Tips for walking on the roof

[vocoder]

This may be a ridiculous question, but I figure it's better to ask than not...

My two-year old toy hauler has a built-in ladder, and was advertised as a "full walk-on roof". However, from the day I picked it up from the dealer I've been cautioned by friends and fellow RV owners about damaging the roof if I set foot on it.

I'd like to get up there and clean the roof soon, but I'm hesitant to do that without some reassurance, and perhaps some pointers for how best to move about on the roof without causing any damage. What do I need to know?

Thanks!

[heavynlori]

I have walked on all of ours since 1997

The only way to check it properly as needed and washing the roof helps keep streaks off sides too

Just tread lightly and especially careful when wet

[rana]

It's perfectly fine. If I'm just taking a quick peek up top I just kick my shoes off on the way up. If I'm going to be up there awhile I'll take cardboard or a packing blanket to sit/stand on while I work/clean.

[Mr. Dan]

I've walked on all of mine.

TIP: always take the ladder down. Do not jump/fall off the top!

[Flybob]

I suggest flat bottomed sneakers or boat shoes. They tend to distribute your weight over the entire area of the sole. Bare feet concentrate your weight on the heel and the ball of the foot. rubber soled shoes also keep you from sliding. A wet rubber roof is very slippery especially if you are washing it.

[Ford Idaho]

Best tip I will offer is to hire someone who may bounce easier/better.

Walking up there is easy as long as it is dry, when it gets wet it is another matter.

As posted take it slow and easy, baby steps or smaller.

[Stormrider151]

Check your shoes for stuff like rocks or anything that shouldn't be there especially if it's a rubber roof. My hybrid had a vinyl roof that I really liked. very durable.

[mud yapster]

Clean flat sole shoes. I check my roof all the time and clean my solar panels off. Slippery when wet, watch your step, don't fall off. You should inspect the caulking anytime you are up there for any small cracks even on new RVs. Washing and treating your rubber roof will make it last a very long time. Be careful it can be slippery.

[arpipeliner]

I try to stay a couple of feet from the edge and if rubber roof should be to see the supports. I was told the closer to the edge instead of the middle would put your weight on the side walls instead of all on the roof. Don't know to be true.

Don't go where you have a very bad feeling cause safety is important. As others said I will sit or lay to spread out the weight. I am around 250. The ladder rungs and mounts need not to overly stressed. Stay close to ladder and not hard pulling at the top.


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[Grampa Jim]

They're made to be walked on......but not to jump up and down when you get excited about being up there. If there's a soft spot, it's either from a manufacturing problem or water that has snuck under the roof and you have wood rot. Always check your caulking, even with a new unit.

[Lee G]

I walk on my Cherokee with no problem. However, the previous 31' TT had a very springy roof,(it had no ladder)and I was uncomfortable about walking around on it. I used two pieces of 3/8" plywood to distribute my weight across the roof supports where I wanted to walk. I weigh 170 and if you have shoes that carry a lot of weight you might want to use caution where you walk. Never heard of anyone falling through. Not yet!

[silverback 35ts]

Originally Posted by vocoder

This may be a ridiculous question, but I figure it's better to ask than not...

My two-year old toy hauler has a built-in ladder, and was advertised as a "full walk-on roof". However, from the day I picked it up from the dealer I've been cautioned by friends and fellow RV owners about damaging the roof if I set foot on it.

I'd like to get up there and clean the roof soon, but I'm hesitant to do that without some reassurance, and perhaps some pointers for how best to move about on the roof without causing any damage. What do I need to know?

Thanks!

The unwritten thing about walk on roofs is pretty simple (but not the case in every coach) and will explain, but if the factory installs a ladder you have a walk on roof, and people need to understand, The factory wants you to enjoy your coach, but for you to do that you need to maintain it, and part of that is going on the roof at least once per year and check all the sealant for cracks, and to wash and reseal your roof.

SO if the roof was a non walk on this would be imposable to do, so yes walk all over ( but please be careful) now to the explanation, some tag trailers do not come with a ladder but you can still walk on them, to maintain the roof system, so yes today most if not all are made to walk on.

[hdmtnrider]

Look for the ribs and try to stand or step on them as much as possible.

[Wolverine 1945]

I found the best way to clean & seal the rubber roof on our old TT,,,
Was to hire A Grandson to do it !!! At least he does not weight close to 3 bills !!!


Long story short,,, a few years back I was on the roof of our house,,, we live in an urban area,,, wife was @ work,,, the wind blew the ladder down,,, I had to sit on the roof until a neighbor kid came out to play,,, so I could holler to him to get him mom for me !!! LIVE & LEARN !!!

[youroo]

Our V-Lite has a Fac.Ladder. I use our (Extend A Ladder) when roof top action is needed on the road.When at home I use Tall step Ladders. I place a (Pool Foam Mat cut in half) on the roof! 1/2 for Me and 1/2 for a location for (Tools/Cleaning supplies?). The Mat does NOT slip or slide/or get wet when I am Washing the surface of the Roof! I am mostly (Crawling )on my (Hands & Knees) while up there! I do wear (Red Wing Boots/Size 12-1/2) I cant climb a Ladder (Barefooted)! Youroo!!

[Taranwanderer]

Just did mine on Monday...I'm finding that Crocs are good shoes to wear for this--rubber soles, not much tread for any damaging rocks to hide in, and good grip. Just try and clean them off once you get up there or you'll leave weird footprints on your EPDM (true with any shoe.)

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

Just did mine on Monday...I'm finding that Crocs are good shoes to wear for this--

Any certain color or design that is better? [emoji109] [emoji12] [emoji87]

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[B and B]

I don't walk on my fiver roof. I use ladders and get close to work area. Will lay across the roof to work on something like the roof vent and if necessary lay plywood on top of a blanket to distribute weight as needed.

[Rugged Brown]

Originally Posted by heavynlori

Just tread lightly and especially careful when wet

I am able to reduce my weight by 30 lbs when I tread lightly.

[Wolverine 1945]

B & B has the right idea,,,
Mr Brown is delusional !!!
LOL !!!