structural integrity of the roof/

[bluegabs]

sooo...

this is prolly a solid "no, dummy dont do that" answer...

but how sturdy is the roof of the average airstream?

could one say... sit/stand on it, as they could the roof of an average car , or other rv?

i have this thing about climbing high from time to time....

[centennialman]

You can get up on the roof of your Airstream. Wear rubber soled shoes and make sure the roof is not wet (from dew etc...). Stay on the ribs....the location where you see rivets going across. Do not walk on either of the end caps. Be careful where you put your ladder so that you don't dent the coach and it's a good idea to have someone around in case you need help.

Take your time while working on top and watch what you are doing...you should be fine.

[Lumatic]

I put a few planks down to distribute my 270#. My roof walking technique is more of a slithery crawl. Otherwise I think it's too easy to put weight where you don't want it, in between the ribs.

[Zeppelinium]

Bad idea to get on the roof. Use a scaffold made from two ladders and a 2x10. see mine

A/C replacement photos

You can put your feet on the ribs, lightly. The strength of the roof skin varies. My 1970 Caravel and 72 Overlander are reasonably stiff, but the 1977 Safari is made out of Coors Light beer can skin. You can hardly touch it without it oil canning.

Zep

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

...but the 1977 Safari is made out of Coors Light beer can skin. You can hardly touch it without it oil canning.

Zep

You mean beer canning, don't you?
Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by bluegabs

sooo...

this is prolly a solid "no, dummy dont do that" answer...

but how sturdy is the roof of the average airstream?

could one say... sit/stand on it, as they could the roof of an average car , or other rv?

i have this thing about climbing high from time to time....

In 1968, to forever erase the myth of "don't get on the roof," Airstream had 30 employees, all at the same time, stand on the roof.

The resultant damage? ZERO.

Obviously, when your on the roof you don't do the polka.

Where rubber soled shoes or sneakers, and you will be fine.

However, if the roof is wet or damp. stay on the ground.

Also remember that you MUST NEVER go forward or rearward of the awning rail. If you do, you will damage some segments, guaranteed.

Additionally, the roofs on newer models, if anything, are stronger than the 1968 models. Every dealer, as well as the factory employees, all walk on the roof's. Always have, always will.

Andy

[centennialman]

I agree with Andy.....I have been all over my roof and I weigh 250lbs. Just be careful.

[62 Overlander]

Andy is right. I've just spent the last couple weekends on the roof of my 54 Cruiser and my 05 CCD swapping the a/c unit from the 05 to the 54 and installing a new 15k on the 05 (you can never have too much air in Texas...) and installing solar panels on the 54.

There were times when both Artstream and I were on the roof at the same time - and nobody fell through the aluminum and no rivets went flying off. As far as getting fried like an egg in the hot sun - that's a different story.

[bluegabs]

sweet.. thanks everyone.

since it seems ill be in a 77 safari soon, ill take zepps advice to step lightly to heart. fortunately, im a wee gal & dont plan to host dinner parties on the roof.... i just get curious about how things look from a higher elevation sometimes, being that im about 5' on a windy day generally.

[NevadaGeo]

Ok, its at Bluegabs for 'high tea'