Heki rooflights blowing open

AngusPiloteCamper replied on 07/11/2019 13:19

Posted on 07/11/2019 13:19

I am sure many folk have noted that certain types of Dometic Heki rooflights have an inherent design fault, which can have show-stopping results !

As I recently experienced in Shetlands - where the wind blows non-stop - when the rooflight is opened for ventilation, a gust of wind can lift the catch out of it's slot and potentially at worst,blow the window right off breaking at the hinge putting an end to the trip till replaced, or damage the hinge beyond fixing. After one scary moment, luckily no real damage done, I just had to keep roof light closed although would have been good to have it open for cooking etc.

The manufacturers design has missed out a secure catch to prevent the wind lifting the rooflight up out of it's slot which could result in a very expensive replacement in addition to the inconvenience of ' no rooflight ' especially in showery weather !! Not a nice thought.

However, help is at hand as I discovered. See  https://moho-bits.wixsite.com/manchester 

Ian makes and supplies retro-fit catches at a reasonable price, preventing a potential disaster. There are other interesting devices to on the website. I can highly recommend these catches and also the helpful advice Ian provides. Worth a look.

Moderator Edit:

As you've opened two threads on the same topic and your discussion appears to be about a motorhome roof light, I've locked the other thread.

Tinwheeler replied on 07/11/2019 16:25

Posted on 07/11/2019 16:25

To be perfectly honest, that looks very flimsy and amateurish to me - Sorry, Angus.

As I suggested in the other thread, it’s a very brave soul who opens the roof vent in Shetland. 😄

Nice pic on the website of St Michael's Mount taken from Long Rock - the MH-ers delight👍🏻

 

DavidKlyne replied on 07/11/2019 17:07

Posted on 07/11/2019 17:07

I clearly have a different design of Heki on my motorhome ( to the one illustrated in the link you provided) as it has a locking device that drops down to prevent the bar moving out of place. Quite how it would stand up to exceptionally strong winds I don't know but I suspect I wouldn't put it to the test in such conditions!

David

JVB66 replied on 07/11/2019 18:18

Posted on 07/11/2019 17:07 by DavidKlyne

I clearly have a different design of Heki on my motorhome ( to the one illustrated in the link you provided) as it has a locking device that drops down to prevent the bar moving out of place. Quite how it would stand up to exceptionally strong winds I don't know but I suspect I wouldn't put it to the test in such conditions!

David

Posted on 07/11/2019 18:18

Same on our caravan

Takethedogalong replied on 07/11/2019 20:55

Posted on 07/11/2019 20:55

It’s the wise tourer who knows which way the prevailing winds blow! Having said that, the severe restrictions on parking to the peg on Club Sites render such information useless. 

Hey ho........🙄

stephen p replied on 07/11/2019 21:19

Posted on 07/11/2019 16:25 by Tinwheeler

To be perfectly honest, that looks very flimsy and amateurish to me - Sorry, Angus.

As I suggested in the other thread, it’s a very brave soul who opens the roof vent in Shetland. 😄

Nice pic on the website of St Michael's Mount taken from Long Rock - the MH-ers delight👍🏻

 

Posted on 07/11/2019 21:19

I feel a bit uneasy here visiting the dark side (motor home section)cool

It's a shame we have to be considering this problem the manufacturers must be aware of the situation. This device may mean I can get rid of the bungee cord I am using now.

I think they look quite good, a very simple design, I wish I had thought of it myself, and from the picture they look to be made well enough. There is very little load on the plastic it just has to stop the opening bar from moving in it's slide. The only element that could be improved on is the use of a self tapping screw.

I will certainly look into buying one.

Back to the caravan section before I am recognised!

stephen p replied on 07/11/2019 21:45

Posted on 07/11/2019 21:25 by Tinwheeler

Welcome to the bright side🙂.  

"Dark side", tut-tut. There’s really no need to wear a Balaclava😕

Posted on 07/11/2019 21:45

You mean don't look back in Angora.

I wondered why my balaclava had a big hole in the back.

I have just popped back in because I have found the price for the Hatch Latch, £10 including p&p, A bit more than I was hoping but I'm having one!

I will report on my findings.

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