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Old 05-22-2021, 09:57 AM   #1
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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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Old 05-22-2021, 10:01 AM   #2
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This was discussed recently and here is a good - arguably the best method of getting onto the roof.


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Old 05-22-2021, 10:05 AM   #3
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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.
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Old 05-22-2021, 12:26 PM   #4
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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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Old 05-22-2021, 01:54 PM   #5
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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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Old 05-22-2021, 07:16 PM   #6
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Don't step on, walk on, kneel on, or lean an elbow heavily upon, the end caps.
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Old 05-22-2021, 09:49 PM   #7
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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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Old 05-23-2021, 11:03 AM   #8
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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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Old 05-23-2021, 03:53 PM   #9
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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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Old 05-23-2021, 03:54 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kidjedi View Post
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.
Foam insulation as paddling; good tip!

Gary
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Old 05-23-2021, 03:56 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob View Post
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
That would be the perfect set up; but my sky hook is in the shop for repair.
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Old 05-23-2021, 03:57 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by majorairhead View Post
Don't step on, walk on, kneel on, or lean an elbow heavily upon, the end caps.
Another great tip!

Gary
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Old 05-23-2021, 03:59 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OutdoorIdaho View Post
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.
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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Old 05-23-2021, 04:00 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brainodo View Post
I use this ladder that folds with padding on the upper rails of the ladder where it hits the roof.
Brainodo...genius!
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Old 05-23-2021, 04:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airlock View Post
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
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)
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Old 05-24-2021, 06:47 PM   #16
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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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Old 05-24-2021, 07:24 PM   #17
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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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Old 05-24-2021, 08:54 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by s1000pre View Post
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.

Great idea.
I will be moving my garage next to my Airstream tomorrow :-)
Need to was the roof.
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Old 05-30-2021, 09:56 AM   #19
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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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Old 05-30-2021, 10:47 AM   #20
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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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