Replacing a Roof Hatch Door Made Simple

A cracked hatch lid or failing roof hatch door isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a fast track to water damage, poor ventilation, and a caravan that feels stuffy on those hot Aussie days. Whether you’re dealing with a sun-bleached caravan hatch cover that’s seen better days or a complete hatch assembly that’s given up the ghost, getting the right replacement doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing and replacing roof hatch doors, from measuring your opening to picking the right style for your setup. With the right part and a bit of know-how, you’ll have fresh air flowing and weather staying outside where it belongs.

What Is a Roof Hatch Door and Why Does It Matter?

A roof hatch door (also called a caravan hatch cover, hatch lid, or skylight) is your caravan’s gateway to fresh air and natural light. These fixtures sit flush with your roof and can range from simple fixed covers to sophisticated vented units with screens, blinds, and even LED lighting.

Getting the right size and fit is critical for keeping your van weatherproof, properly ventilated, and safe. A poorly fitted hatch can let in water during storms, create whistling noises at highway speeds, or fail to seal properly, leading to condensation issues and potential structural damage down the track.

How to Measure Your Existing Hatch Opening

Before you start shopping, you’ll need accurate measurements of your existing hatch opening. The most important dimension is the internal opening, typically either 355×355 mm (14×14 inches) or 400×400 mm, though some premium units like the Dometic Midi Heki electric roof hatch run larger at around 500×700 mm.

You’ll also want to check your roof thickness, as most hatches are designed to accommodate roofs between 43-60mm thick, though some can handle up to 85mm with extension kits. Whether your roof is flat or slightly curved can also affect which models will work best.

Getting these measurements wrong is one of the most common mistakes when ordering caravan parts online. Take the time to measure twice and order once. It’ll save you the hassle of returns and delays when you’re keen to get back on the road.

Popular Roof Hatch Doors and Hatch Lids We Stock

We stock a range of quality hatch doors and lids to suit different budgets and requirements. Here’s what’s available:
The Camco 14×14 Hatch Lid caravan hatch cover is your no-frills option. It’s a basic sealed lid that keeps the weather out without any ventilation features. It’s perfect if you just need to replace a damaged cover and don’t require airflow.

How to Identify Your Hatch Door by Sight

If you’re not sure exactly what you’ve got, a visual inspection can help narrow down your options. Start by looking at the lid colour. Most are white, though some come in smoked or clear versions for different light levels.

Check how it opens. Does it have a crank handle that you turn to lift the hatch, or does it push up and prop open with a simple mechanism? Crank handles usually indicate a more sophisticated ventilation system.

Look for extra features like LED strip lighting around the frame, integrated flyscreens that slide across the opening, or darkening blinds that can block light completely. These features can help you identify whether you’ve got a basic lid or a premium unit.

Finally, check for any brand markings or model labels, usually found on the frame or handle mechanism. Dometic, Fiamma, Camco and Camec are the most common brands, and each has distinct styling cues that can help with identification. Most modern hatches are designed for easy access to controls and components, making identification straightforward.

Replacement Lid vs Full Roof Hatch Door

When a lid only is enough

Sometimes you don’t need to replace the whole assembly, you just need the lid itself. This is usually the case when your hatch frame and hardware are still in good condition with no cracks, warping, or corrosion visible.

If only the plastic lid has faded, cracked, or become brittle from UV exposure, a replacement lid can save you money and installation time. This approach works when the hinges, crank mechanism, and internal trim ring are all functioning properly, and there are no water leaks around the base of the hatch.

For example, if you’ve got a Camco 14×14 Hatch Lid that’s discoloured but the frame is still solid and sealing well, a simple lid replacement will do the job perfectly.

When to replace the entire hatch door assembly

A complete replacement becomes necessary when the frame itself is damaged, warped, or no longer seals properly against the roof. If the crank mechanism, handle, or hinges are broken or seized, you’ll need the full assembly to get everything working smoothly again.

Persistent water leaks even after resealing attempts usually indicate frame damage that requires a complete replacement. This is also your chance to upgrade to a different style. You might swap a basic lid for a complete hatch with proper ventilation, or upgrade from an old manual vent hatch to a modern electric unit with screens and blinds.

Installing a New Roof Hatch Door in Your Caravan or RV (High-Level Steps)

Start by carefully removing the old lid or complete hatch door, taking photos as you go to remember how everything fits together.

Clean and prep the roof surface thoroughly, removing any old sealant and checking for damage that might need to be repaired before the new hatch goes in. A clean, sound surface is essential for a watertight seal.

Before applying any sealant, dry-fit your new hatch to confirm the size is correct and everything aligns properly. This is your last chance to catch any issues before the hatch is permanently installed.

Apply a quality caravan sealant, such as a Dicor lap sealant, around the opening and position the new hatch carefully, securing with screws in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure. Don’t over-tighten, as this can crack the hatch frame or roof material.

Finally, test the operation of any moving parts and check the seal all around the perimeter. A properly installed hatch should operate smoothly and show no gaps that could let in water.

Caring for Your Hatch Lid or Door

A bit of regular maintenance will keep your roof hatch working properly for years. Check the seals and gaskets annually, looking for cracks or areas where the rubber is pulling away from the frame. These are easy to replace before they become leak points.

Keep hinges and crank mechanisms lubricated with a light machine oil or spray lubricant. If the hinges and cranks are stiff, that usually indicates the mechanism needs attention, and catching it early prevents more serious problems from developing.

When cleaning your hatch, stick to mild detergents and avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers that can damage seals or plastic components. A soft cloth and warm, soapy water will handle most cleaning jobs without risking damage or water ingress.

Replace screens or blinds as they wear out or get damaged. These components are usually available separately and are much cheaper than replacing the entire hatch when they fail.

Common Roof Hatch Door Issues and Fixes

Water leaks are the most common issue, and are usually caused by failed seals or gaskets. Start by resealing around the frame, but if leaks persist, the gasket or even the frame itself may need to be replaced, especially if the frame has warped.

A stiff or stuck crank handle typically needs lubrication, but the mechanism may need to be replaced if that doesn’t help. Most crank assemblies are available as separate parts rather than requiring a new hatch.

Check the frame alignment first when a lid won’t close flush or sits unevenly. Sometimes, the roof settles slightly over time, throwing the frame out of square. Minor adjustments to the mounting screws can often correct this, but significant warping usually means replacement time.

Get the Right Roof Hatch Door with Help from RV Spares Online

Choosing the correct size and style prevents leaks, improves ventilation, and keeps your caravan secure. The difference between a properly fitted caravan hatch and one that’s almost right can be the difference between dry comfort and water damage that costs thousands to repair.

At RV Spares Online, we stock Camco, Camec, Fiamma, and Dometic caravan hatch covers and lids to suit most caravans and RVs. Whether you need a basic replacement lid or want to upgrade to a premium electric unit with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got options to suit your budget and requirements. Every model offers good value for money at its price point.

If you’re unsure about the right replacement, our team can help you match your measurements to the correct part. We’d rather spend a few minutes getting it right than have you deal with the hassle of returns and delays.

Explore the full range of roof hatches and skylights to find what you need and order online, and make sure to check out our other caravan accessories while you’re at it.