We are taking our first snowbird trip this winter with a planned departure date of late December.I was thinking about strong possibility of there being snow and ice on the roof of our motorhome when we want to leave.I want to avoid the prospect of driving down the highway spewing ice and snow chunks on vehicles behind us.I do have an aluminum roof rake for the house (which I could modify with a softer edge to prevent damaging the motorhome roof) which I could use to clean off the motorhome but I would prefer not to use it. Or at least use it only to pull off the top stuff and not get close to the actual roof surface. I can just picture myself catching a hidden roof or plumbing vent and causing damage.I was wondering how much roof melt-off of ice and snow there would be if I turned on the furnace and let the inside temperature get up into the 60's or so? Would there be any melting of roof snow at that temp?

Might be some, but it will depend on how thick the snow is.Do semi trailer drivers shovel the snow off their roofs before they hit the road?Not up here they don't.I am not sure I would worry about a bit of snow on the roof.

Trying to clear snow off your roof during freezing temps could result in more damage then you think. Leave the snow there it will blow off as you speed up as to any built up ice it probably won't budge till you reach above freezing temps. One night stay at 40 or above will melt off the rest of the ice. Let nature take it off.

Follow the example of the semi drivers.

I'd rather inconvenience a few drivers than risk personal injury trying to clear a roof. One year we were still splashing windshields with melting snow into Arkansas. some drivers seemed surprised. None indicated they were upset.

We will be towing our car......Has anyone ever had any damage done to their toad from snow/ice coming off their rig while towing?

Ice/Snow on roof at departure time | Good Sam Community

past-MIdirector
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
We have two do it yourself car washes in the area that have large RV bays so for a couple of bucks I clear the roof with high pressure water from the ground if needed since we also tow a toad!!
Sprink-Fitter
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
ScottnSherrie wrote:
Scrolled through the posts so sorry if I missed this suggestion. Get a tarp (or two spliced together) and cover the roof if the forecast calls for snow. Be sure to have several ropes tied to the eyelets. Before you leave, pull off the snow and ice laden tarp.

You could pull down vents or anything else froze to the tarp also.
mayo30
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
It is simple do as others have suggested and go to a truck wash,if you go late enough and talk to the owner he may let you leave it in to thaw over night,no matter DON'T be a road hazard or taking a chance on wrecking your roof also increasing your fuel useage. And if anyone thinks following the example of a semi trucker is wise in breaking the law have at it,doesn't impress me.
Water-Bug
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Do what we did, leave the first week of November. :)
All58Parks
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
I've seen snow blowing off semi's many times, didn't really seem to be a hazard. I think if someone is close enough that ice falling off your roof will damage their car, they are following WAY too close and it's their own fault. Now, your own toad is a whole different story.

I've wanted to remove snow off my roof before pulling the trailer into a garage, to avoid a giant puddle indoors. I tried the furnace trick, didn't work at all. I also tried a hose with water. It worked but it took a lot of time and water. Finally I just put it inside and then dealt with the lake that formed.
pawatt
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Water-Bug wrote:
Do what we did, leave the first week of November. :)

Or better yet Oct. Like we did. Missed the snow in MN by a few hours.
mayo30
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
All58Parks wrote:
I've seen snow blowing off semi's many times, didn't really seem to be a hazard. I think if someone is close enough that ice falling off your roof will damage their car, they are following WAY too close and it's their own fault. Now, your own toad is a whole different story.

I've wanted to remove snow off my roof before pulling the trailer into a garage, to avoid a giant puddle indoors. I tried the furnace trick, didn't work at all. I also tried a hose with water. It worked but it took a lot of time and water. Finally I just put it inside and then dealt with the lake that formed.

And when I am meeting a semi on a 2 lane I am too close also,looks like it is ok if the ice and snow hit or blind another motorist but not ok if it might hit the toad,hmm.You gotta love it.

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Ice/Snow on roof at departure time

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