What you need to know about Swift’s skylight safety advisory

Many Swift motorhome owners with a sky view panoramic window (skylight) above the driver/passenger cab seats have received a letter concerning some critical safety advice. The letter - which is also available on the Swift Group website - talks about the need to use the skylight in the correct way, and also what checks you can do as an owner to help make sure it is safe for use. If you have a Swift motorhome and are concerned about this - or perhaps you didn’t get a letter - we’ve summarised below some of the key points that you might need to know.

The skylight must always be securely closed when driving to ensure the safety of those in the motorhome, and also other drivers on the road. Here at Camperbuyer.com we do know of a couple of instances whereby the skylight has detached and fallen off whilst the motorhome was moving, which could obviously cause some serious damage to other drivers in the vicinity. 

There have also been reports online - particularly on motorhome forums - that the owner’s motorhome has been driven with the skylight apparently closed, but yet the skylight has still become detached. Whatever has potentially happened in these instances, it’s important to make sure that you a) only drive with the skylight shut, and b) that you check to make sure there aren’t any visible issues with your skylight.

According to the letter, Swift Group recently investigated several instances of failure involving the window assembly. Extensive testing conducted by the window’s supplier, alongside independent experts, determined that these issues can stem from driving with the window left in an ‘unsecured position’. When unsecured, the window and its fittings are placed under additional stress, which can lead to it detaching, and, as some owners have reported, flying off when they are driving. To prevent such risks, Swift Group advises owners to always check that the skylight is fully closed and securely locked before they set off.

An ‘unsecured skylight’ is defined as being either:

Open

The window pane is in an open position, not touching the internal seal, and the catches are not secured; or

Closed

The window appears closed with the pane touching the seal, but the catches are not securing it in place.

Obviously, either of these scenarios poses a safety risk if the motorhome is driven with the skylight like that.

Inspecting your skylight

For peace of mind, Swift recommends a simple inspection to check that all the skylight’s fixings are secure. You can follow these steps:

1. Unlatch the window catches 

Release the window catches to allow full movement.

2. Open the skylight fully

Raise the skylight to its maximum permitted position.

3. Inspect the screws 

Check that the six screws on the lower hinge profile are in place and fully tightened. There should be no visible thread under the screw heads.

If you notice any missing or loose screws, visit a Swift-approved workshop or an AWS-approved workshop, which can quickly rectify the issue using a fixing kit provided by the window supplier.

Even if you’ve not had a problem before, it’s a good idea to check your skylight now, using the above three steps, and then each time you set off on a journey.

The issue has been reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). After reviewing Swift’s findings and the recommended safety steps, the DVSA has now closed its investigation.

If you have further questions or need any help, you can visit Swift’s website at www.swiftgroup.co.uk.

(Photos from the Swift Group website)