MOTORHOME ROOF CLEANING (1 Viewer)

Hercs74

Free Member
Aug 21, 2019
63
29
Essex.
Funster No
63,460
MH
Researching
Exp
Newbie
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
 
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Hercs74

Hercs74

Free Member
Aug 21, 2019
63
29
Essex.
Funster No
63,460
MH
Researching
Exp
Newbie
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.?

A sheet big enough to just cover my height and width, Im only a skinny chip :p;):LOL:

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Feb 22, 2011
9,785
20,150
Newcastle under Lyme
Funster No
15,397
MH
Hymer B544 A Class
Exp
Since 2015
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)
 
Jul 29, 2013
9,071
18,520
Salisbury
Funster No
27,215
MH
Hymer B678DL A class
Exp
since 2011
A sheet big enough to just cover my height and width, Im only a skinny chip :p;):LOL:
I just use something about 3’ x 2’ just enough to kneel on.? An old towel works well as it doesn’t slip.?
 
Sep 30, 2012
17
13
WARWICKSHIRE
Funster No
23,099
MH
Tabbert ffb 660
Exp
a few hours ago
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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Hercs74

Hercs74

Free Member
Aug 21, 2019
63
29
Essex.
Funster No
63,460
MH
Researching
Exp
Newbie
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
Excellent Thanks
 

Realist

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 4, 2018
1,746
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Wales last time I checked.
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57,061
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Caravan: Buccaneer
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Caravan before 2000 / Motorhome From 2018 to 22 / Now Caravan again.
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
 

Realist

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 4, 2018
1,746
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Wales last time I checked.
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Caravan: Buccaneer
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Caravan before 2000 / Motorhome From 2018 to 22 / Now Caravan again.
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.
 

Puddleduck

LIFE MEMBER
Jan 15, 2014
12,385
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Scottish Borders
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29,703
MH
Without at present
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On and off for many years.
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).
 
Apr 11, 2015
5,413
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hull
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35,812
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Laika Ecovip 300
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since 1988 with breaks until 2009
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.

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Jul 14, 2019
274
189
Funster No
62,405
MH
Rapido 7086f
Exp
2007
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
 
Jul 29, 2013
9,071
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Salisbury
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27,215
MH
Hymer B678DL A class
Exp
since 2011
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
I only use what I would for the rest of the van works fine for me??

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Oct 30, 2010
4,256
20,707
Suffolk or France or ........
Funster No
14,290
MH
A Class Carthago Chic
Exp
Since 2008
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.
 
Jun 8, 2019
4,931
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Bexley Kent
Funster No
61,505
MH
Given up Motorhoming
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May 2019
My roof is green with algie. Do you just clean it when necessary or do you do it every 2 months or so?
 

Vic

Aug 1, 2010
461
536
Funster No
12,973
Current van, on a ladder and stretch. Last van, knelt, left indentations all over like giant hail, not doing that again.
 

denisejoe

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Aug 6, 2014
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A Class
Exp
Since 2004
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:

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Campervan_man

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Jun 24, 2019
997
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Dethleffs Globebus
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2000
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.
 
Sep 21, 2007
1,626
13,674
Kings Ripton, Huntingdon
Funster No
316
MH
RP Rebellion 2 2024
Exp
Since 2007
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)
 
Nov 19, 2010
329
762
Walking the dog
Funster No
14,483
MH
Hymer 680 Starline
Exp
since 2012
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
 
Apr 6, 2019
3,737
7,448
Eye, Peterborough, UK
Funster No
59,702
MH
RV
Exp
FourWinds Windsport 6.8L V10
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.

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Euro330

Banned
Aug 16, 2019
390
485
Carnoustie
Funster No
63,310
MH
Bailey Advance 640
Exp
About 5years
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
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.
 
Apr 6, 2019
3,737
7,448
Eye, Peterborough, UK
Funster No
59,702
MH
RV
Exp
FourWinds Windsport 6.8L V10
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.
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!
 
Feb 9, 2008
8,949
18,704
Corby, Northants
Funster No
1,455
MH
Coach Built
Exp
Since 2007
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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