Roof strength - Montana Owners Club

Wordsmith · 03-14-2005, 01:53 PM

I know that the roofs are made for a person to walk on them, but just how strong are they? I am 6'4" and weigh 250 lbs. and am a little leery of moving around up there because of that weight. I sent Marsha up to look at the MaxxAir cover on the rear vent as we were trying to rid the unit of some lady bugs that came with it at no extra cost. She was not too fond of being up there!

CountryGuy · 03-14-2005, 02:00 PM

Wordsmith

from the 2005 Montana brocure:

roof: 3/8 inch structure wood roof decking

5 inch steel truss rafters on 16 inch centers.

That sounds pretty substantial to me, but, then, ha ha, you are NEVER gonna get me up there! PERIOD! Al is about 200 (give or take a little) and he has not made any comment that I remember that it felt unsafe or "soft".

Coleman Davis, of Keystone, 175 pounds, scampered up to the top of a SLIDE and walked around on it at the Rally last year. Says the slide is built to withstand it.

I am sure some of the others will happen along here pretty soon and let you know their experiences.

Cheers, Carol

faeb and genb · 03-14-2005, 02:18 PM

I weight 195 & have been all over ours & never felt it give at all. I would try it if I was you.
Gene

2007dura · 03-14-2005, 02:54 PM

I am 227, and no problem. Feels pretty sturdy to me.

rlwhit · 03-14-2005, 02:57 PM

I weigh in at over 220. Our brand x is not nearly as well built (as soon to have) the Montana. I can , and have to be up more than I like, but no problems. There may be a some flex. It is built to take it. Do not know about slide out roofs.

Wordsmith · 03-14-2005, 03:05 PM

Well, with my 250 lbs., I can assure you I will NOT be traipsing on any slide outs! Sounds like some of you are approaching my weight, so that is reassuring, but if there is anyone else who wants to chip in, I would appreciate it. I just have visions of making a new vent hole in the Montana…and the expression on Marsha’s face…

prariepoodle · 03-14-2005, 03:16 PM

Well! We Washed the roof before we began travling and Walt weighs 220 and I weigh 175 and there was no problem with the roof giving or even moving. We were both up there at the same time. So I say just go up and try it out a few feet at the time. The first time I went up I was scared to death but now after a few times I feel like I am a Pro! LOL

stiles watson · 03-14-2005, 03:31 PM

JD,

I am 260# and have been up on top, walked all around, worked on an air conditioner without any trouble. However, I don't jump up and down up there. I use a 2' x 3' piece of 3/8" plywood if I am working toward the middle so as to disburse the weight over a larger surface area.

rames14 · 03-14-2005, 04:36 PM

Unfortunately, I'm at 270 and had to replace the cover on the Fantastic Vent this fall. I had no issues whatsoever and didn't need to take any precautions. The steel roof trusses are sturdy and spaced such that there is no issue. I'm not fond of heights, yet many of my hobbies (including skiing) require that I do things I'm not comfortable with - including working on the roof of my Montana. Best of luck and just be careful.

Parrothead · 03-14-2005, 05:30 PM

Sounds like this post is a tell all on weight instead of roof safety. Seems like we have a few pleasantly plump people (me too).

Tall Paul · 03-14-2005, 08:00 PM

I'm 6'4" and 240. I've been all over the roof (along with the PDI person). Dealer said I could walk on the slides as they are rated for 300'. I feel very comfortable with the roof and my weight but won't try the slide.

jrgwdenner · 03-15-2005, 12:14 AM

We've had weight limit discussions on this forum before but never of this type. I'm not joining in on this one! J.

BillyRay · 03-15-2005, 12:16 AM

the only place I have ever noticed any differance is by the skylights and vents. that would always be your weakest point. with that said, I've never seen or heard of any actual problems. I also believe that your slide outs are built stronger than the roof itself. due to it's size I would think it would be alot stronger.

Glenn and Lorraine · 03-15-2005, 12:31 AM

Something I am not particularly proud of, at 336 I have you all beat. But due to a problem with heights I have never been on the roof of my Monty. I did discuss the weight issue with Montana and they said I would not have a problem up there that the roof structure would definitely support me. Maybe someday I'll muster of the nerve to find out.

NJ Hillbilly · 03-15-2005, 08:36 AM

I feel the ladder is flimsier and weaker that any part of the roof. I use a 10' step ladderto get most the way up before climbing onto the roof ladder.

John

Wordsmith · 03-15-2005, 08:45 AM

Well, I feel MUCH better about the prospects of going up on the roof, which will make Marsha feel better as well as she can just shake her head at me when I ask her if she wants to take a field trip to the top of the trailer! Thanks for all of the revealing

insights about going on the roof! Tall Paul, it sounds like you and I are about the same build. Let’s see, if we stand up straight on the unit’s tallest point, that would put us about 18' off the ground. I, too, am not fond of heights.

NJ Hillbilly, you make an excellent point about the ladder; I should have mentioned that in my original post as I had also wondered about its strength. I think I too will pull out the step ladder.

Gene Chaltry · 03-15-2005, 08:53 AM

I asked that question a year ago when we went through the factory. They told me 250 pounds was the max.

stiles watson · 03-15-2005, 09:18 AM

Well, after reading all these postings, all I have to say is that should we all get together, we would make a room full.

sgf · 03-15-2005, 10:06 AM

I too am around 6'4" and about 255,been all over the roof with no problems,but do not think I will try the slides.Do hvac work for a living and have worked on some friends rvs of other brands, some you can walk on, some you have to lay plywood on,just depends on the brand.

GordonR · 03-15-2005, 03:08 PM

This has been an interesting thread! With confession good for the soul, I'm around 215 and wondering about the ladder. Like several of you, I've had no problem on the roof, but have yet to use Monty's ladder for fear of breaking something. Anyone, particularly those who took the factory tour, have an idea of the "load limit" of the ladder?
Gordon

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