so how heavy is too heavy for my roof?

[masque]

hello folks.......relatively new travel trailer owner......a flagstaff 29rsws.

bought it brand new and i'm the kind of guy that really likes to be hand's on with stuff I buy. I'm no mechanic etc, but things I can do on my own i enjoy doing it.

I'm a curious guy and I enjoy taking care of things I invest in. so i have interest in making sure the roof and equipment attached to my travel trailer roof are inspected and maintained.

but i'm a big ole corn fed boy. on a good day i go 6' 4" and around 295-300 pounds. My dealer recommended that the roof tolerance was "around 300 pounds".....lol.

well around 300 pounds really makes me not want to test the ladder or structural integrity of the roof. for those of you "healthy" folks like me what do you think about weight restrictions for the roof and ladder on the back?

[The Evil Twin]

I cant speak for the ladder rack itself, but I always put a piece of masonite down when I'm on the roof doing AC maintenance or cleaning. I have 2 pieces about 3x3 I set on the roof to help stop my knees or elbows from pressing in.
I will say, my friend and I were both on his roof working on his AC. We each are around 200. All was well.

[chriscowles]

This image is found on the Rockwood site. It should mollify your concerns. It's a different line (note v-nose) but the construction methods are the same.

[SlowrideHD]

You better buy a big step ladder, or extension ladder. Many of the rear mounted ladders are only held on with a few screws through an 1/8" of gelcoat.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

You better buy a big step ladder, or extension ladder. Many of the rear mounted ladders are only held on with a few screws through an 1/8" of gelcoat.

Really? Do you know this for a fact? I would not think that would be the case but I’ve never tested mine. Seems they would screw into the wall frame..

[masque]

Originally Posted by The Evil Twin

I cant speak for the ladder rack itself, but I always put a piece of masonite down when I'm on the roof doing AC maintenance or cleaning. I have 2 pieces about 3x3 I set on the roof to help stop my knees or elbows from pressing in.
I will say, my friend and I were both on his roof working on his AC. We each are around 200. All was well.

That’s a great idea! Thanks.

[masque]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

This image is found on the Rockwood site. It should mollify your concerns. It's a different line (note v-nose) but the construction methods are the same.

That is very helpful! Thanks.

[masque]

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

You better buy a big step ladder, or extension ladder. Many of the rear mounted ladders are only held on with a few screws through an 1/8" of gelcoat.

Well that could be a large concern. Thus far, my very much in shape and 120 pound wife has climbed up to do a few minor checks of things.

During the times she has climbed up I have watched her go up the ladder and saw it wiggle enough to wonder what destruction would happen to it by going from 120 pounds to 295 pounds??? Lol.

[TowPro]

Here is what I use.
this is rated at 300 lbs.
the price on these varies so shop around from big box stores to paint stores.

also notice the ANSI Duty Rating. IA is 300 lbs.
If you get one, my only recommendations is to put the ladder locks away from you when you climb. I hit one with my foot and it came off, lucky it just snapped back in.

[The Evil Twin]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

This image is found on the Rockwood site. It should mollify your concerns. It's a different line (note v-nose) but the construction methods are the same.

And now we know why so many "new" RV roofs have so many patches! LOL!
Good find on the photo though. Shows they can take some good weight.

[The Evil Twin]

Originally Posted by masque

That’s a great idea! Thanks.

Yep!
It may not be "necessary", but it makes me feel good. Also, it leaves me a place to set my screws, drill, driver, whatever. That way if I step on or drop them it is not the roof that takes the damage. Note- always lay your drill down! Like in the photo above. Don't set it on the battery. It is sure to fall over onto the drill bit. Ask me how I know!
One more thing. If you use a ladder, think about using a pool noodle on the rails to protect the roof coping.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by masque

That is very helpful! Thanks.

While I would have no qualms about the roof if I weighed 300#, I'd want to confirm the ladder rating with the manufacturer before climbing on it. They do have specific limits but I don't know what it is. I think it will be okay but call the trailer manufacturer first.

[SlowrideHD]

Originally Posted by dalford

Really? Do you know this for a fact? I would not think that would be the case but I’ve never tested mine. Seems they would screw into the wall frame..

I know it for a fact on my Cedar Creek, thank you. All you have to do is look from underneath the rear. I have a large gap between the rear wall and the rear cap. Makes it super easy to get to all the wiring for the tail lights, etc.

[dwilli1]

Originally Posted by The Evil Twin

Yep!
It may not be "necessary", but it makes me feel good. Also, it leaves me a place to set my screws, drill, driver, whatever. That way if I step on or drop them it is not the roof that takes the damage. Note- always lay your drill down! Like in the photo above. Don't set it on the battery. It is sure to fall over onto the drill bit. Ask me how I know!
One more thing. If you use a ladder, think about using a pool noodle on the rails to protect the roof coping.

You can also get "ladder mitts" for the ladder top when leaning it against the wall. Any hardware store or HD will have them.

[67L48]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

This image is found on the Rockwood site. It should mollify your concerns. It's a different line (note v-nose) but the construction methods are the same.

Be careful of the inferences that you make here. Three smallish/average guys on six legs/feet spread across a large span of roof is much different than a single 300lb guy on two legs/feet in one spot.

[MisterVick]

I'm 6'-2" and about 260 and didn't like the two sets of horizontal ladder supports that came on my Surveyor, so I found the identical supports on Amazon and added a third set between the two factory installed supports. I no longer have concerns about the slight "give" in my ladder now when climbing and descending. Each mounting post bracket has four holes for mounting bolts and I found that when drilling the pilot holes two of the four were entering metal frame studs and the other two entered the particle board siding. It's secure!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

This image is found on the Rockwood site. It should mollify your concerns. It's a different line (note v-nose) but the construction methods are the same.

This pic wouldn't convince me one way or the other. Those three guys didn't all have a foot on a single ladder rung at once nor are all three of them standing in a 14"x14" area simultaneously.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by dalford

Really? Do you know this for a fact? I would not think that would be the case but I’ve never tested mine. Seems they would screw into the wall frame..

Don't bet on it. If the ladders are anything like the awning brackets they are not anchored very well. The awnings on my TT is held on with pop rivets in the wall, just the 1/8" outer skin is holding them on. 2 lag screws at the top, Tribex rivets in the middle and bottom. Please don't ask how I know.

Bulbex Blind Rivets | Tribex Rivets | Trifold Rivets

[mgas]

I am bigger than you and been on the roof of my cedar creek without issue. Just walk easy. As others have said, the cheesey part is the ladder. I use a different ladder, not the one on the unit. Mine has a fiberglass cap on the rear that the ladder is attached to. Not quite the 1/8" people are saying but not much more than 1/4" with small wood backers that it is screwed into. Only for emergency use for my fat arse as far as i am concerned.

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

FWIW.
We are on our second trailer.



The first one was not walkable according to manufacturer. Specifically instructed to use plywood to spread the load.


This trailer has a ladder which I do not trust. I am only a swelte 230 lbs lol


I have a portable ladder I bring with me just in case.


Your mileage may vary.


:-)