I'm looking to buy a used 5th wheel, what should I be looking for in regards to the roof? Should I actually get on the roof and walk around? Is that safe for a 200 pounder? Thanks for any info!
200lbs. shouldnt damaged it, but I would stay close to edge or walk on the ribs. You need to look for scratches,scrapes and darkening. most rubber roofs are white and turn darker with age. good luck
2006 GMC 3500HD CCSRW4X4 DURAMAX Allison EDGE EVOLUTION tuner
2012 Keystone Avalanche 330RE 5th wheel 4 slides
statements in this post should be considered opinions and not facts
Walking is ok on the roof, most RV's tout a "walkable roof".
You can even feel soft spots when you walk up there. Make a note of where such places are, and when you go inside the 5er, push up on those areas to see if they feel soft or "crunchy"...or are water stained or recently painted. Big bells should be ringing in your head at that point!
The edges where the roofing membrane rolls over the roof and is fastened under is a place where the TPO/EPDM is under the most stress and can crack or get holes.
And around all the intrusion points such as the roof vents, pipes, antennas, etc are the other point of water intrusions. And the most insidious place that most people ignore is the clearance lights. And the window caulking too.
This roof vent caulking is cracked and may have a leak!
Also crawl under the RV and look at the frame...broken welds, rust, dents, bald areas on the tires are all warning signs too.
And check out all of the propane and water systems. Good luck!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
safn1949 wrote: I was up on the roof of our TT the other day and I am 265lbs,not even a creak. Just step slowly and if in doubt get on all 4.
Good advice, just remember it isn't built like a floor, most are 3/8" wafer board over light weight trusses spaced 16" to 24" on center (most are 16").
Russ & Paula
The Beagles Hedwig and Precious.
Portland, OR.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS
2001 Dodge 2500 4X4, 5.9 Cummins 5 speed, 3.55 gears, Pacbrake, Power Puck, 258K
Inspect all of the caulking, make sure its in good repair. Check all of the plastic items on the roof, make sure they are not cracked. while up there its a good time to check the top of the awning connecting to the unit.
Offline
Online
