Remis Vario 1 roof light

[whiskyman]

Unfortunately I have two 600 x 900 of the above fitted in my Autotrail, they are well known for the winding mechanism to fail. Parts are difficult to source and expensive, this model is 15 years old.
I am thinking of removing the winder mechanism and replacing with struts making the roof light a simple push up and lock in place.

Have any of you done this or something similar, is it a non starter and if so why

Any other ideas or solutions would be appreciated.
Cheers Colin

 

[Guigsy]

The roof lights on my previous van were yellowed and brittle before they were 15 years old. The sealant was also pretty suspect. Is a repair chasing a losing battle? 600 x 900 is probably a standard size. Is it possible to get a whole replacement unit? It's not a hard job.

 

[whiskyman]

The roof lights on my previous van were yellowed and brittle before they were 15 years old. The sealant was also pretty suspect. Is a repair chasing a losing battle? 600 x 900 is probably a standard size. Is it possible to get a whole replacement unit? It's not a hard job.

Hi
All good apart from the winding gear etc'
About £800.00 for a new one, that's a lot of wine

 

[Revolvor]

Unfortunately I have two 600 x 900 of the above fitted in my Autotrail, they are well known for the winding mechanism to fail. Parts are difficult to source and expensive, this model is 15 years old.
I am thinking of removing the winder mechanism and replacing with struts making the roof light a simple push up and lock in place.

Have any of you done this or something similar, is it a non starter and if so why

Any other ideas or solutions would be appreciated.
Cheers Colin

I'm in exactly the same situation with my Autotrail. The winding mechanism on the 600 x 900 and 400 x 400 roof lights failed. As the 400 x 400 is a standard size, I replaced it with a Mini Heki with a simple lifting mechanism.

As you say, £800 is a lot to spend and I'm also considering installing a simple strut mechanism. One problem I see is how to lock the skylight in a closed position.

Please share if you have any ideas.

 

[whiskyman]

I'm in exactly the same situation with my Autotrail. The winding mechanism on the 600 x 900 and 400 x 400 roof lights failed. As the 400 x 400 is a standard size, I replaced it with a Mini Heki with a simple lifting mechanism.

As you say, £800 is a lot to spend and I'm also considering installing a simple strut mechanism. One problem I see is how to lock the skylight in a closed position.

Please share if you have any ideas.

Hi Rev
I have just removed all the winding mechanism inc' the cable screws and sprung stays. The gearbox and cables are badly corroded and beyond repair. The sprung stays are in good condition and working, the only problem with the stays is that the fixing screws won't nip up so I will have to see if there is something like loctight for plastic. With all the gear out the way the roof works well, just release the catches open it fully and the stays go over centre and hold the lid open, just flick the stays back and drop the lid back down.
As for locking I'm happy with the two catches fitted the Same as the window ones.
If I come up with a way to fix an adjustable arm I will let you know.

Cheers Colin

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[Fulham Dave]

Hi Rev
I have just removed all the winding mechanism inc' the cable screws and sprung stays. The gearbox and cables are badly corroded and beyond repair. The sprung stays are in good condition and working, the only problem with the stays is that the fixing screws won't nip up so I will have to see if there is something like loctight for plastic. With all the gear out the way the roof works well, just release the catches open it fully and the stays go over centre and hold the lid open, just flick the stays back and drop the lid back down.
As for locking I'm happy with the two catches fitted the Same as the window ones.
If I come up with a way to fix an adjustable arm I will let you know.

Cheers Colin

Hi Colin

I have an issue with my rear rooflight - I cannot see a makers name on it to be certain, but research leads me to believe it may be a Remis. I am wondering if it is possible to attach struts to mine as the cable has frayed / twisted from one side. I have attached photos of the rooflight, the twisted cable and the unbroken cable.

Is it possible for you to share any photos you may have taken of yours?

Regards, Dave

 

[Simon Meadwell]

Is it possible to grease the winding mechanism to prevent it from rusting up.

 

[Revolvor]

.... With all the gear out the way the roof works well, just release the catches open it fully and the stays go over centre and hold the lid open, just flick the stays back and drop the lid back down.
As for locking I'm happy with the two catches fitted the Same as the window ones.
If I come up with a way to fix an adjustable arm I will let you know.

Cheers Colin

I'm puzzled by your comment about the catches. On mine, it's the last turn of the operating handle that locks the roof light.

Do you have a photo of your catches? It may be exactly what I need to do. Thanks.

 

[HarryML7]

I replaced the complete winding mechanism on my previous van, 100euro.

 

[whiskyman]

Hope these pics help

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[whiskyman]

I replaced the complete winding mechanism on my previous van, 100euro.

Hi Harry
Was it the same as the photos? If so do you know if they are still available at that sort of money.

Cheers Colin

 

[Revolvor]

View attachment 883706 View attachment 883712

View attachment 883714 View attachment 883715
View attachment 883717 View attachment 883718
View attachment 883721

Hope these pics help

Thank you - that is very helpful. Now I've just got to find a suitable catch - there are lots of variations online.

 

[whiskyman]

Is it possible to grease the winding mechanism to prevent it from rusting up.

I think it's probably beyond greasing
While researching the problem the two main tips seem to be assisting the roof up as you turn the handle and greasing the gears and cables every couple of years. So as always preventative maintainence pays off

 

[HarryML7]

Hi Harry
Was it the same as the photos? If so do you know if they are still available at that sort of money.

Cheers Colin

Yes looks the same, I got it from Breizh Camping, 5 Rue De La Liberation, Bedee, Bretagne. 35137. Actual cost was 98.20 Euro in Jun 23.

 

[Simon Meadwell]

I think it's probably beyond greasing
While researching the problem the two main tips seem to be assisting the roof up as you turn the handle and greasing the gears and cables every couple of years. So as always preventative maintainence pays off

Thanks for that i was asking as i have the same skylights and i will now grease mine up to hopefully prevent failure in the future.

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