A caravan skylight can make a huge difference to your caravan interior. It brings natural light and illumination, while reducing energy consumption. Many caravan skylights can be opened and closed as hatches, which improves air flow and provides a handy escape for steam, odours and gases.
The big question is, with so many to choose from, which caravan skylight is right for you? Read on for our caravan skylight and hatches buyer’s guide.
What’s the Difference Between Caravan Hatches and Skylights?
Caravan roof hatches, vents and skylights bring lots of benefits to life on the road. Caravan hatches and skylights are both essential roof fittings that help improve airflow, natural light, and overall comfort inside your RV or caravan. However, they serve slightly different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your travel lifestyle and setup.
Caravan Hatches
Caravan hatches are designed primarily for ventilation. Typically installed in the roof or ceiling, hatches can be opened to allow fresh air in and stale air or cooking fumes out. Many models feature built-in fans or insect screens, making them perfect for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Hatches come in a range of sizes, from compact 14” hatches to larger roof vents.
Caravan Skylights
Skylights are designed to let in natural light and enhance the sense of space inside your caravan. Unlike hatches, skylights don’t always open, although some models include venting features. Skylights are commonly installed in living or sleeping areas to brighten up dark interiors and create a more open feel. Many skylights are double-glazed and UV-resistant for comfort and insulation.
Replacement Or New Hatch, Vent or Skylight?
Are you looking for a replacement skylight or roof hatch or one for a new build? If you are replacing a caravan skylight or roof hatch, look at the cut-out size currently on your caravan and check the specifications of various models to find the right fit. You will also need to determine how thick your roof is as some hatches come with different kits to suit van thicknesses.
For a new build, first consider where you will place your skylight. This will determine what size would best suit your needs. Do you have anything currently obstructing the roof, such as an air conditioner, solar panels, or antenna? This will help you work out the best place to locate your skylight and how big it can be.
If it can be opened and closed, locate your hatch where it will be within easy reach. The best places are usually above the kitchen and dining area rather than over the bed. As great as it can be lying underneath a blanket of stars, the morning sun or streetlights could disturb your sleep!
Pro tip: think about where your hatch will cast a shadow over your solar panels as this could affect the efficiency at which your panels will work.
Added Features
There are lots of added features you can choose depending on your preferences. Some caravan skylights feature a blind for added privacy and an integrated flyscreen to keep the creepy crawlies out. Or you can opt for a LED light and exhaust fan, which is handy in bathrooms and kitchens for extra ventilation. Some models feature LED lights that can be adjusted depending on whether you’re using them during the day or at night. There are shower hatches available which come in a small dimension to fit a tighter roof space and come with a fan to ventilate steam.
Popular Australian Brands
Choose from caravan skylights from the most trusted caravan appliance brands including Dometic, Camec, Fiamma, Maxx Air, Thetford, Aussie Traveller and more. The main difference between their products is the features, so it’s worth spending some time working out the best one for you.
Maxxfan Plus
These are one of our most popular roof vents on the market due to coming with a fan, easy to clean flyscreen and the ability to have functions such as a rain sensor, remote control, and being able to run it while it is closed so you can have air moving around the caravan while you are on the move to help keep dust out!
Maxxfan Deluxe
For a fully autonomous unit that detects increase in temperature and precipitation the Maxxfan Deluxe is the ultimate vent solution for all Caravan and RV owners. The Maxxfan Deluxe will start moving hot air out once it reaches a certain temperature, so when parked up you can come back to a cool comfortable interior.
Camec
The Camec roof hatch is designed and tested in Australia for Australian conditions and features a versatile and easy to use design complete with LED lights and a roller blind.
Dometic Heki Range
There’s a lot to love about the Dometic Heki range. The Dometic Heki 2 comes with a large tilting window, separately adjustable fly and darkening screens for added control, and double acrylic glazing.
For a smaller option, the Midi Heki comes with a flyscreen and LED lighting which can produce both white and blue light at the flick of a switch for a homely feel.
Aussie Traveller
The Aussie Traveller 400 x 400 skylight is the perfect solution for smaller roof areas that still require the need for natural light. It also offers the ability to connect 12V power for an LED halo light with three light functions reducing the need for an additional interior light. For larger spaces check out the Aussie Traveller 700 x 500 skylight
Top Tips And Tricks
Tip #1. If you are purchasing a 12V hatch, additional wiring will be required to run the unit.
Tip #2. If you don’t have an existing opening, a cut-out will be required.
Tip #3. We stock a range of replacement parts to fix your existing skylight or hatch, so you don’t have to spend the money replacing the whole unit if something goes wrong.
Hatch and Skylight FAQs
1. What is the difference between a caravan hatch and a skylight?
A caravan hatch is mainly designed for ventilation and often includes a fan and insect screen to improve airflow and remove moisture or cooking fumes. A skylight, on the other hand, is designed to let in natural light and brighten the interior. Some skylights can also be opened for ventilation, but their primary function is illumination.
2. Can I install a caravan hatch or skylight myself?
Yes, many caravan hatches and skylights can be installed as a DIY project if you're comfortable with cutting into your roof and sealing correctly. However, for electrical components (like fans or lights), or if your van has a curved roof, professional installation is recommended to avoid leaks or damage.
3. Are caravan skylights waterproof?
Yes, quality caravan skylights are designed to be fully weatherproof when installed correctly. Look for models with built-in seals, UV protection, and double-glazing for added insulation and durability in all weather conditions.
4. Do caravan hatches come with built-in fans?
Many modern caravan hatches come with built-in 12V fans that can be set to either extract air or draw it in, helping to keep your van cool and fresh. Fan-powered hatches are particularly useful in bathrooms or over the kitchen area.
5. What size skylight or hatch do I need for my caravan?
The most common sizes are 14 x 14 inches (around 355mm x 355mm), but it depends on the available roof space and your needs. Larger skylights are better for living areas, while smaller hatches are perfect for bathrooms or compact vans. Always measure your existing opening or consult your caravan manufacturer’s specifications.
Whether you're upgrading your current setup or fitting out a new van, choosing the right caravan hatch or skylight can make a big difference to your comfort on the road. Hatches offer essential ventilation to keep your space fresh, while skylights flood your caravan with natural light and create a more open feel. From models with built-in fans and UV protection to compact options for smaller vans, there’s something for every setup. Browse our full range of caravan skylights and hatches today.
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
Comments (3)
Skylight replacement
Skylight in great condition. Only problem is the pleated shade section has started to get holes in the backing. Can dismantle easily but can’t just purchase blind section. Seems like a large expense for a easy fix.By: Maryanne Alvisio on 16 April 2025
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Maryanne, the inner blind and screen maybe available as a spare part. If you would like to reach out to us on 1800 787 278 or send us an email at sales@caravanrvcamping.com.au with the brand and sizing of the skylight we maybe able to assist.
SKYLIGHT REPLACEMENTS
I have 2 Skylights in my 22" 2007 Regent Series 111, whenever it rains (1) is leaking, so a bucket is put underneath to catch the drips, also the blinds on the inside of the skylights are worn out as the strings on blinds are broken.By: Julie Schultz on 15 August 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Julie, it sounds like you are in market for some new skylights. I will reach out to you via email. You can also jump on our LIVE Chat or call us on 1800 787 278 to discuss some options
