In this article, I am going to walk you through how much weight can an RV roof support so you don’t have to face any future trouble while walking or fixing anything on RV roof.
I know it’s tempting!
Getting on the top of your RV for enjoying a beautiful sunrise, or a fierce sunset sounds amazing. But do you take enough precautions?
Or, do you climb on the RV roof only for repairs and maintenance? The second part is unavoidable, that is why you need to know how much your RV roof can hold.
How much weight can an RV Rooftop hold?
[alert-announce]If you need a quick answer here it is : Your RV rooftop can support anywhere between 150 lbs to 250 lbs.[/alert-announce]
That’s the short and precise answer but you need to know more.
Keep reading:
As you might already know, RVs are made up of different materials or trusses. The most commonly used materials are rubber, fiberglass, steel, etc.
These are different from each other in terms of their bending and flexing capability and weight holding capacity.
The age and present condition of your RV is another important factor. If your RV is heavily damaged and worn out with cracks and bends, it cannot handle much weight.
And it is very risky to walk on it because it won’t have enough strength to hold the weight.
Another important factor is the make and model of your RV. If you are purchasing a good quality RV, you needn’t worry about its strength.
RVs with a good built-in quality offer better support for walking whereas cheaper RVs are prone to wear and tear.
Taking these three factors into consideration, the average weight your RV can hold will range between 150 lbs to 250 lbs. This is an average rate.
Contact your RV manufacturer or dealer for exact numbers. But it is clear that it can withstand a person or two without any hassle.
Some RVs can even hold up to 250 lbs or more, so know your weight limit first.
The next question would be,
Where can I find my RV weight limits?
Well, there is not a clear answer to this. But here are some methods that you can try.
1. See, if you have a roof ladder on the side of your RV. If you have one, it means that you can walk on its roof without fear.
2. Also, if you check carefully, the majority of the ladders have their weight limit inscribed on it. So, take a close look before climbing the ladder.
3. You can also check for stickers in the back which gives you warning signs. Lots of manufacturers leave it there as a precaution.
4. If your RV is susceptible to damage while walking on its roof, it will clearly state that you cannot risk walking on the roof.
5. Another practical and accurate method is contacting your RV manufacturer or dealer. They will know it best.
If you have purchased it online, you can probably get their numbers from the website or if they are individual dealers you can contact them via phone.
6. You should also check your RV owners manual beforehand and see if the weight limit is mentioned in it. They may mention the accurate numbers in it.
If none of the above methods works out, use your judgment and decide it for yourself. But save your rationale for extreme, unavoidable situations.
Do not walk on RV roofs unnecessarily. You might need to get up on the roof when there is a problem with the AC unit or water damage etc. Take necessary precautions before climbing up the ladder.
Things that you need to take care before walking on the RV Roof
As easy and tempting as this sounds, you need to ensure your safety first before planning to walk on the roof.
Before walking on the RV roof make sure that it is in good condition. If your RV is old and damaged, do not take risk of climbing up the ladder.
Besides, ensure that your RV supports your weight. Check with the weight limit of your RV beforehand.
Cleaning your RV roof with a good cleaner and brush will get rid of dirt, grease, and other slippery surfaces.
Also, do not wear sharp-pointed boots or heels while walking on the roof. It may make cracks and tears on your roof.
Know the strong and weak areas of your roof and stay away from fragile regions.
Check if there are any outgrown molds on the surface because it will make the roof slippery.
If your rooftop is made up of fiberglass and you have waxed the surface to prevent oxidation, it is advised not to walk on it. Because wax will make the surface slippery and dangerous to walk.
Apply a good quality roof coating suitable for your RV. It will reduce the potential cracks and make it’s surface smooth and waterproof preventing additional damage.
It will also save you from expensive repairs and unsafe walks on your rig roof.
Before climbing up for recreation and entertainment, focus on your safety first.
How to walk on the RV Roof?
Follow these tips to walk safely on an RV roof:
- Use a ladder to climb on the roof. If your RV already has one, it’s enough. If not, find a portable ladder and use it.
- Locate the vents, antennas, and skylights on the roof first. It is often positioned in the center part of the roof. It doesn’t have supportive structures around it, so do not step on it and damage it.
- Stick to the edge of the roof i.e. the corners of the RV. They are the stronger parts. But do not walk too close and fall off the edges.
- Take your steps calculated and slow, do not rush or panic.
- As mentioned earlier, if you do not fit in the specified weight limit, do not climb the ladder.
- Do not run, or jump on the RV roof even if the roof material is strong enough. If something goes wrong, you will be left with a damaged roof.
- If you sense something going wrong like abnormal roof flexing or creasing, do not take any step further. Try to get near your ladder and get down soon. If you can’t make it, lie flat and crawl your way back to the ladder.
- Get help and advice from experts or fellow travelers before doing anything unconventional and stupid.
Safety tips
- Make sure that you don’t walk on a wet roof. Especially after rain or hailstorms.
- Check for the warning signs or stickers on the back of your RV before walking.
- Use a high-sealant to seal the cracks and crevices in the roof.
- Make your roof waterproof.
- Use a suitable roof coating to prevent the invasion of molds and bacteria.
- Clean your RV frequently and repair the damages on the time.
- Do not leave water damages unattended for too long. It is very expensive to repair it in workshops.
Final thoughts
By now, I hope you have formed a clear vision of what you need to know before walking on an RV rooftop.
Do more research, find out what else would help you in a happy and safe RV travel. With safety comes happiness, so drop your valuable suggestions in the comment section below.
References & Citations:
- https://www.rvtravel.com/stay-safe-on-your-rv-roof/
- https://www.rvrepairclub.com/video/how-and-when-to-walk-on-your-rv-roof-009120/
