Walking on Roof

[Mongoose9400]

So, I've watched some Keystone factory tour videos on YouTube and looked at the brochures for the Raptors.

I gathered the roof is 3/8" OSB (DynaSpan) on 16" truss centers. Doing some Google searching I found an article that states light OSB, 7/16 - 19/32-inch-thick OSB panels applied on 16-inch joists on center (OC) can bear 100 pounds per square inch (psi) live weight and 10 psi dead weight.

I would conclude the roof is pretty "solid" to walk on then, even for use bigger guys. I'm sure the roof will flex some since the OSB is 3/8" @ 16 OC, but there shouldn't be fear of busting through?

[chuckster57]

Your good to go!!

[AbHDToyHauler]

So, I've watched some Keystone factory tour videos on YouTube and looked at the brochures for the Raptors.

I gathered the roof is 3/8" OSB (DynaSpan) on 16" truss centers. Doing some Google searching I found an article that states light OSB, 7/16 - 19/32-inch-thick OSB panels applied on 16-inch joists on center (OC) can bear 100 pounds per square inch (psi) live weight and 10 psi dead weight.

I would conclude the roof is pretty "solid" to walk on then, even for use bigger guys. I'm sure the roof will flex some since the OSB is 3/8" @ 16 OC, but there shouldn't be fear of busting through?

Mongoose (if you don't mind my asking) how heavy is heavy? I am 320 lbs (6'7") so I'd like to know too. I have the Fuzion and was thinking of making myself some foam backed 1/2" plywood panels to use to kneel on /walk on and just move them around as required to protect my roof and me. Of course I would make them straddle several joists and add some kind of rope handles to aid moving them around while on roof.

Chuckster, your thoughts on this??? Thanks

[Mongoose9400]

Mongoose (if you don't mind my asking) how heavy is heavy? I am 320 lbs (6'7") so I'd like to know too. I have the Fuzion and was thinking of making myself some foam backed 1/2" plywood panels to use to kneel on /walk on and just move them around as required to protect my roof and me. Of course I would make them straddle several joists and add some kind of rope handles to aid moving them around while on roof.

Chuckster, your thoughts on this??? Thanks

I'm similar, 6'-3" around 320lb. I went up on the roof once (and crawled around to err on the side of caution) so I could take a look at the roof when new to check the workmanship of the caulking/etc. The roof had some give to it, but seemed ok.

I know the dealers say they are walkable and their service guys are on them all the time. Same as Keystone advertising walkable roof. On the other hand, some opinions are the weight rating on the ladder is "x", therefore the roof can only handle "x".

I just feel more comfortable doing some research in the loading capacity of the 3/8" OSB and it sounds like it can bear my weight on my size 14 foot easily. I have more than 3 sq in of foot to handle my 300 lbs lol. Assuming the trusses and everything else are good to go, I shouldn't need to worry about breaking through the OSB if it's in good shape. I guess.

[AbHDToyHauler]

hahah yes the ladder is probably the weak spot and in Engineering we usually allow a 20% safety factor however you cannot count on that. My boots are size 15 so if you don't fall through i should be ok. LOL Thanks for feedback

[JRTJH]

Here's what Keystone has published in the FAQ section of their website regarding walking on Keystone RV roofs:

"If your unit does not have a ladder please do not walk on roof. In a case where your unit has a ladder, please pay attention to weight restrictions on the ladder equipped on RV. Please take ordinary safety precautions and do not take unnecessary risk. Do not allow children to climb ladders or be on roof. Please contact your dealership if you have more questions regarding roof structure, maintenance, service, and warranty items. You may also contact Keystone at [email protected] or by phone at 1-866-425-4369."

I won't interpret their intended message, but will just identify these two "points to consider".

1. Does Keystone "infer" that the weight limit for the roof is "regulated" by the weight limit for the ladder? If so, most ladders have a 200-250 pound maximum allowed weight.... So, if you can't use the ladder to climb onto the roof, will it support more than the ladder ????

2. If you "weigh more than the average RV owner" (more than about 210-220 pounds) it might be a consideration to contact Keystone at the number in their FAQ (posted about 10 lines up) and simply ask them, "I weigh 320 pounds. Can I use the ladder to climb on my roof? If not, will the roof structure safely support my weight without damage if I use a different ladder to climb on the roof?" With those two answers, maybe you can make an "educated decision" about walking on your roof.

FWIW: Most RV roof rafter systems are either stamped 18 ga steel or "glued/stapled whitewood 1x1" construction. Crushing or bending either type rafter will be a significant cost to repair. 300+ pounds is "a considerable load" to put on an "ultra-light" or "X-Lite" construction system. YMMV.....

[spicercars]

The roofs move a lot and I don't care what keystone says I will never walk on my roof. I'm 6'7" 300lbs and don't want to damage anything. Just my two cents worth.

[roadglide]

I can feel and judge where the rafters are and step on the more stable part of the roof. My pattern is the same every time 36 inches right down the middle.