MOTORHOME ROOF CLEANING

Hercs74

Hercs74

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I have just purchased a Burstner MH and will be giving it a detail with coatings etc ( yes I am a pro and do it for a living). Obviously I will need to get on the roof, having never previously owned or been on the roof, what is the best way to clean roof? Can i literally climb on it? will it take 12 stone in body weight. Apologies if seems a stupid question, but i thought i'd ask before i climb on it and break it........

Thanks
 
Yes you can but be careful around any roof lights and vents, I usually put a dust sheet on and then lay a piece of 18mm ply just to spread the weight a bit.?
 
Speve said:
Yes you can but be careful around any roof lights and vents, I usually put a dust sheet on and then lay a piece of 18mm ply just to spread the weight a bit.?
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A sheet big enough to just cover my height and width, Im only a skinny chip :p;):LOL:
 
Just be careful up there, you wouldn't be the first person to slip and fall.
Soapy water and stretching to reach something van be a dangerous combination.
I nearly came a cropper once but much more aware and careful now (y)
 
Hercs74 said:
A sheet big enough to just cover my height and width, Im only a skinny chip :p;):LOL:
Click to expand...
I just use something about 3’ x 2’ just enough to kneel on.? An old towel works well as it doesn’t slip.?

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I use a mechanics lying down mat I got mine from machine mart as it's the best as its about a couple of inches thick and good for spreading the load i will see if I can find a link and post it here
 
MRKBENZ said:
I use a mechanics lying down mat I got mine from machine mart as it's the best as its about a couple of inches thick and good for spreading the load i will see if I can find a link and post it here
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Excellent Thanks
 
The company I work for we use crawl boards when we access attics, pic below.

ive not used them for cleaning my MoHo yet but thinking of it to spread the weight.

4012764B-1981-4BA1-91E7-8691049D1CD4.jpeg
 
My van is a old Ford Transit based and last time I went and had a look at the roof it was very, very flimsy and buckled under me pressing with my hand, so not been up their with my 16 stone weight.

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You can clean an awful lot from inside via the roof lights :)

We have used a scaffold tower to do ours but Martin has walked on the roof (coach built).
 
Our CI has an area, between the 'roof bars' where it is safe to walk, according to the manual. with roof lights, solar and tv aerial there is just about enough room for my size 4s not tried it though, am not good with heights but have been up the ladder for a look. we use a long handled brush and John on an adjustable ladder.
 
Thats all good information but about how to walk on the roof but my question is what have Funsters found the best cleaning materials to get all that grime off
 
BOWHOUSE52 said:
Thats all good information but about how to walk on the roof but my question is what have Funsters found the best cleaning materials to get all that grime off
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I only use what I would for the rest of the van works fine for me??

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I always walk on our roof, Carthago A class, but once, in a mad fit of enthusiasm, I though I would polish it to keep it really nice.
Only did a small area but when I tried to walk on it it was like stepping on ice.
Nearly went over the side so never polished it again.
Polished roof = extreme danger.
Richard.
 
My roof is green with algie. Do you just clean it when necessary or do you do it every 2 months or so?
 
Current van, on a ladder and stretch. Last van, knelt, left indentations all over like giant hail, not doing that again.

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Watch where you put the ladder and hose was washing mine working my way to the rear gave the hose a pull and down went the ladder, finished the roof as Denise was out for about 3hrs the a friend across the road came out to put some rubbish in the bin so came to my rescue :rolleyes:
 
Mobile Phone :roflmto: ::bigsmile:
 
If You put some Chequer plate in the middle of the van its a handy platform to stand on to clean the roof with a pole brush.
There is a product called 'winter off' if you dilute it with water and apply it to the roof it stops mildew etc from forming on the roof.
 
Burstner Argos owner for over twelve years. Been on our roof lots and lots of times, and I'm over 20st. I don't lay anything down, just walk all over it freely. Like has been mentioned...try and and keep away from skylight openings and any other potential weak areas. I remember when we first got our van, we had solar fitted, there was at one stage three blokes standing on our roof. (y)

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About 10 years ago Bailey brought out a new method of building their vans and
in a promo, had a picture of a car parked ON TOP of the van to demonstrate it's strength. So on that basis, I've walked on on my vans without using 'spreaders'. Never had a problem.

I use Fenwicks shampoo and spray it with a the concentrate first. I've also used Muc-Off.
But I do wish that I had a snow lance!

As already said, it gets slippery.

Terry
 
Soft brush and caravan friendly shampoo.
Then Wet and Forget seems to be highly recommended.
26 stone on my old AutoCruise roof with no problems.
 
BOWHOUSE52 said:
Thats all good information but about how to walk on the roof but my question is what have Funsters found the best cleaning materials to get all that grime off
Click to expand...
Hi, AutoSmart Ultra Mousse Snow Foam is what I use on MoHo and cars. Quite expensive, about cheapest I can find is Ebay £35 for 5L just now. Mix is 100ml/1L so does last. Plenty You tube vids about it. Needs to be applied by pressure washer on low pressure with mixer gun £10. You can literally watch the muck breaking down infront of you.
Bilt Hamber snow foam, I have never used but a lot of the detailers are giving it a thumbs up. A lot cheaper about £20/ 5L.
I test and try things from professional detailers rather than listen to snippets here and there. Plenty youtube again.
 
Jev88 said:
Soft brush and caravan friendly shampoo.
Then Wet and Forget seems to be highly recommended.
26 stone on my old AutoCruise roof with no problems.
Click to expand...
I just read that again.... I feel the need to correct it as I am 16 stone and helper was 10 stone when lifting solar panel up to roof - i.e. not 26 stone supported in one spot!
 
I do mine twice a year. I use a combination of Hot water, bleach, washing up liquid and Aldi caravan cleaner, and a plastic scrubbing brush, sponge and a shammy. I give it a good soaking first then a clean, using the scrubbing brush to remove any alge deposits. (Not many but my drive is next to some trees/bushes. Rinse down, dry off with Shammy then wax and polish with Autoglym. That's it ! I'm no longer fit enough to do it in one go so get my younger granddaughter up there with me who get's a wadge of money for the help.

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