Up On The Roof: Care and Feeding of your RVs Most Vulnerable Asset.

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"When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me
Let me tell you now"
 
as recorded by The Drifters, 1964
 
Now I can't say that I find quite the sense of solitude and sanctuary that the Drifters found up on the roof when I am on the roof of our travel trailer, but I do get a sense of peace knowing that all is sound and ready for our next adventure. The roof of the RV is an often overlooked part of the vehicle that because it is out of sight is also out of mind. The best advice is to make sure that the roof is inspected twice a year. I usually check and clean the roof halfway through the season and again when I am putting the trailer into storage for winter. If you can do the job using a ladder from the side that is highly recommended and will be safer. If you are going onto the roof you have to be very careful of where you step, and not to trip on the various items like vents, antennas, and AC units. We travel in an Airstream and it is critical if you decide to mount the roof that you only step on the rivet lines where there are ribs underneath. It takes very little pressure to dent the Airstream roof between these lines. The roof should be carefully inspected for cracked fixtures, dried-out caulking, and damage to any seams or the surface of the rubber or fiberglass surface. Please check your owners' manuals and specific brand websites for maintenance advice and to find out what products are recommended for your rig. My experience has been to wash the roof well with the same products that I would wash a car. A clean roof sheds water and debris much better than a dirty roof and any deterioration will be easily discovered. At Can-Am RV Centre we sell a wide range of cleaning supplies that will work with your RV as well as long-handled brushes perfect for the job. If cleaning and repairing your own RV roof is not something you are up for, (pardon the pun) the Can-Am Service department can look after that when you are in for winterization or other services. The main thing is that you want to stay ahead of problems and not wait for a leak to remind you to check the top side of your rig.
 
Now I can't guarantee that all your cares will drift off into space like the Drifters contend, but I do think you will sleep better knowing that the part of your rig that takes the most abuse from weather is secure and ready to keep you warm and dry for another season.
 
 
Above:We have all the right products to seal and protect your RV. Get the right product for the job!
 
Right: We can't emphasis enough that is can be dangerous on a wet and soapy roof and that extreme care must be taken! Better yet, let us do the dirty work for you. Contact the service department for more information.