Roof Structure/Construction '96 Southwind

[Mac and Chris]

Hi All,

I'm trying again to locate the frame members, "rafters" if you will, in the roof of my RV. You would think this is a simple task, just use a stud finder right? Well no, it doesn't work. I've tried two stud finders (one a pro model) and neither of them will find the frame.

I'm starting to think the rafters don't come in contact with the plywood roof at all, but are separated from it by a couple of inches of insulation and the whole thing glued together. So, I also tried to locate them from inside, with the stud finder on the ceiling. No luck.

If I was sure where they are placed within the roof thickness (towards outside, or in) I'd just take a long thin rod, drill a hole, and probe horizontally for them. But I don't want to do this more than once or twice for obvious reasons

Why am I looking for the frame members? I've been nervous about my DataStorm being mounted to the thin plywood ever since installation a couple of years ago. I'm planning to remount it and want it to be solid this time. I may also cut a 14" hole for another vent, and would like to miss the frame.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

[Mac and Chris]

Hi All,

I'm trying again to locate the frame members, "rafters" if you will, in the roof of my RV. You would think this is a simple task, just use a stud finder right? Well no, it doesn't work. I've tried two stud finders (one a pro model) and neither of them will find the frame.

I'm starting to think the rafters don't come in contact with the plywood roof at all, but are separated from it by a couple of inches of insulation and the whole thing glued together. So, I also tried to locate them from inside, with the stud finder on the ceiling. No luck.

If I was sure where they are placed within the roof thickness (towards outside, or in) I'd just take a long thin rod, drill a hole, and probe horizontally for them. But I don't want to do this more than once or twice for obvious reasons

Why am I looking for the frame members? I've been nervous about my DataStorm being mounted to the thin plywood ever since installation a couple of years ago. I'm planning to remount it and want it to be solid this time. I may also cut a 14" hole for another vent, and would like to miss the frame.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

I agree with "stud finders" not indicating where the aluminum rafters are located. I know one way that works, but it's the wrong time of the year. When the weather is cold, and frost forms on the roof (or sides for that matter) the frame rafters stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe you could use something cold, ice, or a CO2 bottle and apply to the area your interested in.

Just a thought...

[M&EM]

When I owned a 95 Fleetwood class C I was able to use a strong magnet to find the steel framework in the roof. Don't know if your model used steel or aluminum. I did also notice that the roof had frame members 14" apart the full length from front to back on the centerline and the roof vent and ac' s mounted to them. Also found cross members front and rear of those openings with metal side to side on the roof.

[Gary RVRoamer]

In a 96 the frame members may be wood rather than metal. And they are almost surely glued rather than nailed. I haven't observed a Southwind during construction, but I have seen others and the roof is vacuum bonded as a separate piece and then mounted whole onto the side walls.

I had a 96 Southwind 36 footer and never did locate any "rafters" when mounting a carrier for my Port-a-Bote on the roof. Finally I just mounted 2x4 supports direct to the plywood (the surface under the rubber) with lag screws and good dose of sealant. Then mounted my brackets and such to that. It worked fine.

[BobFL]

Mac and Chris, I took a couple of tours of the Paxinos Pa.[fleetwood] plant in '96 and in '97. and at that time, Bounder and Southwind were using a styrofoam type roof.

The roof structure was one long piece of foam. I don't recall seeing any "rafters".

Don't take this as "gospel" as I'm working from memory and you know how that goes.