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05-22-2021, 09:57 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Up on the roof...
Hi all,
Assuming that one's wife will let you anywhere near a ladder...how does one manage to get up on the AS roof without damaging ones self or the AS? I want to get up there to install a soft start on the AC.
AS is a 2019 16' Bambi Sport
Gary
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05-22-2021, 10:01 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2018 30' Flying Cloud
Springfield
, Ohio
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 567
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This was discussed recently and here is a good - arguably the best method of getting onto the roof.
__________________
2018 Flying Cloud 30RB + 2020 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
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05-22-2021, 10:05 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2021 30' Flying Cloud
2020 25' International
minneapolis
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,468
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If you have a way of parking your AS up close to a roof eave. You can walk from your roof right onto the AS’s. I park mine next to our detached garage.
__________________
- Stewart
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05-22-2021, 12:26 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1972 25' Tradewind
1976 31' Excella 500
1974 31' Excella 500
1975 24' Argosy 24
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,106
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I was going to just write: "it's not easy," but that didn't seem very nice.
A scaffolding with a platform is the best method (outside of a cherry picker or hydraulic lift), but obviously most people don't own scaffolding and they're a pain and a cost to rent. If you're doing extensive roof work, however, they are worth looking into, and depending on where you live (rental costs or rural farmer friends with equipment), a scissor lift may even be a viable option.
You can lean a padded ladder against the AS as long as you pay attention to where you're doing it. Lean against sections supported by ribs and struts so you aren't denting the exterior skin. If you are careful, you can also use your retracted awning for additional ladder support (the "metal tube" that runs along the roofline), depending on what awning you have and how strong the wrap is. I pad my aluminum ladders with the foam insulation for pipes run on the verticals (basically those swimming pool noodles with a slit down the center).
I once removed an Armstrong a/c from a Landyacht, by myself, using only a ladder, but I do not recommend it at all.
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05-22-2021, 01:54 PM
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#5
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
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Hi
If you want to see the OSHA approved way to do it, visit JC and have them do something that involves the roof. Those involved are all in harnesses and have safety ropes hooked to the ceiling above the trailer. Truly amazing to watch. Don't bring the kids along for the viewing, those involved occasionally express their "pleasure" at working in these rigs ....
Bob
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05-22-2021, 07:16 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2019 30' International
Pennsylvania
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,234
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Don't step on, walk on, kneel on, or lean an elbow heavily upon, the end caps.
__________________
If you ain't havin' fun you ain't doin' it right
2017 Ford CCSB F250 XLT 6.2L Gas 4x4 Ruby
2019 International Serenity 30 Rear Twin
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05-22-2021, 09:49 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2020 19' Caravel
Ammon
, Idaho
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 242
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Colonial Airstream has a video on YouTube that demonstrates very well how to get in the roof. I have been up on mine a few times for installing solar panels, clearing snow, cleaning, and inspecting.
With a sufficiently tall ladder it is really not that difficult.
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05-23-2021, 11:03 AM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2020 27' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 57
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I use this ladder that folds with padding on the upper rails of the ladder where it hits the roof.
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05-23-2021, 03:53 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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[QUOTE=tbrowne;2496746]This was discussed recently and here is a good - arguably the best method of getting onto the roof.
Tbrowne; thanks for the video link. It was really great to be able to actually see someone do it...both on the roof and getting off the roof. Now if I can just find where my wife hid the ladder!
Gary
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05-23-2021, 03:54 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kidjedi
I was going to just write: "it's not easy," but that didn't seem very nice.
A scaffolding with a platform is the best method (outside of a cherry picker or hydraulic lift), but obviously most people don't own scaffolding and they're a pain and a cost to rent. If you're doing extensive roof work, however, they are worth looking into, and depending on where you live (rental costs or rural farmer friends with equipment), a scissor lift may even be a viable option.
You can lean a padded ladder against the AS as long as you pay attention to where you're doing it. Lean against sections supported by ribs and struts so you aren't denting the exterior skin. If you are careful, you can also use your retracted awning for additional ladder support (the "metal tube" that runs along the roofline), depending on what awning you have and how strong the wrap is. I pad my aluminum ladders with the foam insulation for pipes run on the verticals (basically those swimming pool noodles with a slit down the center).
I once removed an Armstrong a/c from a Landyacht, by myself, using only a ladder, but I do not recommend it at all.
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Foam insulation as paddling; good tip!
Gary
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05-23-2021, 03:56 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
If you want to see the OSHA approved way to do it, visit JC and have them do something that involves the roof. Those involved are all in harnesses and have safety ropes hooked to the ceiling above the trailer. Truly amazing to watch. Don't bring the kids along for the viewing, those involved occasionally express their "pleasure" at working in these rigs ....
Bob
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That would be the perfect set up; but my sky hook is in the shop for repair.
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05-23-2021, 03:57 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by majorairhead
Don't step on, walk on, kneel on, or lean an elbow heavily upon, the end caps.
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Another great tip!
Gary
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05-23-2021, 03:59 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OutdoorIdaho
Colonial Airstream has a video on YouTube that demonstrates very well how to get in the roof. I have been up on mine a few times for installing solar panels, clearing snow, cleaning, and inspecting.
With a sufficiently tall ladder it is really not that difficult.
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I watched the Colonia Airstream video; I couldn't actually see Patrick's mount and dismount from the roof. But the equipment needed was clear
Gary
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05-23-2021, 04:00 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2019 16' Sport
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Vista
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 192
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brainodo
I use this ladder that folds with padding on the upper rails of the ladder where it hits the roof.
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Brainodo...genius!
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05-23-2021, 04:30 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2000 30' Excella
GTA
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 507
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H
Quote:
Originally Posted by Airlock
Hi all,
Assuming that one's wife will let you anywhere near a ladder...how does one manage to get up on the AS roof without damaging ones self or the AS? I want to get up there to install a soft start on the AC.
AS is a 2019 16' Bambi Sport
Gary
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Hi Gary
I use a normal tall step ladder, and what I do is throw a rope over the rig and tie it off to a wheel on the other side, this allows you to pull your self up on the awning side, and makes it safe to come off the roof (which is the hard part)
__________________
#4286 Stella the 2000 30ft Excella/Classic - Tow Vehicle - 2020 GMC Denali 1500 Duramax 3.0l Diesel, ProPride3 WDH.
previous tow vehicles 2012 Mercedes Benz GL350d - CanAmRv.ca hitch Reinforcement, 2005 Ford F150 Lariat 5.4L
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05-24-2021, 06:47 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Hampden
, Maine
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 72
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I built a garage of adequate height to store our AS, with added general storage space. If you happen to do that, and leave the rafter area open, the ceiling joists and rafter ties are perfect for grabbing and holding onto, and positioning yourself for stabilization, while negotiating the roof area. You still have to be mindful to only place your weight on the riveted ribs. Outside, got to rely on the video!
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05-24-2021, 07:24 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
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I opened the door of my 25 and placed an ordinary ladder against the door top sill with pieces of large pool noodle split to cover the legs of the ladder.
Then stepped on to two padded peices of plywood.
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05-24-2021, 08:54 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2017 30' Classic
Anna Maria
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s1000pre
If you have a way of parking your AS up close to a roof eave. You can walk from your roof right onto the AS’s. I park mine next to our detached garage.
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Great idea.
I will be moving my garage next to my Airstream tomorrow :-)
Need to was the roof.
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05-30-2021, 09:56 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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At a rally I watched the Micro-Air guys install easy starts. First, they have experience. Next, they bring a piece of plywood with a rug that lays between the ribs and they stay on that.
When my radio antenna broke the way I thought best was using a 8' stepladder with a moving blanket wire tied to the top. It laid against the street side awning cover. Then another moving blanket on the roof, and best, hiring my handyman who weighs about 140 to spread eagle on the roof and reach the antenna with admonitions to never lean on the end cap. I don't think his feet ever left the ladder.
A scaffolding bridge is the only common sense way to do serious work.
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05-30-2021, 10:47 AM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
west plains
, Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 202
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On the roof
At 80, clumsy, big, and prudent....I call a professional. Any mishap to the trailer or me is fiscally and physically expensive.
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