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Topic Closed220 lbs on Roof of rPOD 176 ??

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rPodCamping View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: 220 lbs on Roof of rPOD 176 ??
    Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 4:21pm
So...........I was looking at the roof of my 2020 rPod 176 today and saw that a bird has built a nest inside the housing of the Dometic air conditioning unit. I'm fairly certain I'll have to get on top of the roof to remove the exterior housing to remove all the sticks and nest-building-materials compacted inside. I don't think I can do this working off a ladder.

I am concerned about putting my 220 lbs of bulk on the roof. Will it hold my weight? Will I break all sorts of weather seals doing so?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 6:04pm
I weigh about 230 and I've been up there a few times with no problems. Regardless of your weight I suggest laying an appropriately sized sheet of plywood on the roof so you don't have any point loads that can dimple the roof. Stay on hands and knees and stay on the flat center section. Set the leveling jacks first and be sure you have a stable ladder. Its always harder to get back off than to get on...
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2020 at 6:08pm
I replied on another forum. Say the same here - I'm on my roof all the time. To do cleaning and waxing, maintenance it's just easier. If your worried about your weight, use a piece of plywood cut to go rail to rail, to spread weight over an area. The roof is pretty substantial.
Mike Carter
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Aug 2020 at 8:56am
+1

I've been on the roof of our 179 many times. If you view the RPod factory video, you will see workers up on the roof. The curved sections at the front and back are not as strong, but as long as you are on the flat portion of the roof, you will be fine.
StephenH
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2020 at 8:14pm
Thank you to everyone for your replies.  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Aug 2020 at 10:47pm
When I contacted FR and asked about my 250 #'s on the roof, they said they recommend against anyone being on the roof of the Rpods. Suppose I should not apply for a factory job TongueLOL
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2020 at 6:48am
Well thats interesting since at 4:20 ln this construction video there are two guys on a roof. They're kinda skinny looking tho Confused

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lostagain View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2020 at 7:32am
FR will likely recommend against anyone going on the roof if directly asked.  They don't want to be blamed for a fall.  On the other hand, if you look at their recommended maintenance, they suggest inspecting and maintaining the roof seals and penetrations.  Clearly that can't be done without getting up onto the roof.  If you asked them, they'd tell you to take it to an authorized dealer for work. 

I climbed up onto the roof of our Pod many times to no ill affect.  It's plenty strong to hold a 220 lb. person.  If you are concerned, add a piece of plywood to spread the weight a bit and try not to put all your weight in one spot by sitting down & scooting to your points of work.  Just be really careful with the plywood so it doesn't slide off the roof and don't go up there unless you are agile enough to do it safely.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2020 at 4:13pm
+1 to Lost Again and others.
Mike Carter
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Sep 2020 at 4:46pm
I think I would only add one thing. Put some sort of rubber non-skid under the plywood if you use that. The last thing you want to do is to surf off the top of your RPod. 
StephenH
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