Don’t Let The Snow Get The Best of Your RV!
Today I thought it would be a good idea to re-visit a blog we did around this time last year in our “Ask an RV Tech” blog series. With this crazy arctic cold snap sweeping the country, people who may not usually have to deal with severe weather conditions find themselves knee deep in snow and freezing their… um… jingle bells off. The question we’re going to answer today, is “Is it safe to leave the snow piled up on the roof of my RV?”. When we asked this question last winter, our resident expert said, “Absolutely not”. Leaving snow on the roof of your RV could cause severe roof damage. Any amount of snow beyond a couple of inches is reason for concern. Snow weighs approximately 12 lbs per square inch. With fluctuations in temperature, you may even have ice build up beneath the snow. The melting (which causes water to run into cracks, etc.) and then re-freezing (causing expansion) can wreak havoc on your RV. You could end up with leaks through your vents and seals and if it were to sit all winter, the spring time could bring you a very unpleasant surprise. The safest bet is to keep it covered, but we understand that isn’t always an option for everyone. If your RV must be exposed to the elements, it is advisable to keep the snow off as best you can by using a soft snow rake with an extendable handle. Using this will allow you to remove snow from your roof without having to get up on top, which is not safe when it’s snowy or icy, and the soft pad will be gentle to use around vents, etc. , though you will still need to be very careful not to damage them. We found this one, originally created for safe, damage-free removal of snow from solar panels, but now widely used for recreational vehicles and more. Or there are less expensive options like this one available. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is that you do it safely and effectively. With much of the country experiencing REALLY cold temperatures right now (-30 anyone?) Winterization and preparedness are necessary to avoid a major issue with your RV. Water left in lines and pipes will lead to freezing which can lead to breaking, which will lead to a disaster. This is one area where you don’t just want to park it and forget about it until Spring. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
How’s the weather in your neck of the woods? Did you have your RV ready for the season? We love to hear from you! Share with us here, or on our Facebook page.
