2004 Starcraft Homestead Fifth Wheel Trailer Roof Weight Rating
Question:
Can I safely put eight 8x4x16 inch cinder blocks in squares of four on the roof of my 04 starcraft fifth wheel camper when camped ? In regards to weight.
asked by: Ejm
Expert Reply:
Virtually any 5th wheel trailer will have a weight capacity for its roof that will be at least enough for a person of average weight to get up there to do things such as repair or replace a roof vent like the MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent # MA00-07500K or to adjust the trailer's roof TV antenna.
I reviewed an online manual for a 2013 model year of StarCraft trailer (older models' manuals are not offered online) and this indicated that the ladders installed are rated for 350-lbs but the weight rating of the roof itself is not mentioned. Trailer makers understand that sometimes you need to get up there to fix things but none of them really want to encourage walking on the roof or adding any weight up there. The potential for water leaks or other problems increases if substantial weight is put on the roof. This is true for any trailer.
Your printed manual may have this information but if it does not you can contact StarCraft with your trailer's VIN and they should be able to tell you a safe roof weight capacity.
I am not sure what purpose you have in mind for the eight cinder blocks you want to place on the trailer's roof. The weight for a typical 8 x 8 x 16-inch cinder block (the kind with two large openings) is 30 to 35-lbs. The smaller 8 x 4 x 16-inch size will weigh about 28-lbs each. Eight of these would weigh 224-lbs, about a typical weight for an adult male.
The load presented by these blocks will depend on how you place them. If each one is flat against the roof (not stacked) then their weight will be dispersed across a larger surface area. I would avoid putting anything up on the roof until you can confirm with StarCraft what your specific trailer's roof capacity actually is.
I would also take steps to ensure you cannot forget that those block are up on your roof since one of them falling off during travel could cause serious injury.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan, Thermostat, and Remote - Powered Lift - 10 Speed - Smoke
- RV Vents and Fans
- Vent
- Roof Vent
- Powered Lift
- 5 Inch
- 12V Fan
- Reversible Fan
- 14W x 14L Inch
- Plastic
- Tinted
- MAXXAIR
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