Leaks in roof where AC & vents are. Will roof support my weight so I can temp fix?

[KLK]

I have a wonderful 1966 30’ Sovereign and live in it full time in Central Texas.
My lifestyle changed dramatically a few years ago - divorce, custody battle, daughter in fatal car crash - and I am blessed to have my Airstream.

I’m not mechanically gifted and my roof leaks, especially where the AC is.

I have the stuff to seal around the AC and vents, but want to wait to apply that until I can repair/replace them.

Currently, my home is covered with a tarp, but there is a hole in the tarp right where the AC is and rain is predicted for the next 2 weeks.

Can I get on my roof to cover the hole? Will the roof support my weight (130 lbs)?

I will have to climb on a ladder to get up there, but I don’t want to dent the roof.

Advice?

[GMFL]

Yes! As long as you walk and stand on the rivet lines you are good

[madpiper]

GMFL is correct, the rivet lines are where the ribs that support the roof are located. I weigh 210 and the ribs held up fine while I was caulking my a/c and vents. Be careful and don't step on the panels only on the rivets.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I crawl to move, use a 3'x5' 3/8" piece of ply when working and ware deck shoes, I'm old.

Bob
🇺🇸

[marciekaput]

I had the same problem with leak around the AC....mainly when I would be running the AC and the condensation would just drip into the airstream....turned out that my AC unit had loosened up and had shifted during travel to where it wasn't directly over the hole in the roof anymore. Moved it over and tightened the bolts and all is well now.

I didn't actually get up on the roof. I stayed on a ladder that I had attached a board to perpendicular to the ladder to disperse my weight. Worked well.

[drbrick]

I echo Robert Cross -

[drairstream]

Sometimes not a leak but a clogged drain tube. Try blowing it out. It’s the tube near the fridge drain tube

[Runamuk13]

I'm wondering how a person would get up on the roof? How do you safely get from a ladder on to the roof?

With the rounded shape of the AS, it would be a long and dangerous step from a tall self-standing step ladder. And, I'm thinking that leaning an extension ladder against the AS would be a bad idea.

So .... please educate me - how does one get up on top of their shiny tin can?

[Wingman360]

Just wanted to thank you for the incredible commitment you have made to airstream community Re: tons of knowledge... you are a good guy!

[Wingman360]

Meant to go to Robert cross

[Chin chim]

I think someone posted in the past that you can lean a ladder up against the outside framing to the entry door but wrap towels around the ladder where it touches your exterior door frame. I asked a service guy at Airstream in Orange County and he told me he heard people getting on the roof that way before.

[suncoasteng]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I crawl to move, use a 3'x5' 3/8" piece of ply when working and ware deck shoes, I'm old.

Bob
🇺🇸

Robert has it right,,,,,,,,never, ever walk around on the roof of any RV, use a thinsheet, or better yet, two thin sheets of plywood and move your body from one sheet to the other. Just like walking on thin ice - spread your weight.

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

I leaned the ladder up against the door frame. It was fine. The dealer told me they just stand the a frame ladder as close as they can and just step off onto the roof.

Obviously someone holding the ladder when getting in and off the roof.

[BJnewby33]

I loved Molly Ivins!!! Miss her writing terribly!

[ROBERT CROSS]

[QUOTE=BJnewby33;2346916]I loved Molly Ivins!!! Miss her writing terribly![/QUOT


Thanks to all...stay well.
🙏 sent esp to the workers at Smithfield in SFalls

Ladder leaning on the AS...I use a Telesteps ladder with one of these on the top rung.....

Bob
🇺🇸

The noodles also work well as noggin savers on awning arms and open window edges.😂

[Bnbright62]

Colonial Airstream has a good video on YouTube for getting on roof and walking around to service items.
https://youtu.be/HP0HVv6imbc

[Tracyat]

I'm in Central Texas too. Gotta love the weather. When rain is in the forecast, it's always forecasted for weeks at a time and usually it either doesn't come or it's a downpour.

A few years ago I got on the roof of my 1952 Cruiser and replaced the vents with fantastic fans. Once I decided that I wouldn't just slide off the side, with someone holding the A frame ladder, I climbed over from the ladder and sat next to the vent, on the inside side and worked from there. When I finished the first one, I got down and moved to the other one. I'm afraid of heights so there won't be any walking around on the roof.
BTW...I'm a 125 pound female.

[KLK]

A retired certified RV repairman works at my local Ace Hardware store and told me that I could place a 2x4 or 2x6 lengthwise on top of my 1966 30’ Soveriegn and walk back and forth on the wood as it will distribute my weight.
So far, the tarp is still draped on my 1966 30’ Soveriegn Airstream, but the recent winds finally tore it.
Soon, I hope to use the plank idea.