Walking on the roof

[Geocritter]

More questions about my 1994 33’ Holiday Rambler Vacationer. As I mentioned in earlier questions, apparently in the past a heavy smoker owned this RV. I would like to take off both roof top AC’s and give the coils a thorough cleaning with soap and water and perhaps a low pressure power-spray (it’s how I’ve successfully cleaned old window AC’s). There is a ladder on the back providing roof top access, yet at 6’5”’s and 230 lbs I’m hesitant to actually walk on the roof. While I don’t ever expect to put spend unneeded time on the roof, if I wear proper shoes (I’m thinking cloth booties over my tennis shoes, or stocking feet), is it okay to walk on the roof for the occasional service needs?

Thanks in advance, all y’all have been a great help in my quest to begin my next life’s chapter of full-time RV living.

Steve

[timetraveler]

I was also glad to hear about the Holiday Rambler roof construction as we have a 1987 40ft Imperial. Love this site.

[timetraveler]

Geocritter, Steve
That is probably a very healthy way of eating, that way you have time to burn all those calories. Most farmers and ranchers I've known eat thier main meal around noon and then go out to work again and most have lived to a healthy old age.

[Geocritter]

Thanks all for your reply's and advice. Especially great to get feedback from Holiday Rambler owners!

You guys (and gals) that are my size and much heavier. During my late wife's seven year losing battle with inflammatory breast cancer I was her primary care giver and I did a lot of stress eating, a lot, and as a result I saw my weight soar to 290 lbs. My physical view of myself didn't bother me, most people viewed me as BIG rather than fat. What scared the heck out of me was getting diabetes (which my wife suffered with nearly as much as the cancer) and also not being able to enjoy my outdoor activities (in 2003 I climbed Mt. Rainier).

After Gail passed I put myself on a diet regime for the rest of my life. Every day I have a bowl of cereal and 2-3 mugs of coffee for breakfast. Lunch is my main meal and I'll eat nearly anything for lunch, such as that Denver omelet I'd normally have for breakfast, or an 8 ounce rib eye, or bowl of spaghetti or a slice of pizza, taco's, or whatever I like. The only caveat is that it has to be around 650 calories. For dinner I have a salad, or protein shake, or lately a bowl of gazpacho. It's taken me about 2 years but I'm now at 225 (undressed), a lose of 65 lbs and I've done it without feeling deprived. I also go to the forest preserve and take a 3 mile walk with my golden about 4 days a week and on weekends I'll take a 7-8 mile hike (usually by myself, at 11 years old my golden is beginning to show her age) Dang, I can finally out-hike my dog!.

Steve

[wa8yxm]

6'3" by well, at one time over 330 pounds. No problems on My class A roof.

(Lighter now though)

[shaneperch]

I have a holiday Rambler and am your size at 235LBS hate my size,, anyway I walked on the roof and its solid Mine is a 1982 Holiday Rambler Imperial. If you see what the motorhome is framed with you could camp on the roof. It is framed with aluminum framing and is real thick roof. Lots of support.

[lostmarbles]

Get the carbon type filter to cut down to size as that's what the dopers use to hide the mary jane smell.

[falconbrother]

I get on my roof at least two times a year. I recovered it a couple of years ago (rubber roof) and I get up there with a tube of EPDM rubber once a year just to goo any places that look like they might need it. The biggest thing on a rubber roof is wear tennis shoes and don't twist your feet when you walk up there. To turn pick your feet up. It is possible to tear, separate, or otherwise damage the roof. If you're careful it's not likely.

I'm 6'2, 235 and it's no problem. I walk very gently and stay to the sides as much as possible.

If you're checking the condition of the roof look closely around the edges where the rubber is pulled over the sides. That's where cracks will form and water can seep in under the rubber and down the sides, inside of the walls. You gotta look close to find these types of cracks sometimes as you can't necessarily stand there and see them.

Also, depending on the construction method, check the rear corners rear good. It never hurts to put a little EPDM rubber caulk down on a spot that looks questionable. Just don't use anything else on a rubber roof. Unfortunately, EPDM caulk can't be found at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.. You'll have to get that at Camper World or similar place.

[ecoast]

I like to use two pieces of 3/8" ply about 18"x 2-3 feet.
Stand on one, move the other to next position, repeat.

paranoid, I guess, but the last thing I want to do is create more problems(work) w/damage.

[mockturtle]

You can buy the filter material and trim it to size. Cheap and worth a try.

[mccsix]

2X WNY PAT suggestions.

[wny_pat1]

Why not just replace the filter material on the interior protion of the air conditioners. I don't think RV A/Cs have a air vent function like stick house air conditioners have. The only thing cleaning the "coils" is going to accomplish is more efficent, cooler, operation. Will not help with odor.

And don't put cloth booties over your sneakers! It is a sure way to end up on the ground real quick! Far better just plain sneakers for a better grip.

[Road_Runners]

I don't know about your motor home, but my fifth wheels roof will easily support two big guys as long as the don't stand close together. I think that you would need more than one man to lift and remove the air conditioners. They are built light, but they are still quite a lift for one man. Perhaps park under a tree limb and use a block and tackle. Also, if you have a rubber roof be very careful as the AC units have some sharp corners that will easily cut and tear a rubber roof. I speak from experience.

[rgatijnet1]

Do you plan on power washing the two AC units while they are still on the roof, right next to the two holes?
If you are going to take them off of the roof, you will need help and something other than the rear ladder.

[gbopp]

I'm not 6'5" but, I am a bit over 230. I walk on the roof of our 96 Southwind with no problems.