As a travel freak, You have always planned may be winter or cold weather camping but the thing is snow and the roof of the travel trailer, Can a travel trailer roof hold up to the weight of snow? It depends on how much snow is on the roof.
A general rule of thumb is that a one-inch thickness of wet snow equals one pound per square foot. So, if your trailer has a roof with a footprint of 100 square feet, 10 inches of wet snow would be about 1,000 pounds. Of course, this also depends on the construction and materials used for your travel trailer roof.
So, I we’ll provide some tips on how to keep your travel trailer in good condition during the winter months. So, whether you’re facing a foot of snow or more, read on for the information you need!
The Different Weight Ratings For RV/travel trailer Roofs
There are a few different weight ratings for RV and travel trailer roofs. The most common is the ‘Snow Load Rating’. This is the amount of snow weight that the roof can hold before it collapses.
The other rating is the ‘Lift Capacity’. This is the amount of weight that the roof can support being lifted off the ground (such as in a windstorm).
Here are some examples of different roof weights and their ratings:
– A 20 lb snow load rating means the roof can support 20 lbs of snow before it collapses.
– A 30 lb lift capacity means the roof can support 30 lbs of weight being lifted off the ground.
– A 40 lb snow load rating means the roof can support 40 lbs of snow before it collapses.
– A 50 lb lift capacity means the roof can support 50 lbs of weight being lifted off the ground.
As you can see, the snow load rating is usually much higher than the lift capacity. This is because it takes a lot more weight to collapse a roof than it does to lift it off the ground.
To find the right roof load for your RV or travel trailer, you’ll need to know both the snow load rating and the lift capacity. These will be different depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
So, how much snow can a travel trailer roof hold?
It depends on the specific roof, but most travel trailers have a snow load rating of 250-300 lbs. This means that they can hold that much weight of snow on the roof before it collapses.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the weight of the snow will vary depending on the type of snow. For example, wet snow is much heavier than dry snow. So, if you are expecting a lot of wet snow, you may want to choose a travel trailer with a higher snow load rating.
In general, the heavier the travel trailer, the higher the snow load rating will be. This is because a heavier travel trailer will have a stronger roof that can support more weight.
If you are unsure about the snow load rating of your travel trailer, you can always contact the manufacturer. They will be able to tell you the exact weight that your roof can support.
Keep in mind that the snow load rating is just a guideline. It is always best to err on the side of caution and not overload your roof. Otherwise, you could end up with a collapsed roof – and that would be a very bad thing!
Where can I find my RV Weight Rating?
The weight rating for how much snow your travel trailer roof can hold should be in the owner’s manual. If you cannot find it there, you can also check the website for the company that made your travel trailer.
Another way to find how much weight your travel trailer roof can hold is to look at the certification label. This label is usually located on the inside of one of the cabinet doors.
The certification label will have the travel trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the maximum weight of the travel trailer and everything inside it that is ready to go camping.
What is the difference between the Wet Snow Load and the Dry Snow Load?
The wet snow load is the amount of snow that your travel trailer roof can hold when the snow is melting and turning into water. The dry snow load is the amount of snow that your travel trailer roof can hold when the snow is not melting.
The wet snow load is usually less than the dry snow load because the weight of the water makes the snow heavier.
To find out how much snow your travel trailer roof can hold, you need to know both the wet snow load and the dry snow load.
RV Roof Materials: The Different Weight Capacity
Here is a list of popular RV roof materials and how much weight each can hold:
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass roofs are less common in RVs but are still found on some travel trailers and 5 th wheels. Fiberglass roofs have a safe load capacity of around 30-40 lbs per square foot.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a very popular material for RV roofs. Many travel trailers and 5 th wheels will have an aluminum roof. The safe load capacity for aluminum roofs is around 40-80 lbs per square foot.
- Rubber: Rubber roofs are found on some RVs, although they are more common on commercial vehicles such as buses and semi-trucks. Rubber roofs have a safe load capacity of around 100-120 lbs per square foot.
- Steel: Steel roofs are not common on RVs, but they are occasionally used. Steel roofs have a safe load capacity of around 80-120 lbs per square foot.
How To Keep Snow Off The Roof Of Your Travel Trailer?
1) Use a Snow Rake: A snow rake is a long-handled tool that you can use to remove snow from your roof without having to climb onto the roof itself.
Simply your trailer’s roof. It looks a bit like a regular rake, but it has a shorter head and is designed specifically for removing snow from roofs.
2) Use a Roof Snow Melt System: A roof snow melt system is a system of cables that are installed on your trailer’s roof. These cables work by circulating hot water or glycol through them, which melts the snow and ice on contact.
3) Use a Heated Hose: A heated hose is a hose that is designed to be used in cold weather. These hoses are typically made of a material that is resistant to freezing, such as rubber or PVC.
The hose is attached to a water source and then run up to the roof, where it can be used to spray down the snow and ice.
4) Use a Blow torch: A blow torch can be used to melt the snow and ice on your trailer’s roof. Simply direct the flame of the torch at the snow and ice until it begins to melt away. Be careful not to overdo it, as you could damage the roofing material.
5) Take Preventative Measures: One of the best ways to keep snow and ice off your roof is to take preventative measures. For example, you can install gutter guards to keep snow and ice from building up in your gutters.
You can also use a roof-edge snow guard to prevent snow and ice from sliding off your roof. Lastly, you can apply a roof coating to your trailer’s roof. This will create a barrier that will prevent snow and ice from adhering to the roof.
6) Hire a Professional: If you’re not comfortable climbing on your roof or using any of the above methods, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Snow removal professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove snow and ice from your roof.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the weight of A Square Foot of Snow?
Dry or fluffy snow will weigh around 4 pounds per square foot.
One inch of wet, heavy snow can weigh around 6-12 pounds per square foot.
1 foot of fresh, light snow can weigh around 3 pounds per square foot.
1 foot of fresh, heavy snow can weigh around 12-21 pounds per square foot.
What is the Safe Load Capacity for my RV Roof?
The safe load capacity is how much weight your travel trailer roof can hold without damaging the roof. The safe load capacity will be determined by the type and thickness of your roof material.
For example, an aluminum roof will have a different safe load capacity than a fiberglass roof.
Conclusion
To be safe, it’s always best to remove excess snow from your travel trailer roof as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage. And if you’re ever in doubt about the structural integrity of your RV or travel trailer during extreme weather conditions, it’s always best to get in touch with a professional for help.
Happy travels!
Hi I’m Joiel Borid Creators of RV Outsider. Wild Life’s first camping was started when I’m 8 years old, at the Home Front Yard. Moto of RV Outsider shares my experience, expertise, and knowledge that I learned, and apprises about my next journey. So stay tuned with RV Outsider.
