slide out roofs

lonerider98 · 11-09-2022, 07:02 AM

Can the roofs on the slide out be walked on? I need to do some maintenance and can not reach the outer edge with out getting on the roof or go buy a big *** tall ladder for my fifth wheel.

**chuckster57** · 11-09-2022, 07:27 AM

In my opinion it depends on the length of the slide. Since the only real support for the inside edge is the facia, I wouldn’t walk on a slide roof over about 6 feet long. YMMV

Canonman · 11-09-2022, 07:33 AM

I have seen where some slide out roofs are walkable, but certainly not all.
Personally I wouldn't walk on ours. A 10' A frame ladder is, in my opinion, a necessity.
I use ours for washing, waxing and all maintenance along the edge of the roofline and the slides. Not to mention all the uses around the house.
A good fiberglass ladder will run about $200 but well worth the cost.

**sourdough** · 11-09-2022, 07:38 AM

I agree with the above; I wouldn't walk on my slide roofs and owning a 5th wheel pretty much dictates that you have a tall ladder...or ladders. I have multiple ones but a 12' A frame and 12' telescoping are my go to ladders for the 5th wheel.

ChuckS · 11-09-2022, 07:47 AM

Nope.. If you could see what is under the TPO covering on those slide out roofs you would not walk on any of them.. You can do any maintenance, cleaning and such from either up on the main roof or using a nice telescopic ladder..

lonerider98 · 11-09-2022, 02:19 PM

Would it hurt the slide to put a extention ladder against front of the slide. In other words putting pressure against it from the weight of myself and the ladder?

bgrhrdt · 11-09-2022, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonerider98

Would it hurt the slide to put a extention ladder against front of the slide. In other words putting pressure against it from the weight of myself and the ladder?

The weight on the front of your slide will be significantly less than your weight plus the telescoping ladder's weight. Most of the weight will be transferred to the legs of the ladder. I'm sure there's a formula to figure that out, but you know...it's five o'clock somewhere.

Canonman · 11-09-2022, 05:52 PM

I suggested an A frame ladder because I consider those safer than the extension type.
I have used a telescoping extension ladder and carried one while traveling for a while until I decided since I didn't use it over a couple of seasons to sell it. Never had a problem laying it against the slides on our Cougar.
Lots of folks use these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GLYXGNJ...rigin1-20&th=1. Inexpensive, lightweight and very stowable.

bobz89013 · 11-10-2022, 09:05 AM

If worried about scratching it put some pool noodles or pipe insulation over the ends of the ladder. But no, don't walk on it. Can you do the maintenance with the slide retracted from the top of the units roof?

wayne30152 · 11-10-2022, 09:31 AM

I have an Alpine 3011 and I have been on mine without any problems. I just helped replace the roof on a Cougar and had no issues as well.

cmlong · 11-10-2022, 03:01 PM

Not that I would recommend it but i had to get on my 12 foot slide out roof along with 12 inches of wet snow to clear it off. Did not do any damage.

ChuckS · 11-10-2022, 04:13 PM

You can also easily reach the outer edge area from the main roof by simply retracting the slide out in enough so that you can reach the area you need to work on.

Such as screws that are working there way up through the four inch wide seal at the outer edge , installing new eternabond tape over the old TK cover screw heads once the6 have been fastened back down..

I just can’t recommend walking on any slide out roof and there is really no need to do so

fjr vfr · 11-10-2022, 10:36 PM

I've stepped from my ladder onto my slide out roof getting onto the main roof many times, but this is on the edges and not in the middle. I think you can, but better safe than sorry. You should have no problem staying out of the middle and sticking to the side edges were it is more solid.
I like others use a big A frame ladder when I need to work above the slide. I just put the slide out far enough to easily reach above it.

GaryUT · 11-12-2022, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonerider98

Can the roofs on the slide out be walked on? I need to do some maintenance and can not reach the outer edge with out getting on the roof or go buy a big *** tall ladder for my fifth wheel.

I carry the little giant ladder clone sold my harbor freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/17-ft-...der-63419.html

travelin texans · 11-12-2022, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryUT

I carry the little giant ladder clone sold my harbor freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/17-ft-...der-63419.html

Carried that same HF ladder for 10+ years, fit nicely under the truck crossover toolbox on a piece of stall mat. My son owns it now!
Two differences between the HF & LG, LG weighed quite a bit less, but cost 2-3 times more. When I got mine it was 20% off coupon of $99, at the LG was about $299.

travelin texans · 11-12-2022, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryUT

I carry the little giant ladder clone sold my harbor freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/17-ft-...der-63419.html

Carried that same HF ladder for 10+ years, fit nicely under the truck crossover toolbox on a piece of stall mat. My son owns it now!
Two differences between the HF & LG, LG weighed quite a bit less, but cost 2-3 times more. When I got mine it was 20% off coupon of $99, at the time the LG was about $299.

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