Forum Discussion

merc1100sc's avatar
merc1100sc
Explorer
Dec 12, 2016

Forest River Work and Play Questions

I think this is the right forum for this but not sure.

Anyhow,
I recently purchased a 2009 Work and Play 28. While brushing the snow off the roof today I noticed the roof appears to be a "floating" style roof. The aluminum seems to be just set on top of the trusses but secured on the sides of the trailer. On typical campers Ive looked at without aluminum roofs, the roof was tight to the trusses/surface. I just want to make sure this is how it's supposed to be.

Also, I have one vent cap that was so brittle, it cracked. Can I get on this roof to replace it? Again Ive walked on traditional camper roofs but mine seems constructed more similar to a motorcycle trailer. Just not sure of the roof's strength.

Thanks
Toy Haulers
  • Big_Dog_Bob's avatar
    Big_Dog_Bob
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2016
    Hi I have a 2013 Work and Play also. I have been on my roof but had a 3 x 3 piece of plywood I was on . It helps distribute the weight..
  • otrfun's avatar
    otrfun
    Explorer II
    Dec 13, 2016
    It's normal for the aluminum roof on the W&P to float on the roof trusses. When it's hot it tends to float even higher in random spots. 1/4 - 1/2" is probably normal.

    If you walk on the roof got to be careful to place your feet directly over the trusses; otherwise, the aluminum sheeting will bend.

    Agree with Big Dog Bob, recommend standing/sitting on a small sheet of plywood while on the roof.
  • merc1100sc's avatar
    merc1100sc
    Explorer
    Dec 13, 2016
    Guys. Thanks for the feedback. Great idea with the plywood.
    Also, I see a few areas on the roof I'd like to rechaulk/seal as a preventative measure. Can you guys recommend which type of roof sealant to use?

    THanks
  • Retired_JSO's avatar
    Retired_JSO
    Explorer
    Dec 15, 2016
    That floating feeling is right. To do roof maintenance, I use half a sheet of 3/8" plywood up on the roof. The truss are steel on 16" centers so the plywood gives real stable support. It is not a walk on roof.
  • 44dwarf's avatar
    44dwarf
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    The roof on my 2007 W&P was advertised to be three layers, plywood, one rubber and one top alum floating. I've walked on mine a bit to clean and prep for winter etc. never used additional plywood dealer said just walk on it but don't party on it.
  • merc1100sc's avatar
    merc1100sc
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2016
    Yesterday, during a slight temperature warm up and some rain, I found the one brittle vent cap to have a slight leak. Looks like I'll be up there replacing it sometime this week. Hoping the snow holds off......
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2016
    Reason for floating roof is that the aluminum sheet and the steel beams will expand and shrink to different degrees . If they were screwed or riveted they would eventually wear the fastening holes larger and cause leaks . Not so on vertical sides . All fastenings that you add to roof sheet should not be mild steel or even aluminum ,only stainless or plastic ! IMHO

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