Is winter snow load an issue for unsheltered DP?

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oldryder

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2005 winnie vectra. Central MN. Looking for inside storage but getting likely I won't find it due to height requirement.

Wondering if snow load is a potential issue. Heavy snow not common here (it's usually too cold) but need to know if a heavy snow would necessitate clearing the roof of the DP.

thx
mark in MN
 
When the snow load only weighs 30 lbs per square foot a 40 foot RV has to support an additional 9600 lbs
 
Probably not a weight issue - 250 lbs people can walk on that roof. Total weight load could get high, though. But there might be some concern with skylights, antenna, and such, and the effects of freeze/thaw cycles that can spread tiny cracks into big ones or otherwise push into unexpected places. I've seen folks with RVs at year-around sites in northern NY make simple wood boxes to place over plastic skylights and even over a/c covers. Don't know how necessary that may be, but its worth considering if heavy snow cover is likley.
 
all the rv's on the sales lot seem to winter all right.
don't walk on the roof just broom it off if you are concerned
 
Always clean the roof off after storms being careful of the plastic vents, covers and shields. Weight on the roof is never a good thing so avoid it. If it's at home then its easy. If it's at a storage facility then try to get there after each storm or have a trusted site person clean it off for you.

Take your wiper arms off and it's always a good idea to cover the roof ac"s from direct snow and ice.

Snow Wil eventually ice and the changing state of the water can do damage. Be smart and clean it off as much as you can and always walk inside for a roof leak look. Inside cabinets too. Nothing is worse than a roof leak. Especially surprise ones from the winter months.
 
For the last 20 years our RVs have been exposed to weather year-round. I’ll clear the roof if there’s more than a couple of feet of snow, about to the height of the air conditioners. That removes most of the weight, but I don’t worry about breaking vents or other protrusions.
 
HappyWanderer said:
For the last 20 years our RVs have been exposed to weather year-round. I’ll clear the roof if there’s more than a couple of feet of snow, about to the height of the air conditioners. That removes most of the weight, but I don’t worry about breaking vents or other protrusions.
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You will if you hit anything plastic with a shovel or tool. Plastic is very brittle in cold weather. I have seen this at storage facilities. Always use caution when clearing the roof in the winter.
 
Henry J Fate said:
You will if you hit anything plastic with a shovel or tool. Plastic is very brittle in cold weather. I have seen this at storage facilities. Always use caution when clearing the roof in the winter.
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That’s why I leave at least a foot of snow up there. It will melt on its own.
 
thx everyone. No roof A/C so no concern there but I do have two ceiling ex fans. I'll brush it if we have a heavy wet snow using a very soft bristle brush.
 
Henry J Fate said:
Be smart and clean it off as much as you can and always walk inside for a roof leak look. Inside cabinets too.
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When inspecting the roof for water leaks the slides being in can hide some critical areas.

So in the process of inspecting remember that slide toppers (or slide gaskets if no topper) can ice up and cause problems when trying to extend or retract the slide, so be wary of possible icing and stop slide motion at the least hint of something odd, though best to inspect them first -- even then be wary because you might miss something.

But once the slides are extended you can then complete the water leak inspection. Of course a lot depends on the construction of your specific unit, so the above is just general info.
 
I live in NH and we typically get quite a bit of snow and we have quite a few RV dealerships within 15 miles and I’ve never seen them clear the roofs of rv’s on their lots. We went to FL twice in January and those years I kept the roof clear so it would be safe when we got on the road a month or two from the 1st snowfall. Unless you plan on moving it before spring, I’d just let Mother Nature do it’s thing.
 
Rene T said:
I live in NH and we typically get quite a bit of snow and we have quite a few RV dealerships within 15 miles and I’ve never seen them clear the roofs of rv’s on their lots. We went to FL twice in January and those years I kept the roof clear so it would be safe when we got on the road a month or two from the 1st snowfall. Unless you plan on moving it before spring, I’d just let Mother Nature do it’s thing.
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Give them a call and ask them why they are not clearing snow off the roof. Maybe they do not have enough help or shovels.....

Update.... I just called and they said that they sell the rv fast enough that any negative affects of snow and ice on the roof will be the problem of the new owners and not the dealership. Dam. I thought NH was better than that.
 
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Subjective question. Wet snow or dry snow. I had nearly 3 feet of dry snow on the roof of my fiver before SIL got up there and swept it off. 3 feet or wet snow peobsbly would have crushed it.
 
Good point. Folks forget that dry snow can easily turn to wet snow and act like a sponge. Add some freezing temps and take the risks.

Allot of negative stuff in this thread about cleaning roofs off but why try to avoid a little maintenance to help the coach. Ignoring the winter elements and affects on roofs is plain stupid and not easily estimated. In those situations you take the issue off the plate by cleaning off the roof. It's very simple but I can understand why folks would say or do anything to avoid good maintenance. It's mostly dangerous up there in the winter so I can understand the want to neglect. Plus it can be dam cold and of course if you have alot of money and don't care........ Wish that was me.
 
Henry J Fate said:
Give them a call and ask them why they are not clearing snow off the roof. Maybe they do not have enough help or shovels.....

Update.... I just called and they said that they sell the rv fast enough that any negative affects of snow and ice on the roof will be the problem of the new owners and not the dealership. Dam. I thought NH was better than that.
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That’s quite a dealership. You called then at 1:53 in the morning and they answered the phone.
 
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