Walking on the roof

[solds88]

I'm getting ready to install Maxxair vent covers over the existing vents. Can the roof be walked on with tennis shoes without putting dents in the skin or compromising the roof trusses??

[drdave]

When I installed mine on the middle vent I put a ladder against the side wrapped in towels.   I moved the ladder back and forth from side to side a couple times trying to avoid actually having to go on the roof but got sick of that quickly.   The roof felt sturdy enough that I crawled around on me knees or sat while I worked...no dents or any signs of weakness while moving around.   Although it's likely strong enough I didn't see the need to fully stand up but tried to keep my wight spread out as much as possible just in case.   your results may vary.  By the way I'm 175 lbs.

[cl21bhs]

I have the 21bhs and also installed three MaxxAir vent covers. I walked on the roof to install and I did not have any problem, in fact I walk on the roof to clean it as well.

[pinstriper]

A key consideration is not the roof so much as the walker. The lighter you are, the more likely you can get away with it. Heavier folks should perhaps stay off the roof. I dunno what the magic number is. We've got one person at 175# who did it, another at unspecified weight. Perhaps we'll get someone else who dented or collapsed their roof and we can find out that way what the load bearing is.

[hdrehder]

I weigh 120. Walked all over my roof last weekend with no trouble while putting on the new ADCO cover. I realize I'm lighter than most of you guys,but didn't sense any trouble at all.

[oleo]

When we picked up our 13qbb, we met the dealer at the factory.  We noticed the factory had installed the 13.5 vs the 9.2 a/c we ordered.  They swapped out the a/c right there.  Two guys, approximately 185lbs each stood on the roof to remove and replace it without issue.  Just our experience with our 13qbb.  

[solds88]

Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. According to your posts the roof appears to be very sturdy. I'm going to have one of my boys do the work. I was on the ladder looking at the top and there may be a slight problem. The thick gray goop that LL used to seal all the seams is approximately 1/2" to 1" proud of the horizontal surface. Without modification, in my opinion, may create too much of an air gap between the Maxxair vent cover and the roof. My primary concern is that the vent may try to lift at highway speed? Keep in mind that the Maxxair "L" brackets are thin aluminum and not stainless steel as is the rest of the mounting hardware. Any comments or ideas, are my fears unfounded???  James

[drdave]

Mine has a similar thick, but white layer of goop on all the seams.   I installed the Camco brand cover (same thing, but different brand as the maxxair) and had no difficulties.   I'm assuming the maxxair hardware is at least as good as my camco brand.    I snugged everything down and afterwards had absolutely no concerns it was going anywhere.   According to the camco directions a gap is normal and desireble to allow for ventillation and moisture to escape.

[mizv]

We ordered our 21BHS about a month ago and requested a ladder on the back. The factory came back and said okay, but you can't walk on the roof or it will dent/collapse/explode. (Not sure exactly what they said as it was filtered through the dealer.) Maybe they are just being cautious?

[mitch]

[quote source="/post/7626/thread" timestamp="1425971714" author="@mizv"]We ordered our 21BHS about a month ago and requested a ladder on the back. The factory came back and said okay, but you can't walk on the roof or it will dent/collapse/explode. (Not sure exactly what they said as it was filtered through the dealer.) Maybe they are just being cautious?
[/quote]It's the explosion part that'll get you every time.

[jtelles3993]

I installed 2 Maxxair vents yesterday with no issues, the roof felt very sturdy. I moved around on my hands and knees most of the time to keep my 200 lbs spread out.

[jtelles3993]

In regards to the install, the Dicor on mine was applied sufficiently but not over 1/2" thick. The metal brackets on mine were formed with 2 rib channels for strengthening, I couldn't bend them by hand. I may be wrong, but I think the vent assembly will stay put - I say that because by design they are free flowing and shouldn't contain much air, if any?

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/7626/thread" timestamp="1425971714" author="@mizv"]We ordered our 21BHS about a month ago and requested a ladder on the back. The factory came back and said okay, but you can't walk on the roof or it will dent/collapse/explode. (Not sure exactly what they said as it was filtered through the dealer.) Maybe they are just being cautious?
[/quote][font size="3"]Exploding roof? I bet that dealer says you don't need WDH when towing with your VW Beetle.
[/font]

[charliem]

[font size="3"]I would recommend against actually walking on the roof. Although the roof truss structure will support the weight the thin aluminum sheet will bend and deform somewhat and tend to work the seams, particularly around the edges. As prone to leaks as any camper roof is I don't see the need to invite trouble. All necessary work on the roof, with the possible exception of A/C replacement, can be accomplished from an 8' step ladder. I have done roof work on my 21RBS, but limited roof stress by sitting or crawling on all fours. Compare this to putting 200 pounds on one shoe print when walking. Why do you really need to walk on the roof?
[/font]

[shovelhead]

I dont do roof's ... I get dizzy on the first rung of a ladder.  My neighbor installed my MaXAir covers.  The goop did raise the brackets and made a gap about 1/4" above the roofing aluminum material.  The neighbor weighs about 150lb and slide on his butt between the front & rear vents.