Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Industry Towables - Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels > DRV Luxury Suites
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-27-2018, 05:40 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
DonandPatti's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38RSSA
State: Maryland
Posts: 193
THOR #4040
Best way to get on the roof

Happy Memorial Day to everyone.

Want to wash my roof tomorrow. What's the best way to get up on roof?

I always appreciate the knowledge and advice from such a learned group.

Your help would be appreciated.

Don


Note: In the past I have used an extension ladder with padding on the end and go up from the side.

__________________
https://mydrvpictures.shutterfly.com
2016 38RSSA FB Paint, induction cooktop, 3" Risers, solar, 4 batteries, Cheap Heat, MorRyde Steps
2017 F450 Lariat, CC, LB, 6.7, Chrome Pkg. Retrax, TS3 Hitch, 55g aux.tank, 200 psi air system
DonandPatti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 06:05 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 44' Santa Fe
State: Montana
Posts: 392
THOR #2053
An extension ladder will work, that's what I use when at home. but doesn't your rig have a ladder on the back? Good luck

Bill
__________________
Porkchop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 06:07 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
juicesqueezer's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39RESB3
State: Florida
Posts: 240
THOR #5499
Quote:
Originally Posted by DonandPatti View Post
Happy Memorial Day to everyone.

Want to wash my roof tomorrow. What's the best way to get up on roof?

I always appreciate the knowledge and advice from such a learned group.

Your help would be appreciated.

Don


Note: In the past I have used an extension ladder with padding on the end and go up from the side.
Don, since you don't have a ladder attached to the rear of the RV, an extension ladder is your only alternative. Padding works, but hardware stores offer a standoff that can be attached to the top of the ladder and it has rubber on the standoff that touches the RV. The biggest problem you and others have when using a ladder is the fact that it should extend above the roof at least 2-3 feet. Makes a much safer on/off. I would also have either someone holding the ladder as you climb and return or make sure it does not slip out from under you, like on a painted slab or wet surface that is smooth. Not a good thing when you are at our ages! Bottom line, be careful! I do this every day and have for years and it's not a question of "if you will fall", it's "when"!

Even though I have a ladder attached, I also carry a little giant ladder that extends 14' and use it on occasions.
__________________
Joe & Dottie Allen
2014 Mobile Suites Estates 39RESB3
2014 Ford F-450 DRW
juicesqueezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 06:10 PM   #4
Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38PS3
State: Idaho
Posts: 42
THOR #2022
Because the factory ladder will bend if I use it, I use an extending ladder over the factory ladder. It works pretty well.
https://www.campingworld.com/785p-xt...scoping-ladder
__________________
Steadfast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 06:10 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
juicesqueezer's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39RESB3
State: Florida
Posts: 240
THOR #5499
Don, off topic, but can you tell me more about which air system you have on your truck.

Thanks!
__________________
Joe & Dottie Allen
2014 Mobile Suites Estates 39RESB3
2014 Ford F-450 DRW
juicesqueezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 09:01 PM   #6
Junior Member
 
Brand: DRV
State: North Carolina
Posts: 3
THOR #11757
While we're on the topic of roofs... (and btw, We use our extension ladder and use a couple pieces of cut up swim noodles sliced and slide them over the back of the ladder's side rails for padding against the rig to get up on the roof).

But, my question is if anyone has used any good product for cleaning, but more importantly, preserving and restoring the finish on the roof of a mobile suites fifth wheel. Currently, it's getting a chalky residue which then runs all down the sides of the rig and gets all over our clothes, etc if we have to get up there for any reason.

We are parked semi-permanently currently in a very harsh sunny environment and I'm afraid of what it's doing to the roof long-term.

Thanks!

Kim and Frank
__________________
EasternNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 09:03 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
DonandPatti's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38RSSA
State: Maryland
Posts: 193
THOR #4040
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steadfast View Post
Because the factory ladder will bend if I use it, I use an extending ladder over the factory ladder. It works pretty well.
https://www.campingworld.com/785p-xt...scoping-ladder
I do have a ladder but I do not trust them at all. At 245 lbs. I'm just a little leary of their ability provide a good stable platform.

Great for flagpoles and antennas.

Don
__________________
https://mydrvpictures.shutterfly.com
2016 38RSSA FB Paint, induction cooktop, 3" Risers, solar, 4 batteries, Cheap Heat, MorRyde Steps
2017 F450 Lariat, CC, LB, 6.7, Chrome Pkg. Retrax, TS3 Hitch, 55g aux.tank, 200 psi air system
DonandPatti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2018, 09:22 PM   #8
Junior Member
 
Brand: DRV
State: North Carolina
Posts: 3
THOR #11757
Yeah, my husband is about 220 and just got up there yesterday. He's a little shaky doing it but the ladder was fine. Not sure what Little Giants are rated for, but they're pretty solid, thank goodness!

But, I understand your concern. It would be nice if there was a better way.
__________________
EasternNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 12:08 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
I clean mine with soapy water and a fairly stiff plastic brush. About once a year. It would be better to do it more. Do it on your hands and knees on a cloudy day as it can get painfully hot in the sun. And for goodness sake be careful up there. A wet soapy roof with no edges and little to hold on to 10-12 feet up is not to be taken lightly!
__________________
Pete'sMH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 07:08 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
rynosback's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 38 RSB3
State: South Dakota
Posts: 2,280
THOR #1658
I carry an 8ft ladder in the basement. I use it to set the slide seals and to get up on the roof. I really only use the top 2-3 rungs of the rigs ladder as it is not very strong and flimsy. It stores perfectly in the basement.

https://images.homedepot-static.com/...08-64_1000.jpg
__________________
2016 DRV38RSB3
2015 Ram 3500 Regular Cab DRW CTD Asian trans 410 rear
rynosback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 01:37 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39TKSB3 "Modified"
State: South Dakota
Posts: 1,837
THOR #1661
I guess it all "DEPENDS", I use the ladder on back with no hesitation even when I was 215#. I did work Construction 35 years so I am sure that helps. I also pack a Little Giant ladder for the sides.

I just use the end of a broom handle to pop the seals in place.
__________________
Cummins12V98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 01:41 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 22FE
State: Washington
Posts: 270
THOR #8606
Getting on a slippery roof that high off the ground, very dangerous. Take time, be "extra" cautious.
__________________
steve76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 02:04 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 2019 MS 39DBRS3
State: Delaware
Posts: 554
THOR #9431
As long as you are going on the roof - bring a cell phone. That way when the wind blows the ladder over you can call someone that cares
__________________
Thanks,
Duane

2019 DRV MS 39DBRS3
2020 F-450
Porthole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 02:05 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 2019 MS 39DBRS3
State: Delaware
Posts: 554
THOR #9431
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cummins12V98 View Post
II just use the end of a broom handle to pop the seals in place.
I use the tool that came with our first camper to operate the manual awning.
Powder coated 4' long hook, for the awning straps.
__________________
Thanks,
Duane

2019 DRV MS 39DBRS3
2020 F-450
Porthole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 02:54 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 22FE
State: Washington
Posts: 270
THOR #8606
Quote:
Originally Posted by Porthole View Post
As long as you are going on the roof - bring a cell phone. That way when the wind blows the ladder over you can call someone the cares
Excellent idea. Many years ago when I lived in Bullhead City AZ. I went through our 2nd floor bedroom window to clean the outside, was about 10 am. This was in August when temps where already near 100 outside. Window shut closed and I was on 2nd floor roof, side of house with no neighbors nearby. I pounded on window without breaking it and side of house, yelling as loud as I could. Wife was downstairs watching t.V. I was out there for over 2 hours in the sun and was just about to either take the chance of jumping down or breaking the window when "finally" Wife came to see where I was at. If no one was home, I could have been in serious trouble either taking chance of jumping down or breaking the window and possibly getting cut in the process. Sure learned my lesson.
__________________
steve76 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 07:47 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
I have no reluctance in using my installed ladder. Seems like that’s what it’s there for.... may I ask what the heck you guys are referring to by needing a ladder to set the slide seals?
__________________
Pete'sMH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 07:57 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
juicesqueezer's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39RESB3
State: Florida
Posts: 240
THOR #5499
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH View Post
I have no reluctance in using my installed ladder. Seems like that’s what it’s there for.... may I ask what the heck you guys are referring to by needing a ladder to set the slide seals?
I believe what they are referring to is sometimes the seals get turned in instead of laying flat against the side of the RV when out. If they are turned in, water can/will get inside the room. A ladder also helps in applying a seal dressing to keep them in good shape. Most people recommend 303 and it is sold on Amazon. Hope this helps!
__________________
Joe & Dottie Allen
2014 Mobile Suites Estates 39RESB3
2014 Ford F-450 DRW
juicesqueezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 07:58 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
juicesqueezer's Avatar
 
Brand: DRV
Model: 39RESB3
State: Florida
Posts: 240
THOR #5499
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH View Post
I clean mine with soapy water and a fairly stiff plastic brush. About once a year. It would be better to do it more. Do it on your hands and knees on a cloudy day as it can get painfully hot in the sun. And for goodness sake be careful up there. A wet soapy roof with no edges and little to hold on to 10-12 feet up is not to be taken lightly!
__________________
Joe & Dottie Allen
2014 Mobile Suites Estates 39RESB3
2014 Ford F-450 DRW
juicesqueezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 09:42 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
Quote:
Originally Posted by juicesqueezer View Post
I believe what they are referring to is sometimes the seals get turned in instead of laying flat against the side of the RV when out. If they are turned in, water can/will get inside the room. A ladder also helps in applying a seal dressing to keep them in good shape. Most people recommend 303 and it is sold on Amazon. Hope this helps!


Makes sense. Thanks. I don’t usually check mine so that’s a new thing for my checklist. I carry a ladder for windshield cleaning and other assorted chores not on the roof so I’m good.
__________________
Pete'sMH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2018, 10:12 PM   #20
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I've got one of the 16.5 foot telescoping ladders with a 350 rating... more than enough for me!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:24 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2