I am looking for some ideas on good ways to work on the top of my trailer? I have a couple of fans I want to install and I am just not sure how to approch this task. Does any body have a simple way to work on the top without doing damage to the sides from ladders and etc. ? If my arms were about a foot longer or I was 3 feet taller it wouldn't be a big deal. Thanks
When on the roof, don't put your weight anywhere except along the ribs - defined by rows of rivets. Some people cut a piece of plywood to sit on. If you do so make it large enough to bridge two ribs.
To get on the roof, use a ladder. Place it against the awning tube, or, if no awning, lean one ladder rail against a rib. Put an old folded t-shirt or something equally soft and non-marring betwwen the ladder rails and the aluminum.
I am still fairly agile, I use an 8' step ladder and lean it against the awning tube or the drip rail over a window. I aslo wear a good non slip sole shoe, like a boat shoe. You can walk between the ribs and stringers but I don't reccomend it. A half sheet of plywood with some carpet padding glued on the back makes a decent work platform.
Aaron
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....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #2449 AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
If you are thin and small you can do some work by standing up through a vent that has been removed. Of course once you start installing the Fantastic Vent you will need to work on the outside. A section of lumber to span two ribs with a blanket or carpet underneath can be used to support either you or a ladder extension. Don't count on a rib always being under a row of rivets though. That just isn't the case. Some people are light enough to get up on top without leaving an impression, but at 235 lbs. I can't say I'm in that group. If you use a ladder extension, secure it by rope or strap to a wheel, axle or bumper, so that it will not slip away while you are near the top. I just installed my second Fantastic Vent and used two ladders to form a tripod (one folding ladder supporting an extension ladder) and strapped them together with another strap attached to the wheel. It was very stable, and the only point of contact with my Globe Trotter was where the ladder rested on the one by four with carpet attached.
The idea of using a half sheet of plywood with carpet padding glued to its back is probably best. When you are on it your weight will be distributed over a greater are thus the chances of doing any damage to the top are minimized.
Walking on the top even on the rivet rows is still taking a chance since you are depending on a structural support in that area which may not be present. Also if you should loose your balance you may inadvertently step on an area with no support what so ever which would result in more damage to repair.
Using a ladder is ok, but it’s not a bad idea to glue strips of carpet padding on the ladder as well.
__________________ Just adding my 2˘ worth
John G ___________________________ 1975 31ft Sovereign International ........Rear Bath Double Bed Model Tow Vehicle:1999 GMC Serria SLE Classic 1500 5.7Ltr System: Jordon 2020 Ultima Brake Controller Hook-Up: Equalizing Hitch and Sway Bar
When I installed my Fantastic Fan I used 2 extra long ladders leaning against opposite sides of the coach. The ladders should be about 3ft. higher than the coach roof. Then I made a scaffolding by sliding a 2"X12" by 10 Feet board through the ladder steps to get enough clearance to walk on this board and to sit on it supporting most of my weight. I am 6'4" 260 lbs. and this worked quite well. Only stand on the riveted rib sections when you must walk around. There was no scratching of the sides of the coach and I had an awning cover on only one side. You could pad the ladder sides if you wished.
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Mark
1984 31' Excella, mid bath, king size bed
1998 Chevrolet Suburban K2500, 7.4L/454 c.i., 4WD, Pullrite Hitch
AIR No. 2375
we had a Fantastic Fan installed to replace the wake-the-dead one in our RV's bathroom. we had it done by CampingWorld in Fairfield, CA. when i turned it on, after getting home (an hour away) it worked great - except it BLOWS AIR IN instead of out like we wanted and like the one we already have in the living room. IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO REVERSE IT? or do I have to drive to stupid CampingWorld ? It's not a reversable model and has no thermostat.
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I use an 8' step ladder and lean it against the awning tube or the drip rail over a window. I aslo wear a good non slip sole shoe, like a boat shoe. You can walk between the ribs and stringers but I don't reccomend it. A half sheet of plywood with some carpet padding glued on the back makes a decent work platform.
I'm new at this....
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