When buying a skylight roof vent hatch for your adventure van or RV, there are four key things to consider: whether your roof already has an existing hatch, how much roof space is available, the build quality and the included additional features. In this Sky-M-400 vs Sky-L-500 review, we compare the two models to help you determine which one is the better addition to your camper's roof.
Both are among the best premium skylights available on the Australian market, offering everything you need without unnecessary extras. They do include built-in LED light bars, which many users find particularly useful when the hatch is installed above the sleeping area.
Sky-M-400 vs Sky-L-500 Caravan Skylight at a Glance
Either the Sky-M-400 or Sky-L-500 can make a significant difference to the living or sleeping space in your adventure van. Both provide natural daylight, passive ventilation and optional LED lighting when needed. However, they differ in their intended applications.
The Sky-M-400 Skylight Roof Vent Hatch is a medium-sized model designed to fit the standard 400 × 400 mm roof cut-out. This makes it an excellent replacement for an existing standard roof vent or an ideal first-time installation that will be easy to replace or upgrade in the future. However, your van's roof should be approximately 30–35 mm thick to ensure the interior trim ring fits correctly and sits flush against the ceiling.
The Sky-L-500 Skylight Roof Vent Hatch, on the other hand, is the larger version, requiring a 500 × 500 mm roof cut-out. Its larger opening allows more natural light into your van while also providing greater airflow when the lid is open. However, its overall footprint is also larger (574 × 574 mm), meaning it occupies more roof space that you may otherwise want to reserve for solar panels or other roof-mounted accessories.
Apart from their size, both skylight roof vent hatches share most of the other features. For instance, each comes with a dual-glazed dome lid, while the interior trim ring features an integrated LED light bar around the perimeter to illuminate your space after dark.
| Sky-M-400 | Sky-L-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Version | Medium | Large |
| Overall Dimensions | 442 x 442 mm | 574 x 574 mm |
| Required Cut-Out | 400 x 400 mm | 500 x 500 mm |
| Compatible Roof Thickness | Approx 30 - 35 mm | Approx 25 - 60 mm |
| Built-in LED Light | Yes | Yes |
| Type of Lid | Dual glazed dome | Dual glazed dome |
| Lid Lift Method | Manual (gas lift struts) | Manual (gas lift struts) |
| Lid Opening Angle | Up to 70° | Up to 70° |
| Extra Feature | Retractable blind and insect screen | Retractable blind and insect screen |
How Do the Sky-M-400 and Sky-L-500 Roof Vent Hatches Compare?
Design
Both models feature a square design with a smoked/tinted lid and a white interior garnish (trim) ring. The smoked lid allows some natural light to continue flowing into your camper even when the hatch is closed, while the white interior garnish ring adds a sleek, clean finish to the ceiling.
Build Quality
The two skylight roof vent hatches are well built, featuring a heavy-duty polycarbonate lid and interior garnish ring. The dual-glazed lids provide excellent insulation for cooler nights while also enhancing durability and longevity.
The hatches also feature heavy-duty gas lift struts and a thick metal pull handle, further demonstrating the manufacturer's focus on durability.
Size and Dimensions
As mentioned earlier, the main difference between the two models is their size. If you're replacing a standard roof vent hatch, the Sky-M-400 requires a 400 × 400 mm cut-out, allowing it to fit seamlessly. Meanwhile, the Sky-L-500 requires a slightly larger 500 × 500 mm cut-out.
In terms of overall dimensions, the Sky-L-500 measures 574 × 574 mm, making it noticeably larger than the Sky-M-400, which measures 442 × 442 mm. Therefore, the latter is the better option if your camper has limited roof space — those extra five inches can make a significant difference when installing solar panels.
How Hard Is a Caravan Skylight to Install?
Size aside, both roof vent hatches are straightforward to install, although the process is moderately challenging. If you're installing one from scratch, you'll need to cut an opening in your camper's roof, which requires specialised tools, time and careful attention to detail.
Some of the tools and supplies you'll need include:
- Drill and drill bits for creating pilot holes
- Jigsaw with a fresh metal-cutting blade for the roof cut-out
- Butyl tape and sealant for sealing and waterproofing
- Screwdriver, tape measure, marker pen and metal file for general preparation and finishing
Note: both hatches include an integrated LED light bar around the internal trim ring. If you wish to use the lighting, simply connect the pre-wired terminal leads to your camper's 12V DC power source, such as the battery busbar, fuse panel or an existing circuit.
Ease of Operation
Once installed, both models are very easy to operate. You just retract the integrated blind and insect screen, then flip the metal handle and push the lid open or pull it closed.
The lids are connected to the frame by two heavy-duty gas lift struts (gas springs), similar to those used on a car's bonnet or tailgate. This provides smooth, controlled movement and allows effortless one-handed operation without the lid slamming shut.
If the LED lights are wired, a built-in switch on the interior trim ring allows you to turn them on and off easily.
User Convenience
Either the Sky-M-400 or Sky-L-500 is a great addition to your adventure vehicle. They offer several conveniences that help keep your van's interior:
- Naturally lit during the day by opening the lid. The lid is also smoke-coloured, allowing a good amount of light to enter even when closed.
- Passively and naturally ventilated by opening the lid. Each vent hatch can be opened to different angles, up to 70°.
- Well insulated with the dual-glazed lid, minimising heat loss and condensation at night.
- Insect-free with the lid open by closing the retractable bug screen.
- Private and protected from the sun with the lid open by closing the retractable blind.
- Perfect for stargazing while lying down, giving you that open-air feeling of looking up at the night sky while lying outdoors.
- Well lit after dark with the built-in LED light bars around the interior garnish ring.
As mentioned above, both hatches include gas lift springs for effortless and smooth opening of the lid. The lid, by the way, is dome-shaped — an aerodynamic profile that helps prevent the wind from forcing it open while driving. This domed shape also encourages rainwater (or melted snow) to run off instantly, preventing water from pooling.
Speaking of water, you'll be pleased to know that both models feature a waterproof seal gasket around the top of the frame. So, you never have to worry about water leaking into your van — unless you applied insufficient sealant around the outer flange during installation.
Price and Value
These are among the most premium skylight roof vent hatches for caravans, campervans and RVs in Australia. They aren't the cheapest on the market, with the Sky-M-400 typically priced between $400 and $450, while the Sky-L-500 ranges from $450 to $500.
The price is well worth it, though, considering their durable construction and extensive onboard features. Here at Campervan Builders, we also provide either model with a one-year warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing we'll stand behind your purchase for a full 365 days should any issues arise.
Sky-M-400 or Sky-L-500 or Maxxfan?
First, all three are roof vents designed for vans, RVs and motorhomes. However, choosing the right one depends on your adventure vehicle and what you hope to achieve. You should choose the:
- Sky-M-400 if you need a standard (medium-sized) fixture for natural lighting and ventilation. It also features convenient built-in LED lighting if your installation area lacks sufficient lighting or if you want to replace your existing lights.
- Sky-L-500 if you need a larger fixture to naturally light and ventilate your living space. It also features built-in LED light bars for evening illumination and provides a wider view for stargazing at night.
- Maxxfan Deluxe Roof Fan Vent if you need a powerful intake/exhaust fan for year-round ventilation and air circulation. Its rain dome allows you to leave the vent open even when it's raining. You can choose between the manual lift lid model and the smart motorised version.
Since we're talking about three premium products, expect to pay a premium price for any of them. The good news is that they all come with a valid warranty, with the Maxxfan offering the longest coverage at two years, although it is also the most expensive of the three.
Which Caravan Skylight Should You Choose?
A skylight roof vent hatch is an excellent way to naturally light and ventilate the living space of your caravan, campervan or motorhome. This helps conserve the energy that would otherwise be used to power a fan-assisted roof vent and interior lighting during the day, allowing your off-grid power reserves to last longer.
As for the choice between the Sky-M-400 vs Sky-L-500, the decision ultimately comes down to the available roof space on your camper.
If you have enough space (after accounting for solar panels), choose the Sky-L-500 skylight vent hatch for its expansive view and faster release of hot air. However, if you're looking for the best long-term compatibility — whether for the complete unit or replacement components such as the lid — the Sky-M-400 skylight vent hatch is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size roof cut-out do these skylight hatches need?
The Sky-M-400 fits the standard 400 × 400 mm roof cut-out, while the Sky-L-500 requires a larger 500 × 500 mm cut-out. Their overall footprints are 442 × 442 mm and 574 × 574 mm respectively.
What roof thickness do the Sky-M-400 and Sky-L-500 suit?
The Sky-M-400 suits roofs approximately 30–35 mm thick, while the Sky-L-500 accommodates roofs approximately 25–60 mm thick, ensuring the interior trim ring sits flush against the ceiling.
Are these caravan roof hatches waterproof?
Yes. Both feature a waterproof seal gasket around the top of the frame, and the domed lid sheds rainwater instantly. Leaks only become a risk if insufficient sealant is applied around the outer flange during installation.
How much do the Sky-M-400 and Sky-L-500 cost in Australia?
The Sky-M-400 is typically priced between $400 and $450, while the Sky-L-500 ranges from $450 to $500. Both come with a one-year warranty from Campervan Builders.
Ready to brighten and ventilate your van? Explore our full range of skylights and roof hatches at Campervan Builders today.
