Roof Access

[bird_dg]

Can anyone suggest the best way to access the roof on a Flying Cloud? I know that the end-caps are off-limits, I can see that; but should I lean an extension ladder (with padding of course) against an awning roller or use a step-ladder right next to the trailer and step across? I don't care to experiment on our first Airstream. Thanks.

[Wayne&Sam]

On the factory tour they say to get on the roof on the awning side. I think that's so the awning can catch your foot if you slip. I've used a step ladder, with someone holding it as I step on and off the ladder. I've also used a ladder leaning on the awning with the ladder very vertical and the foot braced.

Only stand on rivet lines.

Don't wear golf shoes.

[Splitrock]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f478...oof-66345.html

[68 TWind]

I have a Little Giant ladder (the 22 footer that is very stable) that I use to get up on my 68. I have found it best to lean it against the awning with the angle not too steep. I extend the ladder far enough so that I have at least 4 or 5 feet of ladder above the top of the trailer. I can just step over and onto the roof without any dangerous leaning of stretching. Position the ladder so that when you step off you will be on a rib. I tried setting it up as and A frame ladder but I find it much easier and safer to do it the way described. One caution, when you have a length of ladder above the awning and if you stand on that and lean into the ladder the awning will act as a fulcrum and can cause the feet of the ladder to slide away from the trailer. Have someone on the ground the first time you climb up just to be safe.

[mistermcfrug]

I have had to get on and off my roof quite a few times. I place my 10' step ladder right next to the right side of trailer. My wife stand on the bottom step. I always place a 3' x 3' piece of plywood on the roof and then carefully step or crawl onto the plywood. The plywood is intended to distribute my weight so no dents are put on the roof.

I've never had the slightest problem with this approach.

[mansaj]

I just installed a fantastic fan yesterday. I chose to go with scaffolding and a homemade airstream plank. The plank was a box of 8ftx18" 2x4, with a ~18"x18" plywood foot on the end, and skinned on the top with 1/2" plywood. Padded the plank with sacrificial pool noodle.

[lsbrodsky]

Who has that kind of stuff lying around for a roof project???
Larry

[A W Warn]

I have used an extension ladder leaned against the awning rail many times, but it's always a little iffy (especially when old and heavy as me)when stepping around the top of the ladder onto the roof, even when someone is holding the ladder.
I use a step ladder just for working around the perimeter, but never to get on top. I would not use a step ladder and step across the void. That is a good way to learn how to not fly .
The safest way to get on top of the Airstream is to use scaffold. I lay a quilted pad on the roof to prevent scratches, then lay a 2x4 on top of that to distribute the load across several ribs. Then I use scaffold boards to create a bridge. It takes me about a half hour to do the set up shown in the photos. I did this when I replaced the AC pan by myself. If I'm caulking around a fan I scaffold on one side and only use one board.
Since I was a general contractor before I retired, I own enough scaffold and boards to do this. If anyone does not have their own, a two sides setup like mine can be rented (in my area) for around $100-$150 for a week. A lot cheaper than the cost of a broken neck or a funeral!

[mansaj]

I borrowed it from a friend. Which of course meaning fixing it prior to using it.

I checked on craigslist and there is a endless supply of used scaffolding available. Figure about $75-150 per unit. If you had to buy it for $300, and turn around and sell it for half, it'd still be worth it.

There's plenty of work to do on the roof. Resealing, new vents, new ac cover, replace old wineguard antenna and put a little Jack tower in (no crank up), solar, repainting. The more time you spend up there the more you'll find to work on.

[Splitrock]

@ ---> A W Warn



That's my favorite ever. Thanks for posting.

[withidl]

On my ASCL 31' I use a 10' ladder on the curb side leaning against the small but substantial gutter at the top of the bedroom window. I wrap a towel/rag around one of the upper ladder rungs that contacts the gutter so that no aberration occurs to the gutter. This ladder position against the window gutter keeps the ladder from contacting the awning just above the gutter. The upper rung of the ladder extends just a few inches above the AS roof and allows me to easily carefully crawl on and off without risk.

[Aironius]

Man, this thread is just what I was looking for. I was just wondering how to get up there and sure enough somebody already figured it out for me. Thanks for the pics.

[msmcv51]

I use a 6' step ladder and lean the middle of the top against one of the ribs of the side. When I am standing on top of the ladder I can put my knee on top of the main awning and then up to the top. I stay on my knees because of a balance problem I have also I stay on the rivet lines.

[Natty Lite]

Use that foam that roofers use! For nonskid and comfort, it's the ticket for working on the roof! 2 pcs - one to work and sit on & the other for the next go-to spot! They also distribute your weight, less pressure points!!

[Moflash]

I put my ladder against the door gutter.I wrap the ladder where it contacts the gutter with duct tape so there is no scratching,I cut a 2x12 30 inches long and covered it in carpet,I use this to span the rivet line supports to sit on while working on the roof.This works great for me.Simple