Strong roof?

Grizzlygibbs · 03-25-2014, 09:09 AM

I got up on the roof of my 2014 Rockwood Roo 233s last weekend to remove the cover and install a Maxxair-2 to the front vent. I walked very gently, yet in a few places felt a loud cracking sound which immediately created a soft/spongy spot on my roof. This worries me. After seeing images of a few large men on the roof in the brochure/website I was under the impression I did not need to worry about walking on the roof.

Are there spots on the roof I should avoid?

I wonder if the styrofoam is breaking under the wood panelling where my A/C ducts run?

avolnek · 03-25-2014, 09:22 AM

Typically I would suggest staying towards the edges of the camper when on the roof if possible. I only walk towards the center of the trailer when I am working on a specific spot.

When I am on my roof I also try to have a fairly wide stance to help try and spread my body weight out.

It is possible it was the foam insulation inside cracking, but it is also possible that the roofing or joists were the ones cracking. Not unusual to hear some noises while walking on any of the roofs though...

MtnGuy · 03-25-2014, 09:38 AM

The roof on my Surveyor cracks and pops, and some places give some. It has been doing that since new 6 years ago, with no ill effects so far.

Wiscampsin · 03-25-2014, 10:35 AM

Whenever I got on the roof of our previous hybrid I used a 3' X 3' piece of plywood to help distribute my weight.

**bikendan** · 03-25-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiscampsin

Whenever I got on the roof of our previous hybrid I used a 3' X 3' piece of plywood to help distribute my weight.

x2.

That brochure pic is not on a Roo!
And there's no supports under the front and back end caps. You could break right thru them.
The roofs on hybrids aren't the same as they are on TT's.

Grizzlygibbs · 03-25-2014, 10:59 AM

I was just looking through the brochure and online gallery again and in fact, the picture is listed under the Roo name, however it is not a Roo picture.
http://www.forestriverinc.com/images...engthlarge.jpg

Grizzlygibbs · 03-25-2014, 11:02 AM

I will take heed to be more careful when up there. Thanks for all the input.

Kuba · 03-29-2014, 10:46 AM

1/4" plywood with shaved edges so its not sharp. Dont use thicker plywood as it will not flex and will not distribute weight

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Ford Idaho · 03-29-2014, 10:54 AM

I plan on installing a Maxx-air before our first outing.

I have a 4'X3' chunk of plywood to place on the roof before working up there to keep from tearing the rubber.

With luck this will spread my weight out enough to avoid any damage.

Mtelkman · 03-29-2014, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuba

1/4" plywood with shaved edges so its not sharp. Dont use thicker plywood as it will not flex and will not distribute weight

Sent from my Lenovo P780 using Forest River Forums mobile app

Are you sure about this? Seems counter intuitive but I m no engineer. It would seem that if the plywood flexes down when you step on it then more pressure is being exerted under the flexed part. I would think that if there is no flex then the weight is distributed across a wider area. If memory serves Pressure = Force/Area.

I would agree that a flexible sheet of plywood will conform to the shape of the RV roof better than a thicker piece. Maybe this is what you are saying? What am I missing or not understanding?

jonrjen · 03-29-2014, 11:37 AM

I was up on the roof of our new Wildcat to install a couple of vent covers and the only thing I noticed was how far away the ground looked from up there. And how skinny the ladder was to climb.

Oakman · 03-29-2014, 12:58 PM

You can walk on the roof of a Wildcat without worrying. If you don't believe me ask Wildcat Chris. How do you think they nailed that roof down or installed the A/C?

jonrjen · 03-29-2014, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oakman

You can walk on the roof of a Wildcat without worrying. If you don't believe me ask Wildcat Chris. How do you think they nailed that roof down or installed the A/C?

Oh I know you can walk on the roof of a Wildcat. I also know that Wildcat speaks very highly about the domed shape roof that allow for more spacious interior room and effect. I just wasn't ready for the domed room to continue top side. That sucker slopes like you wouldn't believe up there. Add in some good ole Texas wind, a handful of tools, and a couple of Skyy vodka and it could be down right dangerous is I hadn't been sight impaired.

I'm not afraid of falling, I am however very concerned with the landing.

jonrjen · 03-29-2014, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oakman

You can walk on the roof of a Wildcat without worrying. If you don't believe me ask Wildcat Chris. How do you think they nailed that roof down or installed the A/C?

FWIW: I don't know about the rest of the Forest River brands, but I sure hope you all have a rep that is at least 50% of what Wildcat Chris is. And if so then you should be in excellent shape.

Bryan Knight is another behind the scenes Forest River associate that has established his ability and worth far beyond expectation.

**bikendan** · 03-29-2014, 03:04 PM

Grizz, the roofs on hybrids are not the same as on other types of RV's.
that's why you should've asked this, in the Hybrid section here.

most owners of other types of RV's, don't know about the differences, therefore they may give advice that could end up damaging your hybrid's roof.

as i said previously, the front and rear ends of a hybrid's roof, are very different than any other type of RV.

Grizzlygibbs · 03-30-2014, 11:02 AM

Thanks Bikendan, I will definitely be more careful. Hopefully I won't need to get back up there for a long time, or at least until it needs a good cleaning! I will definitely look into a couple pieces of plywood to play hop-scotch with the next time it's required!

**bikendan** · 03-30-2014, 02:27 PM

it's best to approach from either side of the hybrid. i get on top from the door side. if i can't stay along the edges, i use a piece of plywood.

realebill · 04-09-2014, 08:49 AM

on my SUL 8315SS,i have 2 areas that i try not to step on. these are the areas in the roof that match up to the ceiling A/C ducts. based on my measurements that area in the foam is only a little over an inch thick. the soft spots are about a foot on each side of the ceiling vent and are about 4 ft. long .

whj77372 · 04-09-2014, 04:14 PM

I don't walk on my roof, 2012 V-Cross 275 fiver. If I have to get on the roof, I lay down and craw or roll. I know that many people do but if it is 3/8 inch plywood, bent, it is not good for this 220 lb man. Good Luck

itat · 04-10-2014, 08:36 PM

I've been up on the roof of our 2010 Roo many times to clean it, apply Eternabond, install vent covers, lubricate the tv antenna and to inspect the sealant. I never used plywood nor had any concerns that the roof can't handle my weight. I just wear soft soled shoes and use caution. I'm sure the factory workers use the roof to install the AC and all the vents so there's no reason I can't walk on it, too. On older models, they would roll the front and rear fibreglass walls over to connect to the flat roof and I agree that you shouldn't put weight on the rolled over ends but standing on the TPO is not a problem.

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