Roof Strength

[Crazydave]

Are modern Autotrail roofs built to support the weight of a person to allow you to clean them?

 

[the2ofus]

I certainly don't on my Imala. Just think of the consequences if you do damage the roof or worse still fall off! I clean mine from a ladder with one of those 'mop' things that you can fit a microfiber cloth into. Much safer.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

2016 Delaware .......Kev often gets up there to clean it off and he's a big lad too! Just take your time and spread your weight out by using a board or something similar

Carolyn

 

[Lenny HB]

If it's a bonded roof it should be OK up to 75kg.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Doesn’t matter which brand, not Autotrail, but I never stand up there, I’ve laid up there when fitting Solar but always spreading the load across as much area as possible. There will be very slight flex and it’s the possibility of cracking joints that I’m bothered about. I think it’s just safer avoided. It doesn’t take much of a gap to allow water in.
When washing I can reach the centre from the ladder and the front area with a short mop adequately enough.
Why take the risk?

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[TheBig1]

Although the roof is rated at 75kg don't trust that figure as vans age and sealant dries out. If you absolutely must get up there, use a board to spread the weight and ALWAYS keep away from any openings and the overcab bulge or curve. It might not appear to cause a leak straight away, but it will disturb the seal and a leak will follow. When on the roof, try and keep your weight over supported areas, like the outer walls to avoid the roof flexing

Remember, climbing up takes a minute, falling off takes 2 seconds and hurts

 

[Coolcats]

Although the roof is rated at 75kg don't trust that figure as vans age and sealant dries out. If you absolutely must get up there, use a board to spread the weight and ALWAYS keep away from any openings and the overcab bulge or curve. It might not appear to cause a leak straight away, but it will disturb the seal and a leak will follow. When on the roof, try and keep your weight over supported areas, like the outer walls to avoid the roof flexing

Remember, climbing up takes a minute, falling off takes 2 seconds and hurts

Thats one tall MoHo, it takes 2 seconds to fall 19.6 Metres @ 19.6 km/s or 70.56 mph depending on your mass will depend on how much energy will need to be dissapated.

If your MoHo is 2.5Meter's it takes 0.71seconds to fall @ 7 km/s or 21.1 mph and again your mass will determine how much energy need to be dissipated..

Falling off a roof always reminds me of 'Don't Jump off the roof Dad'

 

[fat haggis]

I lost my footing on a ladder cleaning a messy spot on my hymers roof. 14 weeks ago ,I’m still not walking with full weight transfer. Be very careful on roofs and even more with ladders. You don’t want to blow your heel up like I did.

 

[Coolcats]

View attachment 558179I lost my footing on a ladder cleaning a messy spot on my hymers roof. 14 weeks ago ,I’m still not walking with full weight transfer. Be very careful on roofs and even more with ladders. You don’t want to blow your heel up like I did.

Ouch who would have thought you could have Crampons inserted in your heels are they battery operated ? Seriously though I hope you have a full and pain free recovery ‍

 

[Crazydave]

View attachment 558179I lost my footing on a ladder cleaning a messy spot on my hymers roof. 14 weeks ago ,I’m still not walking with full weight transfer. Be very careful on roofs and even more with ladders. You don’t want to blow your heel up like I did.

Sorry to hear that.

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[nicholsong]

I can't give an opinion on an Impala roof, but I have always assume that the roof on our N&B Arto(2003) is safe to stand on since it has a roof ladder fitted.

The whole habitation body is aluminium sandwich bonded construction which should be sufficiently strong and there are now warnings in the Owners' Manual. I have never noticed any flexing.

Am I being naive?

Geoff

 

[TheBig1]

I can't give an opinion on an Impala roof, but I have always assume that the roof on our N&B Arto(2003) is safe to stand on since it has a roof ladder fitted.

The whole habitation body is aluminium sandwich bonded construction which should be sufficiently strong and there are now warnings in the Owners' Manual. I have never noticed any flexing.

Am I being naive?

Geoff

Geoff, no idea of your weight or physical fitness, although I believe from posts you have made that you are of mature years. I would urge caution for the reasons given above about potential leaks and definitely because as we age, we seem less able to bounce if we fall. I would much rather give a local person a few quid to take care of washing the roof on my behalf