Snow load on roof

[KATOOM]

I haven't done much research on this so I apologize if its something regularly discussed.....

With winter coming on and it seemingly coming on strong, we enjoy heading up to the snow for a few days in the trailer. But that said, I was just wondering how much snow load capacity these trailers are usually capable of? I have no intentions of leaving my trailer for months on end where it will accumulate a few feet of snow on its roof but if its snowing really heavy for a few days and I dont have a chance to get on top to sweep it off, how much is too much snow? Thanks.

[Mile_High]

It's beautiful!....right? I keep telling myself that..

[KATOOM]

laknox wrote:

Allworth wrote:
What is this stuff you call "snow"???

Isn't that the stuff the comes out of Columbia? 🙂

Lyle

It like Florida sand.....but not so annoying.

[RV_daytrader]

Allworth wrote:
What is this stuff you call "snow"???

I think it's the opposite of HUMIDITY...something you know about!!

[laknox]

Allworth wrote:
What is this stuff you call "snow"???

Isn't that the stuff the comes out of Columbia? 🙂

Lyle

[Allworth]

What is this stuff you call "snow"???

[larry_barnhart]

over night snow storm for a friend of ours. Show Low Az

chevman

Sorry no picture came on

[Tango__AE7UI]

We get snow here in the Salt Lake Valley and I just brush the snow off the solar panels which keep the batteries topped off.
It stays uncovered year round.

[Mile_High]

If you are occupying it, just make sure you fridge vent (if in the roof) and tank vents are clear.

[KATOOM]

It sounds like I have nothing to worry about. As noted, I have no plans on sitting in the snowy weather for weeks on end. Just a few nights at most. Experiencing how much movement these roofs can offer while walking across them, I was thinking a foot of snow may cause problems but after reading I guess that's nothing to fret. I do although have slide toppers and I'm sure a foot of snow will cause a problems with them.

[TurnThePage]

When there are freeze/thaw cycles that create ice on my trailer, I run a heater inside for a couple days. Enough heat is lost through the roof to melt it. I feel for the poster that got caught with the slides froze in the out position!

[larry_barnhart]

I felt our only fifthwheel that has seen winter just needed a push broom to pull the snow off without hurting the items on the roof. I bought a long enough ladder so I had support and not needing to be at the top. I did not try to remove all of the snow but what would come off easy. That was 15 years ago.

Best method we have found is to be a snow bird. Snow isn't the problem but soon it will be frozen and will get heavier. Of course you all know this.

chevman

[SkiSmuggs]

Most RV dealers don't do anything. My wife made me remove snow from our previous travel trailer and I ended up with small cuts in the roof membrane. If she gets too insistent with the fiver, I will use a roof rake for the bulk, but not take it all the way down to the roof. I wouldn't worry about a couple of feet much, but it can get heavy if it rains on top of that.

[SSN609]

I got stuck one place last year because of 4" ice on the top of the slide outs (freezing rain). I couldn't get the slide in to leave. I didn't have a ladder or any tool to scrap off the ice (like poncho62 mentions). I had to go get some help with a ladder and something to shove the ice off 3 slides. No way was I going to stand on the roof with ice on it. I got caught because the weather was not predicting rain before getting down to 15-20 degrees. Plus, I saw 45 degree days coming up the next few days. That didn't help because it was only above freezing about 4 hrs which barely melted anything. Anyway, I'd recommend watching the weather and keeping the slides in as much as possible (if you want to move that is). That or get a roof rake. The only reason I mention this is because it sounds like you are talking about using your trailer (not just storing it). I've been camping many times in the snow and love it. Good luck!

[poncho62]

With all the above said....I have seen a couple of cases where ice and snow has done a lot of damage to RV roofs. I keep mine cleaned off by using a roof rake.