Can I get on the roof?

mookieblaylock · 02-17-2018, 06:29 PM

Silly question, but I need to flip the switches on the winegard for Dish Network. I thought I might be able to lean over the side and access the dome, but no dice.

I don't see any other option, so I assume it's ok, but wanted to double check before I do something stupid.

Thanks!
JT

Kimber45 · 02-17-2018, 06:42 PM

I assume there is a ladder on the back of my 5th wheel for a reason. I'm 6 foot 4 and 260 lbs and never had an issue on any of my units.

sseaner · 02-17-2018, 07:14 PM

Dynamax units do not come with ladders. This is what I purchased.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

mookieblaylock · 02-17-2018, 07:24 PM

I’ve got a ladder...just wasn’t sure if it was cool to crawl around on the roof or not.

Magnatudes · 02-17-2018, 07:33 PM

12.5 ft Telescopic - Free shipping

The Renegade · 02-17-2018, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaner

Dynamax units do not come with ladders. This is what I purchased.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Got one of those also. Got to be careful letting them down because they will pinch the crap out of your hand. Only takes once and you will get out of the way.

halla · 02-17-2018, 07:50 PM

Yes, walked on my Force a fair amount of times. Unless that voids my warranty, then I was never up there.

mookieblaylock · 02-17-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halla

Yes, walked on my Force a fair amount of times. Unless that voids my warranty, then I was never up there.

Perfect. Thanks!

caseymyers · 02-17-2018, 08:48 PM

I had one of those, watch your fingers....LOL

KRedburn · 02-18-2018, 12:12 AM

Yes you can get on roof. Just be careful coming down. I had to switch my antenna for Dish also. Easy job.

steverkemp · 02-18-2018, 09:32 AM

You should be on your roof regularly to check your seals. That’s part of owning any RV. Unfortunately, I learned the lesson the hard way when I opened my 2 yr old Forester in the spring and it wreaked of mold. The overhead bunk had leaked because of a seal issue on the roof. I learned that the roof has a long warranty but the seals only had a 90 day warranty. Forest River took care of me even though I was out of warranty but I learned a valuable lesson.

mookieblaylock · 02-18-2018, 09:50 AM

Good info...still on the learning curve here, and it’s steep.

Thanks for all the feedback.

RV Randy · 02-18-2018, 12:40 PM

The roof flexes ever so slightly under your feet. The roof coating is also flexible so it shouldn't cause an issue. But, don't step too close to the edge of an AC unit or anything else that has a sealed roof penetration. The flexing could pull the sealant away from the edge of the device and start a leak.

Unless you have a humongous step ladder, there really needs to be a piece of trim installed on the roof edge somewhere so you can lean a ladder up against it without scratching the paint.

dlfishing · 02-18-2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Randy

The roof flexes ever so slightly under your feet. The roof coating is also flexible so it shouldn't cause an issue. But, don't step too close to the edge of an AC unit or anything else that has a sealed roof penetration. The flexing could pull the sealant away from the edge of the device and start a leak.

Unless you have a humongous step ladder, there really needs to be a piece of trim installed on the roof edge somewhere so you can lean a ladder up against it without scratching the paint.

I wrapped pipe insulation around the legs of my ladder after the first time I scratched the top edge.

mookieblaylock · 02-18-2018, 01:36 PM

I’ve got a 12’ ladder and was able to get up there. Roof was surprisingly solid...just a little flexy around the edge, so I avoided that area. Tried to stay away from all the puddles of sealant.

Got the dip switches flipped and was able to pick up a signal...no HD, though. I think I might need an external switch to combine the two coax cables from the dish so the receiver can use two tuners...not real sure.

tbaker65 · 02-18-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halla

Yes, walked on my Force a fair amount of times. Unless that voids my warranty, then I was never up there.

I didn't see anything...

TitanMike · 02-18-2018, 02:37 PM

First off, check the Owner's Manual for your model. Mine was even advertised as having a "Walk on Roof".

My old trailer had a note in the owner's manual to use a piece of 3/8" plywood that would "bridge" between the roof struts when walking on the roof. I kept a piece in the bed of my pickup so I could get on the roof when needed.

Also came in handy when needing something to sit/kneel on when on the ground next to or under the trailer. It had a piece of scrap carpet glued to it. On top of the trailer it was carpet down. Working on the ground it was carpet up. Easier on the roof, easier on the knees.

With the new roof I just make sure I don't have any gravel stuck to the bottom of my shoes.

Larry-NC · 02-18-2018, 03:01 PM

While you are on the roof, inspect it for damages and things which might lead to leaks. Our Cherokee sits in the woods surrounded by pines and maples and an occasional sweet gum.

A natural feature of pines is that branches die as they grow. All the live branches are at the top. (That limits the knot size in the lumber, making them desirable for construction.) When a branch drops, the aerodynamics makes it fall so the main stem that came away from the trunk hits first, sometimes damaging the EPDM membrane. We keep some pieces of EternaBond tape handy to repair these spots.

Once one went right through a roof vent. Since then we keep some 10-mil construction vinyl handy, too, for use until I get a replacement cover.

Also check the rain gutters ours fill up with pine needles and clog--especially where the gutters pass through the awning brackets. clogging here can cause water to infiltrate along the awning bracket lag screws, causing a lot of damage--not discovered until you notice soft spots on the roof.

Your check should also look for leaves clogging the air conditioner and cracks in any of the skylights and roof vents. If you have open slide-outs, check their tops, too. Make sure the rubber flanges deployed properly and aren't tucked under when they should be splayed out.

I always take an electric leaf blower up with me and blow the roof clear of pine needles and cones, sticks, and leaves. I use it to quickly clean the gutters, too.

Don't go on the roof when it's wet, or before the dew has dried.

Larry

tbaker65 · 02-18-2018, 03:09 PM

Good info to read...

I'm in upstate NY. I've cleared the snow off mine only once this year when it was piled up pretty good. After reading this thread I just went over and cleared it off again - had probably an inch of ice on the bottom (top of roof) and 4-5 inches of wet, heavy snow on that... I'm glad I cleared it. I did a quick inspection, everything looks ok...

tbaker65 · 02-18-2018, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mookieblaylock

Good info...still on the learning curve here, and it’s steep.

Thanks for all the feedback.

I hear ya! That's why I come here...

I'm a new owner, lots to learn, lots to do. Thankfully and gratefully, this is a great forum with lots of info and many experienced and informed RV owners eager to help...

Much appreciated.

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