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chops1sc's avatar
chops1sc
Explorer II
Jul 24, 2015

Weight capacity for roof?

I need to get on the roof of my '95 Catalina 5th wheel to inspect the sealant and do some sweeping. Do RV roofs have a weight capacity? I'm an easy 325 and the last thing I want to do is fall through the roof, lol! I don't even want to use the ladder on the back of the camper.

Any thoughts?
  • Some roofs are made better than others. Mine now has a low spot due to my briefly gettin up there. Others are built for it. If in doubt stay off and find an ex horse jockey for the job
  • I agree that a good stand alone ladder is the way to go rather than using 5er mounted ladder. After inspection from ladder I have used a piece of plywood to help spread the load across a greater section of the roof. I perform what cleaning and sealing I need to do in expeditious fashion although our rig's roof is a walk on version according to manufacturer. Thankfully, most times I could do whatever touch up is needed to seal the roof seams from the ladder as I am not fond of heights and traipsing around on our rig's roof for any length of time.
  • I weight 240 and the tech where I purchased my trailer suggested I not trust the roof. He told me the ladder is only supposed to hold 200, and if I got on the roof, to stay on the edge.

    I think he might have been a tad conservative, but Im not gonna push it. I would rather get on a stand alone ladder.

    At 325, I would not trust either the ladder or the roof. Might work once, might work twice, but I think that's definately pushing it.

    Just get a stand alone ladder and work from it. or maybe get some 2x4's to span the width to distribute your weight.

    Mike
  • Yes they do. Sometimes that info is in the manual, sometimes not. Best to call the manufacturer.

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