Just wondering whether the roof of my van can support my weight 85kg. IF I were to lay a 12mm ply sheet 1000mm x 1800mm.down each side, so to spread the load.
So I can Wash and polish it bit by bit.
Its a 2015 Jayco Journey Outback with full glass finish.
My thoughts, what is the roof made of? sandwiched fiberglass sheet and foam? maybe a bit of engineering to make up supports that can transfer your weight through the roof to the floor, a light weight version of what they use on construction sites before pouring concrete floors, and also using the ply to spread the weight. Give it a try and let me know how you get on :)
I wouldn't have thought there was a snowball's chance in hell.
Even if the overall structure is strong enough I doubt local areas will be.
Given that the only reason you want to do it is to wash the roof and also given that if you damage or destroy the roof the repair bill will run into thousands my strong advice is don't do it.
Some car washes have high level steps to enable the roofs of 4WDs and vans to be washed they may be tall enough for a caravan.
Personally, I'd let the rain do the job.
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Just wondering whether the roof of my van can support my weight 85kg. IF I were to lay a 12mm ply sheet 1000mm x 1800mm.down each side, so to spread the load.
So I can Wash and polish it bit by bit.
Its a 2015 Jayco Journey Outback with full glass finish.
Regards Jim
Not on a Jayco, it would be like skating on thin ice.
Their are some vans that will support your weight, ours is a Winjana , no worries walking on it.
I have a starcraft outback poptop and weigh a little more than you, I have used a ladder up against the side of the van and a soft broom to get most of the roof.
With my roof down I have lain across the roof from the ladder (not actually walking on it without issue) they all have a frame so if the support point for the ply was on the extremities of the roof where the bearers are it should be OK.
I think Jayco's sub-contractor was on the roof when the aircon was fitted (Jayco don't fit the rooftop aircons) so you could check by getting details of an installer and give them a call.
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Brian & Nada retired and > "Ready to live the Dream" Live in the Shire!
76 series V8 Landcrab with Jayco Starcraft Outback Poptop
Whilst I was having 10 solar panels (thin lightweight 100w) fitted to the roof of out new 21' Silverline there was 2 and at some points 3 people at a time the roof of the van.
There wasn't a sign even of flexing of the roof.
Cheers Neil
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
Brickies has best idea.
I've been using it for yrs.
Broons up here charges me $23 for day. 2 x 9ft tressles and a 10 ft plank.
Can just walk along each side SAFELY.
cleaning. Heat proofing esealing seams. Installing panels.
I certainly wouldn't be climbing over the roof of a Jayco. I've seen them with roofs sagging.
heading back to factory.several times.
Why take the chance of damaging something you can't see internally.
You DON'T know what the frame spec's are.
>Silverline there was 2 and at some points 3 people at a time the roof of the van.
I'd be willing to take a bet for a decent sum that if you e-mail Jayco and ask them if they specify the van roof to support the weight of three people they are going to say "No".
__________________
"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
>Silverline there was 2 and at some points 3 people at a time the roof of the van.
I'd be willing to take a bet for a decent sum that if you e-mail Jayco and ask them if they specify the van roof to support the weight of three people they are going to say "No".
Of course, it is called "covering your asre".
If you go for warranty work don't tell them you LIVE full time in your van. Their specs say they are a Holiday van, not a home.
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
Hey JIM....forget about the hand polish M8. Just wash it with a good detergent (Kitten Glo Wash is a good one ) using a proper wash broom (head is on an angle ) and then rewash it with Kitten Wash & Wax...spray it off lightly and let it dry ...don't chamois it !! Mine is a 2013 Discovery outback ....same as yours only earlier model....and it still looks like new. Gets washed just before put into storage ....and a hose down before next use....and water beads up every time.
Just a lot easier to do I reckon....and gives good results as well.
Hi Jim, I have an Autotrail Tracker FB motorhome and before and after every trip from home I wash the roof with my high pressure washer by standing on the roof. So far no issues, however I do avoid standing on the Luton bubble on the front. Mine has a rear ladder fitted so not as dangerous as using a step ladder. Be warned the roof will be slippery when soapy water is applied. Cheers Gary.
Our van is keep in the man cave while at home. Still it gets a bit dusty and road grim from our trips away.
I do find the CT18 t-Truck wash does a great job before I push the van back. As said at first, the ladder is out. So the tressle might suit, as it will be only be once a year. I do have the Gurnie to help. I like to look after the van, car and boat. the cost to replace does not get any cheaper.
