Adding a roof

[glen1971]

So our daughter's husband's family has added a roof to their existing roof, and I wasn't sure what to make of it. The trailer is sitting on one site year round. Best I can guess is the extra roof is just set on, as they made similar ones for the slides and they've removed them for the summer. The roof is made of regular lumber, with tin on the top of the roof, and soffit metal on the verticals. It sits about 14-16" higher than the original roof, and the purpose is to help get rid of snow accumulations in the winter. When I asked our son-in-law, they covered the air conditioner, plumbing vents, and other vents. Basically it's the full size of the trailer.

While talking to the SIL, he wants to add a couple of fans to help move hear out when the AC is running.

I shook my head when I saw it. So many things I could see going wrong.. No ventilation for plumbing, no ventilation for AC, extra weight on the whole trailer, risk of rot where it meets the original roof..

Any thoughts on this idea?

[ChrisParise]

Is it like a carport or a Versatube structure freestanding on the ground to cover the trailer or just sitting on top of the roof of the trailer?

[Reverse_snowbird]

Pictures would help.

If the roof rests on the frame of the trailer, then I agree that it's not a good idea because of the extra weight and lack of circulation for the air conditioning and vents.

He'd be much better off with a self supporting structure like a carport. However, if they have it in an rv park, that might not be allowed.

Fans might help, but removing the vertical soffits might accomplish the same thing.

[glen1971]

Originally Posted by ChrisParise

Is it like a carport or a Versatube structure freestanding on the ground to cover the trailer or just sitting on top of the roof of the trailer?

No, it's just a wooden box sitting on top of the trailer.

[glen1971]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

Pictures would help.

If the roof rests on the frame of the trailer, then I agree that it's not a good idea because of the extra weight and lack of circulation for the air conditioning and vents.

He'd be much better off with a self supporting structure like a carport. However, if they have it in an rv park, that might not be allowed.

Fans might help, but removing the vertical soffits might accomplish the same thing.

Unfortunately I couldn't snap a picture, as they were so proud of the build, and all I could think is what a POS.

They're on private land, and are moving to another private property in the near future.

The one 5th wheel us about a 26-28', while the one yet to get this "add-on" is about 42'.

[Oaklevel]

I can't say that I have never seen it done as I have. Usually its for tax reasons.
or can't attach to the land reason (building permits). Even saw an old motor home done that way that was a permeant fixture.

Don't think it is a great idea but ..................

[ChrisParise]

Not a good idea. A strong wind is going to take it off or topple the trailer. Someone could get killed.

[tomkatb]

Neither the walls nor the roof were designed for the extra weight.

The center of gravity has been moved up higher.

The frame is overloaded. After it settles I would guess doors would need adjusting.

Ventilation is compromised. During certain periods it will rain between the tin roof and the trailer roof unless there is proper ventilation. Just like your house. The ac units need drains.

Critters would love the space. Squirrels and raccoons make awful neighbors.

I could think of all kinds of failure stuff with unpleasant results.

It would have been cheaper to have the roof inspected and maintained then replaced when necessary.

Maybe a good cover for the winter.

At this point, ignore it. Mouth shut, it isn’t yours. Engineering 101. Let the customer have what ever he wants. FD&H.