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Snow: how much is too much?


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#1 Horseshoe

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 03:51 PM

I’m heading up to Arizona Snowbowl tonight and the forecast calls for 5-8” of spring snow. I’ve been through one storm before with maybe 4” accumulation, and the weight was noticeable but manageable. I’ve since added a 160W solar panel right above the door, and the potential added weight makes me a bit nervous. I will be solo and don’t relish the prospect of a collapsing roof.

Am I being paranoid if I drop the roof before going to bed and sleep on the couch? I do have the lift struts and stronger than average upper body strength, but I don’t want to get smashed or do any structural damage.
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#2 DanoT

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 04:11 PM

I use my Phoenix camper mostly in winter and I carry a snow rake and 3 step ladder. If your roof is strong enough to walk on, then 8" of snow shouldn't be a problem.


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#3 Bseek

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 05:00 PM

Better safe than sorry. If you can sleep top down, I would. But I am a scardy cat. 


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#4 smlobx

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 07:01 PM

I can't imagine 5-8 inches of snow evenly distributed will cause your roof to collapse....
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#5 JaSAn

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 07:33 PM

Worst case wet snow weights 1.66 lbs/sq.ft. per inch deep.

 

I cut 2X3s to prop the roof up as a fail-safe; the roof is not coming down without it breaking.  Easy to make, simple to store, takes a couple of seconds to set up.

 

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#6 Bseek

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 08:53 PM

For me it isn't worrying about the roof when it is up, but going down. That might put a lot of stress on the folding panels and the rivets connecting them to the base as things move under pressure. 


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#7 Bill D

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 09:04 PM

I've never seen anybody report collapsing or damage due to snow or ice build up.

I have only seen posts of people worried about it.

 

If I'm wrong, please point out the thread.


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#8 PackRat

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Posted 17 March 2018 - 10:41 PM

If you wanted to you could throw a tarp over the top with a rope on each corner once you make camp before there is any snow build up. After some snow falls, two of you can pull the tarp to one side and dump the snow before it gets dark, then go to the other side and pull the tarp back into position. In the morning or when it is time to vamoose, pull it completely off.


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#9 shellback

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Posted 18 March 2018 - 12:15 AM

If you wanted to you could throw a tarp over the top with a rope on each corner once you make camp before there is any snow build up. After some snow falls, two of you can pull the tarp to one side and dump the snow before it gets dark, then go to the other side and pull the tarp back into position. In the morning or when it is time to vamoose, pull it completely off.

That's an excellent idea!


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#10 takesiteasy

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Posted 18 March 2018 - 12:18 AM

If you wanted to you could throw a tarp over the top with a rope on each corner once you make camp before there is any snow build up. After some snow falls, two of you can pull the tarp to one side and dump the snow before it gets dark, then go to the other side and pull the tarp back into position. In the morning or when it is time to vamoose, pull it completely off.

 

I like this idea too! I wonder if the tarp might catch on things on the roof like solar panels or racks but I think the idea is sound.


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