|
04-23-2010, 04:52 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 93
|
Why a ladder. Why no roof storage boxes?
I was contemplating my RV trailer the other day and wondered why almost every RV has a fancy, but too narrow and too flimsy a ladder leading to the roof. Ok, it is to provide access the roof. But, how many times is it ever necessary to get up there and why wouldn't a conventional ladder be better and much, MUCH safer?
Second question – Back in the 60’s and 70’s you saw a lot of Rvs with storage boxes on the roof. I recall Coleman made many of them. These days I hardly ever see such a box on a trailer’s roof. I don’t even know if they are available? I am told, “Oh no, you don’t want to put any new “holes” in that roof and you shouldn’t walk on a RV roof”!
So what’s the deal? I can see the RV ladders if it is to access roof storage, but with no roof storage boxes why a ladder.
Just wondering!?
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
04-23-2010, 05:11 PM
|
#2
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
|
Some of us actually wash our roof. Its also handy for checking seams and the overall condition of the roof.
As to storage, we have more than adequate storage either in our storage compartments or inside our rig.
Having to haul a separate ladder just isnt as convienient.
And last, we wouldnt have a place to hang our pvc clothesrack to dry towels and etc.
I also believe its safer going up and down to use the attached ladder than to use a step ladder, especially when one has a tall 5th wheel.
|
|
|
04-23-2010, 05:27 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Florida Cooters Club Appalachian Campers Coastal Campers Carolina Campers
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Nature Coast FL
Posts: 1,729
|
__________________
Dave & Jo Ann
2008 HitchHiker Champagne 35LKRSB | 2011 F350 Lariat 6.7PSD | Many great memories!
|
|
|
04-23-2010, 05:30 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denmark and Spain
Posts: 2,030
|
Hi Dumolebob
The roof needs maintenance more than any other surface on a motorhome.
The roof is full of joints made necessary by the joining of panels and different materials. The roof needs cleaning and waxing to protect from UV rays and the heat of the sun. On my Rv the solar panel needs wiping to operate at a maximum and my Tv aerials/disk need a check now and again. More work takes place on the roof than anywhere else.
That's why we need a ladder.
__________________
The Great Dane
|
|
|
04-24-2010, 10:05 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Posts: 5,173
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Half Dimes
|
Yep!!!
__________________
Travel well, travel safe,
Jim
2006 Tiffin Phaeton - 2011 Cadillac SRX
|
|
|
04-25-2010, 12:23 AM
|
#6
|
Community Administrator
Pond Piggies Club LA Gulf Coast Campers Outdoors RV Owners Club Entegra Owners Club Skyline Owners Group
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 41,974
|
Well, let's see, aside from using the ladder to access the roof for maintenance/repairs, we use it to haul up the RV cover & to climb up on the roof to put on the RV cover, we use it to get to the courtesy lights when the bulbs need changing, we use it to hang towels on to dry, we use it to hold our Plak-R's & we use it to attach our flag pole. But I don't think I'd ever use it to gain access to a roof storage container. I have a hard enough time accessing our storage bins that are close to the ground, so even if there was such thing as a roof storage box, I'd never put anything up there 'cuz it would be too much hassle to go up there to get it.
Lori-
__________________
Lori (& Dave, my spirit guide) - RV/MH Hall of Fame Lifetime Member | My iRV2 Photo Albums
2016 Phoenix Cruiser 2350S, 2018 Phaeton 40IH,2006 Bounder 36Z, 2004 Cougar 285EFS, 2000 Aerolite 25FBR
There is great need for a sarcasm font.
|
|
|
04-25-2010, 06:17 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
|
And why no rooftop storage.. Many RV's are pushing the height limit as it is but more importantly an RV is often a very top heavy vehicle, so storing stuff on the roof, makes it more so. Not a good idea
__________________
Home is where I park it!
|
|
|
04-25-2010, 07:31 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,235
|
I once had a luggage carrier on the roof of my station wagon. The added wind resistance reduced my milage considerably.
BOB
|
|
|
04-25-2010, 08:41 AM
|
#9
|
Registered User
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Varies Depending on The Weather
Posts: 8,517
|
Okay, so I am probably the exception here. I have two different rooftop storage pods. One holds all the our Christmas stuff, tree, ornaments, wreath for the front window, lights, decorations, etc. and some kites that get used when we stay at the ocean. The other holds our two folding chairs that we seldom use other than when guests are staying with us, also my bike bag and probably other stuff that I can't even remember now.
I power wash the roof 3-4 times a year. And this past month I had all of the old sealant removed from all of the components on the roof and a new layer of self-leveling sealant applied. Similar to another poster, I have to clean the solar panel to ensure that it is working at optimum efficiency.
So there is a useful purpose for the narrow ladder but each time I use it, I pray that it will stay intact while going up or down.
Dr4Film ----- Richard.
|
|
|
04-25-2010, 01:45 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,696
|
Our older, '88 Winnie seen under my user name, has a very sturdy ladder and roof - I prefer it for all the reasons already offered - and while our OEM storage space is wayyyy more than the 2 of us need - a roof mounted box for lighter and bulky items used less frequently, would not be out of the question...
__________________
John Day....|'88 Winnebago Super Chief 27ft. Class A Eastern .....|'88 KIT model 240 24 ft. 5er Oregon ......|'02 Dodge/Cummins 2500 Quad Cab
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|