Walk-on roof really needed?

[N-Trouble]

What is everyones opinion on having to have a walk on roof? My current WW Superlite is not a walk on and I've never really had a reason to get up there other than maybe cleaning out vents. The Attitude 5er I am looking at can come with either a standard or upgraded walk on roof which adds a side ladder and ~500 additional pounds.

[jimmyfred]

..........Usually , you can tell where the seams are between the sheets of plywood ! Stay away from those seams , because that is the weak point on most Rv roofs ! You can feel the plywood bending down IF you step in the wrong place . , jf

[dahkota]

I go up every time we pull in the slides. We didn't want slide awnings (camp in windy spaces) so I go up to clean off the slides and inspect the gaskets. I also inspect/clean the skylights, roof vents, sink vents, clean out the gutters to insure they work properly, inspect the a/c, and check the antennas. We don't want leaks and it seems the easiest way to avoid them is to frequently check where they might start. We also don't want birds, bugs, or bees building a nest up there. Our last tt didn't have a walk on roof nor a ladder and it was a royal pain to check anything. So we only did it about once every six months, when we had to. Now, going on the roof is like raising our jacks - something we do every time.

[BB_TX]

I do not go on mine a lot, but walk on is very handy. I go up occasionally to check everything, clean top of slides, clean/treat gaskets on top of slides, replace vent cap lost to low tree limb, check/clean ACs, wash roof, etc. Some things would be much harder if not impossible from a ladder such as removing an AC cover to check for dirt/mub dauber nest.

[Tallboy]

I've had both and far prefer a walk on roof with built-in ladder. I don't go up there that often but just find it to be more convenient and worry free to inspect things and do routine maintenance. Also, when we camp in heavily wooded spaces, I sometimes like to go up and sweep the pine needles and stuff off top of the slides before putting them in.

Additionally, I put a cover on my trailer for winter storage and it's far easiler if I can climb up and down to roll-out and adjust the cover. When I'm climbing around like this to move and sometimes walk on the cover, I don't want to worry about making sure I step on the support beams or carry around wood planks to walk on.

[River_Sand]

A walk on roof definetly has it's advantages. One for me is not having to carry a ladder around all the time, if I need to get on the roof, plus it's a good place to add a holder for a flag pole.

[thirtydaZe]

my first didn't have one, the new one does. already been up once just for the fun of it. i think you'll find that ultimately it's more handy.

[Peg_Leg]

My old TT didn't have a walk on roof. I used a couple of plywood squares about 3' on a side any time I need to work on the top side. My 5er has a walk on roof and slides. I consider the entire structure to be stronger. I vote for the extra strength.

[N-Trouble]

my996duc1 wrote:
I had an Attitude with OUT a walk-on roof.

You can still get up there and walk around, just have to be on the supports. You can see where they are located and they are spaced evenly. I did take a small square of plywood up top with me when resealing and would place it down to put my knees on.

I was only up there once a year so it wasn't a big deal for me.

I would call Attitude/Eclipse directly as they can direct you.
Just ask them how you are supposed to do maintenance on the roof if you can't walk on it..... this is how I got my answer with the instructions posted above.

_

Good to hear. Looks like with a little care you can still access the roof for maintenance purposes. I'm only 175lbs so shouldn't be a big issue. I guess the walk on roof is really intended for multiple people who want to throw a few lawn chairs up there and hang out. Not for me...

[my996duc1]

I had an Attitude with OUT a walk-on roof.

You can still get up there and walk around, just have to be on the supports. You can see where they are located and they are spaced evenly. I did take a small square of plywood up top with me when resealing and would place it down to put my knees on.

I was only up there once a year so it wasn't a big deal for me.

I would call Attitude/Eclipse directly as they can direct you.
Just ask them how you are supposed to do maintenance on the roof if you can't walk on it..... this is how I got my answer with the instructions posted above.

_

[lincster]

Yep, you want to be able to walk on it. Have to reseal, replace anything etc. Better than putting your foot through it!!!!

[wildtoad]

I want/need the ability to get on the roof.

1) Lubricate Winegard Antenna
2) Wash roof and all covers
3) Reseal around all vents, skylights, seams

I couldn't imagine doing this without being able to get up there. Perhaps things on your rv are closer to the sides.

[dedmiston]

It's pretty handy. I walk on mine all the time.