Up On the Roof-tricks to avoid damage?

[Brow324]

any ideas for getting on the roof to do some work on vent lids?
Step ladder or extension ladder? Good tricks to avoid dents and scratches on the sides and top?

[HowieE]

Years ago I made a frame to support a platform across the top of my Airstream. Never used it yet but this is how it worked.

I cut 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood 8 ft long that would set between the awnings and the roof on each side and sit up high enough to support the platform across the top of the trailer. To hold those supports vertical I cut 4 pieces of plywood with 3/4 in slots, complementary slots were cut in the 8 ft boards, in them so they would fit down on the vertical boards at right angles and form an X for the platform. The weight of me on the platform would keep the vertical boards upright.

This makes an easy to assemble and store roof top platform.

I did this in case I had to remove the AC, but so far so good.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by Brow324

any ideas for getting on the roof to do some work on vent lids?
Step ladder or extension ladder? Good tricks to avoid dents and scratches on the sides and top?

We just bought ours (used) last year. I asked the dealer about this and was told to make sure only to step on the rivet lines and above all, to stay completely off the end caps. They are very easily dented.

I did this last winter when we were in California to check all the caulking up on top and it seemed fine.

I took one of those folding extension ladders with me on the trip and just used it as a straight ladder leaning up against the rolled up awning to access the roof.

That too seemed fine and caused no damage.

I plan to go up top at least a couple of times a year to chech teh condition of the caulking.

Brian.

[vswingfield]

I use foam plumbing insulation on my extension ladder for pads like this:Product Information Error Page.

Don't ask me why it says Error Page, the link works.

The sticky part of the "Self-Seal" keeps it in place and it lasts a long time.

[woodenicol]

I recently replaced the shroud on the ai conditioner. I had a small tractor that I had borrowed for another project. I put one guy in the bucket of the tractor and leaned a fiberglass 8' stepladder against the awning on the other side for me. I did notice how strong the ribs were, although never had to walk on the roof.

[Ganaraska]

Take off your longhorn cowboy belt buckle before you lean against the trailer. Also rivetted jeans with copper buttons.

Best idea, wear sweat pants and sweat shirt, and make sure the pockets are empty.