Trailer roof

Utahgeordie · 01-07-2023, 12:41 PM

I have a 2019 passport bunkhouse can you tell me if this roof is walkable and if not how do you do repairs and maintenance on it

NH_Bulldog · 01-07-2023, 01:10 PM

A Passport roof is typically NOT walkable because of the lightweight construction and 1/4” plywood roof sheathing. There is often a “one-size fits some” approach with these things. If you are 5’ 8” weigh 160 lbs, and step carefully, you “might” be okay. I reach mine from a ladder against the side of the camper. If I need to get on the roof, I either use a board or a 2” thick foam panel to kneel on and spread my weight across more than one rafter. I keep a telescoping later in the camper if needed while on the road.

dutchmensport · 01-07-2023, 01:26 PM

I had 2 travel trailers that did not have walkable roofs. I did a lot of Army "low crawling" on them though. (You know, laying flat on your belly and skooting around). I never had a problem doing it this way. I did find out crawling on all 4 is OK too, provided all 4 points of contact were directly over one of the roof trusses. And yes, a lot of work was done from a ladder.

If your camper did not come with a ladder, this it's about 99% certain your camper does not have a walkable roof.

Max23 · 01-07-2023, 04:38 PM

My Passport has a fully walkable roof, however it is a 2023. Not sure about the 2019 in your model. If unsure, I would heed the advice of the army crawl. LOL

slow · 01-07-2023, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

My Passport has a fully walkable roof, however it is a 2023. Not sure about the 2019 in your model. If unsure, I would heed the advice of the army crawl. LOL

Why do you believe it is walkable?

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 04:26 AM

I beleive its walkable because 1, it came with a pre attached ladder, which I know doesn't mean anything really, but 2, it states it in the mfg. specs. It's listed as a feature of my trailer. As well as the 400w solar and upgraded to 15000 btu ac etc etc.

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 04:52 AM

Attachment is straight off keystone site when u look up my model.

NH_Bulldog · 01-08-2023, 05:11 AM

The Passport is an Ultralight camper. Roof sheathing thickness, rafter construction/spacing and the weight of the individual are all factors. I look at walkable roofs on a Passport like I do Half Ton Towable, and Polar Package; a marketing ploy. But it’s your camper, so proceed at your own peril.

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 05:42 AM

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree. The company stands liable for huge lawsuits if something happens from a " marketing ploy" gone wrong. Again, agree to disagree.

slow · 01-08-2023, 05:43 AM

Glad to hear Keystone is finally making it right on the new Passport SL.

I wonder if walkable is only true for the new Passport SL, which you have.

If that is the case, those without the SL model should be cautious since theirs may not be walkable as many have stated.

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 05:45 AM

Agree on a "polar package". Mine just says "extended season" only because of the underbelly insulation. There is much verbiage describing limitations to this area. Was never led to beleive once this meant hey good to 50 below zero! LMAO.

NH_Bulldog · 01-08-2023, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree. The company stands liable for huge lawsuits if something happens from a " marketing ploy" gone wrong. Again, agree to disagree.

Max, the OP has a 2019 model like I do. It is not an “agree to disagree” situation. Passports did not have anything close to a walkable roof until very recently (and even then, it is still questionable as to the accuracy of that label).

Your new brand Passport with solar may have a different roof construction, and maybe you choose to walk on yours, but the manufacturers always leave themselves a legal “out”. Namely this language from the website: “DISCLAIMER: Product information is as accurate as possible as of the date of publication of this webpage. All features, floor plans, and specifications on this website are subject to change without notice.”

I stand by my statement to the OP that HIS roof is not walkable and I stand by my suggestions on how to safely access the roof for maintenance and repairs.

dutchmensport · 01-08-2023, 07:10 AM

Actually, a non-walkable roof may be "walkable". It all depends upon the weight of the person walking on top of it! Really! a 400 pound person ... no way! a 35 pound 3 year old .... yep! I don't know if Keystone lists a weight limit (pressure) per square inch type of information, but it would be helpful if they did.

**sourdough** · 01-08-2023, 07:58 AM

Looking at the specs for the Passports (there are 3 models IIRC) the presence of a walkable roof may or may not be there. Be that as it may, just because a ladder is there and a brochure says it has a "walkable" roof I would never think that the brochure language "walkable roof" meant anything, certainly not leaving Keystone open for lawsuits etc. There WILL be language in their product descriptions that protects them from any failures and definitely some kind of owner lawsuit because the roof on an ultra light failed when a 300lb. person ran across it....it will.

For the OP; if I had a trailer like that I would be approaching roof access as was mentioned in post #2 - better safe than sorry. When you throw caution to the wind, get on the roof and get involved, step in the wrong place and hear that crack.....it's too late and you can be assured you (or your insurance company) will be paying to make those repairs.

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

Max, the OP has a 2019 model like I do. It is not an “agree to disagree” situation. Passports did not have anything close to a walkable roof until very recently (and even then, it is still questionable as to the accuracy of that label).

Your new brand Passport with solar may have a different roof construction, and maybe you choose to walk on yours, but the manufacturers always leave themselves a legal “out”. Namely this language from the website: “DISCLAIMER: Product information is as accurate as possible as of the date of publication of this webpage. All features, floor plans, and specifications on this website are subject to change without notice.”

I stand by my statement to the OP that HIS roof is not walkable and I stand by my suggestions on how to safely access the roof for maintenance and repairs.

Totally agree with u on my model in comparison to his. I even stated in my original post, that mine does, however his may not due to the fact it's a couple years older. I never once meant to imply that because mine does so does his. I said since he wasn't sure he should consider it to NOT have it.

locomech · 01-08-2023, 09:35 AM

My Passport is a 2014 model and the roof is not to be walked on. When I have to access something on the roof that I can't reach from the sides I use a small sheet of 1/4" luan to help distribute my weight (but then I only weigh 140 lbs.). I find it easier to maintain the roof by using a ladder against the sides of the camper with a long pole and brush. The roof is the one thing on the trailer that I worry about the most. For the amount of maintenance that a roof requires it's a shame a more durable material isn't being used as the roof is the most difficult to access. Yeah, I know it's the weight and manufactures cost that's most important

LHaven · 01-08-2023, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

Actually, a non-walkable roof may be "walkable". It all depends upon the weight of the person walking on top of it! Really! a 400 pound person ... no way! a 35 pound 3 year old .... yep!

So that's why my dealer is advertising a job opening for a three-year-old!

Max23 · 01-08-2023, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHaven

So that's why my dealer is advertising a job opening for a three-year-old!

LMAO!!!!!!

Personally, it's all a bit of a mute point. There is no way I could ever walk on mine. Crawl around yes but I am no mountain goat. There is soooo much stuff up there to trip over if I was walking I would never survive. By the time you have roof vents, exhaust vents, wingard cover, a/c, huge solar panels. Ya no way I'm not tripping over something. I prefer NOT to hit the concrete from 11 ft in the air.

jb44588 · 01-12-2023, 01:00 PM

I have a 2020 Passport BH and I can walk on mine. I called Keystone and they advised I could. I recommend you call them.
Happy Camping and be Safe

wiredgeorge · 01-12-2023, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb44588

I have a 2020 Passport BH and I can walk on mine. I called Keystone and they advised I could. I recommend you call them.
Happy Camping and be Safe

I sure hope you got the full name and employee number of the person giving you this info. I sometimes think that customer support folks know little to nothing about the zillions of camper products they support. One point about the walkable roof... are you a bantam weight, lightweight, welterweight, light heavy or heavy weight? I personally think a person weighing 120 lbs might answer this question differently than one weighing 320 lbs.

If you do fall through the roof, have the name of the support person and their employee number handy so your claim can be adjudicated favorably.

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