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When this happens, it can come pelting down on top of your RV [&hellip;]","datePublished":"2021-05-20","dateModified":"2024-01-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1776834828","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1776834828","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hailstones-on-window-pane-1354038_1920-600x400r.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hailstones-on-window-pane-1354038_1920-600x400r.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/how-to-protect-rv-skylights-from-hail\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uT60mq1tQ6E#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uT60mq1tQ6E","name":"Installing a Fan-Tastic Ultra Breeze Vent Cover on my RV.","description":"There are many different vent covers available for RVs, but only the Fan-Tastic Ultra Breeze allowed my vents to open 100%.\n\nhttp:\/\/www.rv-project.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uT60mq1tQ6E\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uT60mq1tQ6E\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uT60mq1tQ6E\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uT60mq1tQ6E\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uT60mq1tQ6E\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2014-07-18T20:29:19+00:00","duration":"PT4M19S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uT60mq1tQ6E","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCcxUAeQlPzZR8KLHAJL8Mrw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCcxUAeQlPzZR8KLHAJL8Mrw","name":"RVProject","description":"Channel about RV Projects, tips, reviews, and resources. 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When this happens, it can come pelting down on top of your RV skylight. Even your camper skylight isn\u2019t safe!How to protect your RV skylights from hail? It\u2019s possible. You\u2019ll either need an RV skylight cover to let hail bounce off it and onto the roof or an extended RV rooftop vent cover (ideal with combination fan and skylight-in-one models). These will reduce hail\u2019s damaging effects.Our article covers different approaches to reducing potential hail damage to RV or camper skylights and makes suggestions on how to proactively protect against this threat.RV RoofOur related articles on RV roof maintenance, repairs, and replacement:&gt; Complete RV Roof Guide&gt; How Often Should You Seal Your RV Roof?&gt; Can I Use Flex Seal on My RV Roof?&gt; RV Fiberglass Roof Repair &gt; Does RV Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?            Table of Contents                                    show                                                RV Roof                            Predicting When Hail May Hit the Area                            Getting Extreme Weather Alerts                            Keep an Eye on the Sky                            How to Protect Your RV Skylights from Hail                            How do you cover an RV Roof Vent Fan?                            RV Skylight Cover Protection                            Should You Cover Over Your RV or Camper in a Storm?                            Enhancing Your RV Skylight                            Related Articles        Predicting When Hail May Hit the AreaPrevention is better than cure. That applies to hail and the resulting hailstorms just as much as in healthcare.It\u2019s beneficial to check the weather forecast each morning as one of the initial tasks of the day.This applies to the local area if you\u2019re not moving that day or just planning to go into town to hit up Walmart.It\u2019s even more applicable if you\u2019ll be driving today, passing through several towns or a city, and eventually entering a new state.Be aware that weather conditions can vary markedly from state to state.Also Read: How to Secure a Travel Trailer in High WindsGetting Extreme Weather AlertsInstall a weather app on your phone that specifically sends your SMS push alert notifications to advise about extreme weather conditions.Even when you\u2019ve checked the weather in the morning, the situation can change drastically in a matter of hours.Signing up for the free alerts covers you even more.Apps like WeatherBug and Storm Shield provide thunderstorm alerts. The latter is heavily customizable to only receive weather alerts that you care about.Both are available for Apple\u2019s iOS and Android mobile devices (some smartwatches too).These apps can also advise about other weather concerns for RVers such as tornados too.Also Read: How to Increase Space in a Pop Up CamperKeep an Eye on the SkyWhen dark clouds form in the distance and you\u2019re heading that way (or you\u2019re stopped for the night and it\u2019s overcast), then you might not be able to avoid the bad weather.Storms are not ideal for RVers or campers because high winds can rock them about, so everything must be secured and locked down in that situation.Seek cover for your RV or trailer. If that\u2019s not possible, then at least get under-cover yourself.That might mean staying in the motorhome or it could mean seeking emergency shelter elsewhere until the storm has passed.Read Also: Towing a Travel Trailer in High WindsHow to Protect Your RV Skylights from HailRV skylights are sometimes simply that and nothing more.Others are a combination of RV roof vent fans and skylights.Because they\u2019re see-through, they provide additional light into the coach area, and with the fan versions, additional ventilation too. &nbsp;How do you cover an RV Roof Vent Fan?The RV roof vent fan often performs double duty as a skylight of sorts.What camper or RV owners will notice is that they do get blown about in a storm when they\u2019re without a vent cover.It can cause an annoying rattle and increase the potential for storm-related damage to the fan too.Get the extended vent cover (not the almost flat style) for your RV roof vent fan.A Fan-Tastic vent cover will provide greater protection for this type of fan. However, as you can see from looking at the image below, it allows the sun to enter only from the side.With that said, it will avoid most of the hail unless you\u2019re unlucky enough that it\u2019s striking the RV at the same angle as the opening.If so, it\u2019s possible to park the RV at a different orientation to fix that.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uT60mq1tQ6EVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Installing a Fan-Tastic Ultra Breeze Vent Cover on my RV. (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uT60mq1tQ6E)Fan-Tastic Vent U1500BL Ultra Breeze Vent Cover (Black)Check at Amazon\u24d8&nbsp;If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Read Also: Do RVs Have VIN Numbers?A universal RV vent cover will also work. Many are designed to sit virtually flush.Many are produced using durable high-density UV-resistant polyurethane.These types of universal covers can protect from water leaks and prevent physical damage to the RV vent fan and RV skylight.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tbtmgir2doMVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How To Install A Camco RV Roof Vent Cover \u2013 Tutorial (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tbtmgir2doM)Camco Standard Roof Vent Cover \u2013 Easily Mounts to RV with Included Hardware, Opens for Easy Cleaning, Aerodynamic Design, Silver (40473)Check at Amazon\u24d8&nbsp;If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Read Also: Long Term RV Park RulesRV Skylight Cover ProtectionThere are hail covers for skylights that will protect them from a violent hailstorm.The idea with them is that they cover the skylight to enhance its protection. This prevents it from potentially breaking from golf ball-size hail hitting it.Many of the RV skylight cover protection will block out part of the sun, so it\u2019s a trade-off.These do offer a greater degree of protection. Some hail covers for skylights are fixed in position while others can be added temporarily when a storm is predicted and then removed afterward.With an RV skylight that has no fan element, it\u2019s usually possible to purchase a strengthened cover for it produced by the same manufacturer.There are a few generic versions available but because skylights for RVs don\u2019t always conform to the standard 14-inch width that RV rooftop fans do, there\u2019s less conformity for size fitting.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CI0NEsDfCb8Video can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Hail destroyed my new camper (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CI0NEsDfCb8)Read Also: Hail Damage on CamperShould You Cover Over Your RV or Camper in a Storm?When you want to further protect the RV from hail, should you cover it up entirely?Certainly, protecting the RV from hail damage is important.Be aware that with storms that are powerful enough to generate hail, the winds are strong too.Even a minimal covering such as a tarp across the entire RV or camper is going to get blown off, torn up, or worse.Additionally, unless it\u2019s a blanket with a padded thickness to it, large hail will still impact the RV roof\u2019s surface.The best thing to do is to seek overhead cover in a covered parking structure or something similar.Look on Google Maps to locate an appropriate place to wait out the storm., when available. Read Also: How to Repair Hole in RV WallRead Also: Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions? Enhancing Your RV SkylightIf the RV skylight is useful to you, it\u2019s unfortunate that factory-fitted ones aren\u2019t usually produced using tempered glass. This would have significantly strengthened them to withstand more of a knock or two from hail hitting them.It\u2019s possible to have a current skylight removed. It can then be replaced with one produced using tempered glass and other elements to make it stand up to storms.This won\u2019t be a perfect solution though because when the winds pick up and it\u2019s throwing hail at the RV or camper, it will still take a few good knocks.Hopefully, at worst, a storm could splinter the tempered glass but it would likely hold together. This is unlike regular glass that would shatter into many shards that\u2019ll come flying into your RV during a violent storm.These types of skylights aren\u2019t cheap though. They\u2019re often produced custom and are easily $1,000 to $1,500 putting them out of the price range of many RV owners.Related ArticlesRV RoofHow Often Should You Seal Your RV Roof? Can I Use Flex Seal on My RV Roof?RV Fiberglass Roof RepairDoes RV Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?Hail Damage on CamperRV Air Conditioner Leaks When It RainsHow to Watch TV in RV without Generator?Do RV Outlets Work on Battery?Do RVs Have VIN Numbers?Long Term RV Park RulesHow to Increase Space in a Pop Up CamperDriving Class A RV in Windy Conditions?How to Secure a Travel Trailer in High WindsTowing a Travel Trailer in High Winds"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How to Protect RV Skylights from Hail?","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/how-to-protect-rv-skylights-from-hail\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]