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Topic: Snow Care Tips (Read 16 times) previous topic - next topic
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Snow Care Tips
Yahoo Message Number: 158283
...I have owned RVs in many alpine climates with snow mimicking everything from wet cement to powder.
...foot of snow in itself should not crush anything if you rig is even moderate duty; HOWEVER, when any snow melts various issues may arise or not depending: ...thaw (melting) with subsequent freezing can do damage if sustained vary long or continued days of chronic thaw-freeze.
...any crevice or crack could become a weak point for expansion damage...areas around any roof penetration, seal around roof AC, vent seals, roof edge or joint trim, etc. are potential areas or spots of to attend by trying to keep fairly clear of especially wet snow before night fall...one year in dry Wyoming I got a tiny vertical leak into my well caulked & beefy corner trim on my heavy duty Desert Fox Toy Hauler, almost all the big lag screws sheared right off...yeah, so even the vertical sides need a little attention if snow is like wet cement.

...so where are the tips?...
1) grab a good ladder.

2) buy or borrow an extension type Squeeze-Gee (heavy duty long one)...Walmart or your favorite auto parts store might still have some.

3) gently but firmly squeegee the roof, side rolled canopy ledge, window ledges, etc...if you do this before thawing while the snow us light, it is super easy & fast.

4) if thaw has created roof puddles that have frozen you can still tap the thin layers of ice with the squeegee blade & scrap off...be careful around your roof antennae, wire penetrations, under or around solar panels...I crank up the antennae a few inches, clear then lower.

5) when I am lazy or too late clearing the wet stuff, I try to clear it the next day if/when the sun comes out.

6) Prevention as always is the best cure:
A. Keep the snow off when it accumulates even 4-6 inches.
B. Keep your rig clean on the roof, debris & dirt are bad ingredients to be scraping off with the squeegee or light push broom.
C. Keep sides clean & waxed...Windows clear of debris.
D. On my motor vehicles, if I know snow is coming, I leave my window wipers in up position...avoids the freeze glue to window & blades last longer...easy to squeegee snow off.
E. Do you annual pre-winter caulk of cracks & joints showing wear & tear...especially check even vertical trim...do not caulk bottoms...if you do & water leaks in, you create a potential frozen dam.
F. Drive your tires on wood during the winter...wood allows for contraction, expansion being easier on your tire interior structure...cover your tires to protect from sun & weather.
G. Tilt all RVs & trailers front to back to allow for positive water drain ...if you live in windy country, use the lamar air flow positively in same drain direction to assist clearing snow & debris.
H. Smile, life is good...working outdoors in the cool is one of God's gifts!

...hope these thoughts help...sure I forgot some others, sure other folks can add their tips !

...oh, if you want to cover your rig, buy the type with breathing cloth to avoid mold, etc.
Best, Vaughn