But I had to dump everything on my site and am in the process of rebuilding that monster.
I'm really busy at my job so it will take me a day or so to upload those pics...
Michael & Millie

Eric von Kleist · 04-15-2005, 12:15 PM

I noticed the site was being updated. I went there for advice on wiring and everything was gone. It's a great resource for the skoolie community, and I look forward to seeing it back up soon.

soused moose · 04-17-2005, 05:24 PM

Eric Thatâ€™s a very nice thing to say
Appreciate that a lot

Andy I finally got the page with the photos & info on our skylite up today â€¦the info is at the top.
http://www.mobilehomestead.com/newbus/latcho3.htm

Michael & Millie

dammitAndy · 04-18-2005, 09:06 AM

Wow, thanks M&M - that really gives me a good idea. Since the machine gun turrent I got didnt fit, I think I will be doing something very similar.

Also, the storage compartments look pretty good. Never thought of putting them above the floor. I am installing my boxes below this weekend. I'll be sure to get my damn site going and get some photos up there.

Again, thanks for the great documentation.

dammitAndy · 04-27-2005, 02:19 PM

Well, I have decided to make my own opening sky-light as well. I may even include a small 12V in the construction as well, to help pull some heat out in the summer.

I am basically looking to make exactly what they sell for regular RV's, only for a 28" x 28" hole. Ill post pics when I get further along...

Any construction suggestions on how to keep it water-tight, and keeping the ability to open it??

Steve · 04-27-2005, 02:25 PM

I would modify the existing hatch to contain a skylight, that way it all seals like it is supposed to.

dammitAndy · 04-27-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

I would modify the existing hatch to contain a skylight, that way it all seals like it is supposed to.

Interesting, I wonder if I could do that, I'll take a look this weekend...

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