Getting ready to install a 3 Max Air II vent covers, inspect roof and caulking around vents, and add caulking if necessary. I want to wash roof but feel better washing roof with a long handle brush from my A frame ladder....moving ladder all the way around the RV one section at a time. I need to know what is the best and SAFEST method for getting up on the roof of my 31' Class C. It has an alum roof.I purchased an adjustable extension ladder (up to 17') from Harbor Freight (Vulcan heavy duty ladder...similar to Little Giant) to use with my last 5th wheel, as the OEM ladder appeared weathered, old, and not too robust. I would place extension ladder along rear right side and against roof, extending pass roof by about 1 foot.My new to me Class C has an OEM ladder that appears much more substantial than the one on my previous 5er (see pic below). It uses heavy rivets to attach to rear wall and roof.Can you share your tips for the SAFEST way to get on and off roof.My BIG anxiety is when I step onto roof from ladder and when I step off roof onto ladder.Thanks!

Whichever you feel most comfortable with. In my case neither. I might be able to get on the roof, but need a firetruck and two rescue types to get me off. Well established fact is that I do not do well on roofs of any type.

How's your budget? How agile are you? How's your balance? How old?. Should you really be up on the roof? We have a local RV shop that would gladly install the cover at no risk to you, I mean me.

I have no trouble with the OEM ladder, but I also have a rail on the roof. Probably depends on your weight too.One of the safest ways I know of is to park the RV close enough to the house, get on the house roof then walk onto the RV roof.

Johno02 wrote:Whichever you feel most comfortable with. In my case neither. I might be able to get on the roof, but need a firetruck and two rescue types to get me off. Well established fact is that I do not do well on roofs of any type.You sound almost like me. I did buy a 10' step ladder for the purpose. Could have gone 12 feet. But I agree, whatever you feel comfortable with.

Two things about having a shop do the work.If there is a workplace injury? It's them, not you.If there is an issue with workmanship? It's them, not you.If you are a young guy? You'll heal over time, from that broken whatever. If you aren't young? You don't get all better. Ask me about my broken leg from the ladder fall 1.5 years ago. I am 65+ and it will never get 'like new'.Gary Haupt

SAFEST way to get on roof...OEM ladder or extension ladder?

Johno02
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
I have hired some younger, more agile people to wash the top of our motor home several times. Also will take it through a Blue Beacon whenever possible. First time was a handyman at a campground, once a college kid doing yardwork and such to help pay for his college, and the last time was a teen-age ball team trying to raise money for a trip to a tournament. All have done a great job, and even though I was only concerned with the top, all washed the entire rig. Good estimate is at least $2.00 per foot, with a generous tip if they do a good job. I furnish water, soap, and plenty of ice water if needed. Blue Beacon cost about $75, and included the toad which was attached. Best jobs were by the kids, and the college kid. All three worked their t--- off! And got good tips.
Bea_PA
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
The rear ladder on all our rigs were rated at 225 lb.
Pops
Explorer
Jul 25, 2016
Hey klutchdust, what you pay the college lad to wash the roof, or do you pay him for washing the whole exterior and roof? Thinking a college or also have couple high school kids in neighborhood that I could pay to wash RV and/or roof.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2016
Bordercollie wrote:
I always felt unsafe getting off ladder and onto roof and vice versa. If you have any balance problems or bone on bone knee joints, don't do it yourself. Also be careful stepping down from last step of OEM ladder. Make sure ladder is securely bolted to RV. If washing roof, don't slip and fall.

The last times I washed my roof I parked rig in slightly sloped driveway and worked from front to rear, my feet didn't touch wet or soapy roof, my last portion was done from ladder, I have a college lad to do my roof today before heading out for my two week trip.
Horizon170
Explorer
Jul 24, 2016
I've never had a problem using the OEM ladder and I'm 76. If I should fall I'll just land doing a PLF. (smiles)
Marvin
CharlesinGA
Explorer
Jul 24, 2016
You need a safety person on the ground.

I pull it into my shop and use my JLG 1932E electric scissor lift.

Charles
Baja_Man
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
Went up extension ladder early this morning (as pictured). Installed 3 Max Air II vents before it go too hot!

Easy on, Easy off roof. Very secure ladder... crawled on/off roof. Walked to vents to perform work. So easy on/off....I will now touch up some areas with Dicor self leveling lap sealant before winter arrives. What, winter? I'm in SoCal....winter....rain? We can only hope!!!
tpi
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
On mine the built in ladder isn't bad. Neither is climbing out the hatch from the cabover bed.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
I always felt unsafe getting off ladder and onto roof and vice versa. If you have any balance problems or bone on bone knee joints, don't do it yourself. Also be careful stepping down from last step of OEM ladder. Make sure ladder is securely bolted to RV. If washing roof, don't slip and fall.
navegator
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
I use the seven foot step ladder tied on the RV ladder to get past the bumper and only have two rungs to deal with, this saves me having to hang like a monkey trying to reach the ground on the way down and it also allows me to carry items on the bigger steps to a point where I can place them on the roof with out doing a balancing act.

navegator