Community Forums

gthunts · 05-15-2014, 02:52 PM

I am concerned about walking on the roof of my Class C. I have no reason to think the roof is not solid (no leaks) but I weigh in at about 270 and I just don't want to damage anything. I know I need to get up there to do proper cleaning and treatment. I have a 32 ft Gulfstream Conquest with a rubber roof. Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

milasman · 05-15-2014, 03:00 PM

No jumping jacks, roof probably good to 300 lbs. Check manual.

**CLIFFTALL** · 05-15-2014, 03:02 PM

Be careful is my best advice. There have been some horrific accidents with people falling off.

Mich F · 05-15-2014, 03:05 PM

Double post

Mich F · 05-15-2014, 03:08 PM

The ladder might be as much, or more of a concern.

My Itasca ladder has a weight rating of 225#.

bdickson · 05-15-2014, 03:09 PM

For cleaning the roof, it might be better to use a ladder leaning against the RV and a long handled brush. I bought one of these Amazon.com: Telesteps 1800EP Pro 300-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder with Wide Step, 14 1/2 Foot: Home Improvement and I really like it.

Moonrover · 05-15-2014, 03:47 PM

I use an old swimming pool float as a pad to crawl around on. Moving it around to the area of work without actually standing up takes a bit of trickery, but at least I don't risk walking around and tripping. I do all roof work at low profile with knees on that thick pad (2" x 30" x 70"). Also use it as a cushion when crawling under the bus.

Before I gained respect for a slippery roof, I had a near incident one night while up on the roof installing vent fans. Started the project in daylight, but as darkness approached, I set up work lights on the roof. No problem so far, but at night, my illuminated world up there gave a false feeling of being safe. Can't see the ground that is twelve feet down ... no problemo. Finally got the last fan installed and sealed then stepped back to take a look at my achievement. I felt a "roundness" under my feet ... it was the sharp curve of the edge of the bus roof. A cold chill shot through my body, and I instinctively leaned forward to get down on my knees. The toes of my shoes slipped as I was assuming the "recline" and I fell belly flat on the roof ... feet hanging over the edge !! Stayed there for a while to get over the shaking. Climbed down the ladder with really wobbly knees. It was a scare that I will not soon forget.

So from now on, I crawl around at low profile and have that pad as a knee cushion.

wa8yxm · 05-15-2014, 04:15 PM

Am I safe to walk on roof? Can not answer that.

Will Roof hold me: That one I might have some insite to.

I'm over 300 pounds when I climb up a ladder and walk all over my class A.. Now Roofs come in many types.. The first (PUP) Trailer I had had only a fairly thin layer of aluminum for the roof, I would not walk on it as it would not support me.. Or, for that matter a rooftop air conditioner.. The Second trailer.. I'd not walk on cause well,,,, too small, I mean there was basically no flat portion to walk on.

The Class A, the roof is as solid as the kitchen floor.. It holds multiple Air Conditioners Myself and a repair man who can likely match me on a scale, Tools, and more all at the same time.

Cleaning roof: Recall I said its like a kitchen floor,, Mop, Bucket, Spic & Span, Water (Garden hose with sprayer). NOTE: I use a long handled car (Van) wash brush instead of a mop, And I'm kind of sloppy since I just rinse it off.

SAFELY that is the question.. Do not mop yourself into a corner unless it's the corner with the ladder so you can get down. . Avoid the edge, If you are subject to Vertigo or any other balance issues, DO NOT GO ON ROOF, wear good quality deck type shoes that do not slip and slide if surface is wet,, USE CAUTION,, The fall, likely will not hurt at all.. but that sudden stop when you get to the bottom is a real pain in the body.

As I said elsewhere,, I've only broken two necks workign on the roof, Thankfully they were on hose cut off valves (A few bucks worth of plastic) not on me. But then .. I've spent a lot of hours on a lot of roofs that were not nearly as easy to walk as the Motor home's
(Back when I had Shingles,, the kind you apply to a roof with hammer and nails)

HicksRA · 05-15-2014, 07:21 PM

Do you have a skinny neighbor that owes you a favor?
You'd probably be OK if you step easy, but I'd think 270 is close to pushing the limit.

Santara · 05-19-2014, 11:03 PM

i put dn small pieces of plywood to spread weight

Greyhawk31 · 07-15-2014, 09:04 AM

Learned yesterday this greyhawk rubber roof is super slick when wet.
I was cleaning and inspecting the A/C unit. Water and rubber roof better then an old fashion ice ring.