Posted 2010-05-12 3:33 PM (#120067) Subject: walking on trailer roof
Member
Posts: 6
Location: NC
I'm preparing to reseal the seams on my trailer roof. It's a 3H slant GN, aluminum over steel construction. I'm having trouble reaching the center from a ladder on the side. How do I work up there? Would a piece of 1/2" plywood to stand on be enough?
Posted 2010-05-12 5:22 PM (#120075 - in reply to #120067) Subject: RE: walking on trailer roof
Veteran
Posts: 116 Location: desert hills, az
Not sure of the make on your trailer. I have Platinum with an aluminum roof and I walk on it all the time. I would suggest the plywood could be unsafe and slide with you on it and cause you to fall.
Posted 2010-05-12 8:08 PM (#120081 - in reply to #120067) Subject: RE: walking on trailer roof
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Many trailer roofs are only .040" or less and can oil can if stepped upon between the bows. On a flat roof the plywood may be a help. I agree with CC. Even on a moderately bowed roof, there is a danger of you and the plywood sliding off the side.
Last year we installed an A/C unit on an Exiss trailer. It has a bowed roof and we used plywood to support the A/C unit and us, until it could be set into place. Even with two of us sliding things round to the correct position, the plywood was as much a hindrance as a benefit.
If one were to glue some rubber shelf liner, or something similar, to the bottom of a smaller piece of plywood, the process might be made more safe. Obviously the plywood length, should extend past the roof bows' spacing. If it were less "slippery" on the curved metal, it would allow a more safe undertaking.
Posted 2010-05-13 8:04 AM (#120096 - in reply to #120067) Subject: RE: walking on trailer roof
Member
Posts: 6
Location: NC
Thanks for the replies. It's from this forum that I've learned how to tackle the leaky roof...3M 5200 just arrived from Jamestown :).
The trailer is a '91 Crescent, and has a flat roof. I'm mostly concerned with whether or not the bows would support my weight, 125lbs distributed across several bows by the plywood. I'm guessing it probably would.
The shelf liner is a great idea...reminded me that I've got an old carpet pad that might keep the scratches to a minimum.
Posted 2010-05-13 10:25 AM (#120101 - in reply to #120067) Subject: RE: walking on trailer roof
Veteran
Posts: 229
pam, I routinely walk on my flat roof. When I wash it in at the end of the season, I access the roof via the hay rack. I do take care to step on the bows, not the sheeting. The times when I have had to actually work up there, I used a pine barn board (1x12). It was both light and ran most of the length of the trailer, making my job easier. Most roofs can take a loaded hayrack, and that is substantial weight. If the weight is on the bows, or better yet, distributed across the bows, there should be no problem with your weight on the roof. I like the anti slip drawer, carpet idea, especially for a bowed roof.
Posted 2010-05-14 2:37 PM (#120157 - in reply to #120067) Subject: RE: walking on trailer roof
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
For a serious roof effort that will NOT support body weight...RENT some scaffolding for both sides of the trailer and lay support boards across the top and just move the trailer underneath it...
walking on trailer roof
