How do you work on the top?

[wingfoot]

I have a recently purchased 1987 29' Sovereign that was refinished at P&S in 2002 so the finished is in very good shape.

I read the various postings about maintenance with Vulkem or Parabond around vents, etc.

How do I get my 6 foot frame up to the top of a 12 foot trailer to do the work being discussed. What are you folks using? Do I just buy a big step ladder and try to lean over to reach vents, etc. Or do I build a counter balanced set of steps to get me up and out over the top?

I am interested in whatever you folks are doing. Thanks

[thenewkid64]

Your best bet is a ladder. If you have an awning you can lean the ladder on the awning, but be sure to pad it with a towel.
If you do not have an awning, then you have to be a bit more creative. You want to attach a 2X4 to the ladder to span rhe ribs and pad the 2X4 so it will not scratch the finish. If you can use a regular ladder and lean go for it.

[ALANSD]

I got a green bull ladder, its 8 feet high and has a platform you can stand on to work from, very stabilized as it has extra wide stance. Best thing I have found for getting up around the top to wax,etc..

[InsideOut]

We've been using scaffolding made from some adjustable steel sawhorses and a couple of 2x12's screwed onto the sawhorses. It works great and gives you a large, stable work platform. We got the sawhorses at Home Depot for about $20 each...with the lumber, the whole thing was under $60.

[InsideOut]

And here it is in use...

Shari

[Chas]

You can usually reach almost far enough across to the center of the roof by being on a ladder or scaffolding but for some repairs or detail polishing you will need to actually get your body up on the roof. I made some padded walkboards to get on the roof of mine. I took a full sheet of 1/2" plywood and then glued carpet pad to one side of it, it will keep the roof from getting scratched up. Then I ripped the sheet into various widths, 12" to 18" and then cut them to lengths corresponding to the approximate roof rib spacings. They ended up being anywhere from 48" to 60" long, I have an assortment of them and just lay them down here or there, wherever I need to walk or kneel.

Chas

[George Jr.]

I haven't tried yet, but have been planning. What if......you rented two 12' step ladders and a 12' walk board. Seems you can move to any location.

Your thoughts.

[InsideOut]

As long as you stay off the curved end panels getting up on top isn't a problem.

Shari

[lee]

Obviously you are on the roof, beautiful pic, working on this beauty.

Questions:
Do you walk the ribs?

I'm 225 lbs , anybody know what the weight limit / sq inch or sq foot is . Or has anybody my size or larger walked the roof?.


Thanks

[InsideOut]

He doesn't really "walk" on top...just kinda scoot around on all fours & his butt. Sorry, I don't know the weight limit...but he weighs about 185 lbs....no problem. Just don't put point loads (like elbows, knees, etc.) in the center of the panels...they do flex, but if the weight is distributed evenly it doesn't damage anything. He was removing silicone & re-caulking with Vulkem when I snapped that shot.

Shari

[Chas]

So Shari,

What was that, looks like a camping/polishing trip there?

If so good idea, I have thought about dragging my cyclo along with me on the next outing.

Chas

[InsideOut]

Yep...it's pretty therapeutic, no distractions, up with the sun, keeps the polishing "goop" out of our yard, outdoor electrical, beautiful scenery, a lot cooler than at home...besides, we needed to finish the caulking before the afternoon thundershowers rolled in!

We were in La Veta, CO, the site of the Rocky Mountain VAC Rally with the planning committee over Memorial Day weekend...couple of us were working on our trailers..FUN!

Some campgrounds won't allow "maintenance" to be done on site though...this one didn't mind.

Shari

[53flyingcloud]

Shari

That doesn't look to be a Cyclo Polisher~!

Right?

[InsideOut]

Compounding first w/Nuvite "C"

Shari