Walking on roof of AS

[Mercurydog]

Need to clean the translucent covers of the roof exhaust fans. Does anyone know if one can walk on the AS roof without causing damage?

[dkottum]

You can by walking only on the ribs, but it's dangerous. You can work on the roof fans from a ladder. I added fan vent covers on front and rear using a ladder on each side leaned against the awning, with a couple of rugs placed to protect the Airstream from damage by the ladders. It's also easier to retrieve parts and tools as you're going along on the job.

[Soyboy]

I walk on the roof of my '99 all of the time. I just stay on the ribs (where the rivets are located). There are plenty of them. I generally don't walk "all over" the roof like I did on my SOB (although I could if careful). Instead while resting the extension ladder on the awing cover, I get on and off and move it front to rear if need be. Most of the time when I am on the roof I am only working in one location anyway. Note that I have installed solar panels, a new AC cover, resealed a vent etc. etc. So I have spent some time "up there". Just don't do it on a hot day with the sun blazing!

BTW, it's a good idea to get up on the roof from time to time to check out the caulk/seal around the vents and such to help prevent leaks - I speak from experience LOL.

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the Forums!

Yes you can walk on the roof. I have always made every effort to stay on the ribs, others insist that it won't hurt to walk between them. Make absolutely sure not to step on the end caps. They will dent quite easily. A good practice is to lean a ladder against the awning and work from the ladder as much as you can.

good luck!

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

Welcome to the Forums!

Yes you can walk on the roof. I have always made every effort to stay on the ribs, others insist that it won't hurt to walk between them. Make absolutely sure not to step on the end caps. They will dent quite easily. A good practice is to lean a ladder against the awning and work from the ladder as much as you can.

good luck!

When former AS factory serv. rep. fixed my old style antenna was all over roof, stated they do this at factory, then when I painted AC cover walked all over between ribs and on ribs , just was careful, no damage done. STAY OFF END CAPS. Lean ladder against awning to get on roof, make sure bottom of ladder will not slide out leaving you high and dry on roof. PS weight makes big dif. to, as I weigh 172 lbs.

[Wingeezer]

I've never had any problem at all and follow all the recommendations that have been given above to step only on rivet lines, and keep off the end caps. To access the roof I lean a ladder up against the end of the rolled up awning, usually with a towel underneath the ladder where it will meet the awning.

If I am going to be up there a while working on something, I take thick foam kneeling pad up with me. I wear soft rubber soled shoes - like running shoes - so as not to cause damage.

I would be reluctant to be up there if the roof was wet.

I found that the previous owner had not heeded the warning to stay off the end maps but luckily the dents were not visible from the ground - and also I was able to pull them almost completely out using a large automotive body repair suction cup.

Could be that the fact that my weight is less than 145 lbs ringing wet is in my favour too!

Brian.

[JBinKC]

Dave Schumann, former longtime Airstream factory advisor, says to open the door and lean the ladder against the doorframe rather than leaning the ladder against the awning. I've got a Werner folding ladder that's been great over the years. I use it all the time -- getting the awnings deployed, removing bugs, and cleaning/waxing. I wouldn't leave home without it.

[Moflash]

I put duct tape on the gutter over the door before I lean the ladder against it.I cut a 2x12 3ft long and covered it with a carpet.I use it to span the ribs when working on the roof for extended periods.It is nice to have something soft an cool to sit on also.


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[m.hony]

I take it to work and use one of those ladders that looks like a rolling staircase with a landing on top and use a telescoping brush to clean the roof and skylights.

[NavyCorpsman]

They say you can walk on the ribs. Not me. I use 6 foot scaffolding or one of my wide based ladders. I use a car wash brush that has a garden hose connection. When the day comes to service the AC, I will borrow my neighbors scaffolding and make a bridge.

[Moflash]

The ribs are have more than enough capacity to hold the avg person.I believe they are rated to 300lbs.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.


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[The Cralls]

I have been up there and walk on the ribs. I have seen people use a pool noodle or wet pipe insulation slit down one side as a cover for the ladder so it will be padded against the side of the rig. I have been using a Little Giant ladder, I open the door and set one side of the ladder inside the trailer and just climb right up.

[rstefanic]

Hi everyone,
I just purchased a 2021 Atlas TB. I want to inspect the roof and also replace the antenna. Can I walk on the roof of an Atlas.
Thanks for your feedback...

[SuperTrouper]

When I replaced my vent fans (upgraded to Maxaire) and added solar I used two 12x1X36" boards wrapped in roofing plastic as movable platforms so that I could kneel and work without worrying about stepping directly between the ribs. I'm 220 lbs and didn't have an issue. Stay away from the end caps as others have said.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Low, slow, over the 'ribs'...too old to walk around much.

Bob
🇺🇸

After a ck & clean...