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Subject Topic: Caravan roof Post Reply Post New Topic
03/11/2008 at 2:33pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: Bailey Senator 5 Carolina
View Defender's Profile View Profile   Reply to Defender Reply   Quote Defender Quote  
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My question is not in itself aimed at the 'repair' remit, but may equally apply should the need arise.

Just how do you clean the middle section of the caravan roof, ie that middle band approximately 2ft wide running from front to rear, satisfactorily?

Cleaning the upper rails yesterday, I began to clean the roof section, reaching as far across the roof as I could. Now I'm no shortie (apologies to anyone who talkes offence) at 6'3" and a sleeve length of 38", but there was no way that I was ever going to make it anywhere near the centre of the 'van.

The roof has accumulated a seasons deposits, including two pitches where we were sited right under trees that did not help. I would use a soft brush and warm soapy water but the brush would not give you enough purchase, similar to when you polish the car or sides of the 'van.

What is the trick of 'polishing' the entire roof? Roof boards? Soft brush as above and do as best I can?

Advice please would be appreciated

Defender



03/11/2008 at 2:38pm
 Location: nr Derby
 Outfit: Phoenix 440+
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slightly stronger strength wash mix and a mop is what I use but I don't use a step ladder - I use a section of a short ordinary ladder and find I can reach easily (6ft tall).

Finish with Booby Dazzler.



03/11/2008 at 3:45pm
 Location: 
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a long handle wash brush simple as that.


03/11/2008 at 4:15pm
 Location: NW of Glasgow
 Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90
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Yep, big step ladder and long brush.

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Jennifer


03/11/2008 at 8:10pm
 Location: Southampton
 Outfit: Lunar Zenith 6. Toyota Lucida
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I would use 2 step ladders, one on either side that are taller than the van or even a scaffolding frame, place a scaffold plank across the van, so as not to touch it, then crawl across.

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I'm just a slave to the outdoor life!!!!!!!


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03/11/2008 at 8:21pm
 Location: north shropshire
 Outfit: Elddis Riviera Kia Ceed SW3 Auto
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 Long handled brush, you can buy them from any Caravan place, thay have a extentable handle about 6ft closed up and about 12ft extended, reach all the way across the caravan roof.



03/11/2008 at 9:39pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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Long handled brush, you can buy them from any Caravan place, thay have a extentable handle about 6ft closed up and about 12ft extended, reach all the way across the caravan roof.

yes same here.



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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


03/11/2008 at 10:19pm
 Location: Shopshire
 Outfit: None Entered
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We got the long handle brush and its great, i can also wash the car with it, being on the short side.



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2013.
Time to say goodbye















03/11/2008 at 10:21pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: Bailey Senator 5 Carolina
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Well, that seems to be fairly conclusive.......... the brush has it! \i seem to remember my salesman telling me that I could stand on the roof quite safely without fear of damage to the 'van, but being a sceptical old so and so, took this with a pinch of salt.

Many thanks for your replies

Defender



04/11/2008 at 2:18pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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Well, that seems to be fairly conclusive.......... the brush has it! \i seem to remember my salesman telling me that I could stand on the roof quite safely without fear of damage to the 'van, but being a sceptical old so and so, took this with a pinch of salt.

me too,i did see a photo of 5 men stood on the roof of a caravan in one of baileys adverts.as you say would not like to try it.how much is a new roof including fitting???????[o)]



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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


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04/11/2008 at 3:20pm
 Location: leeds
 Outfit: crusader tempest 1.4 diesel fiesta
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when we went on our last outing of the year there was a chap on his roof (seasonal pitch) it wass all green and he washed it with a scrubbing brush then polished it must say it looked good but dents were visible in the roof so no thanks especially as i am on the large side may be ok if your 6 stone but would rather stick to brush and steps!!!!



04/11/2008 at 5:20pm
 Location: cheshire
 Outfit: bailey ranger 470 4
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  i stand on the roof of our van to clean it i have  a piece of hard foam  2ftsquare which i put down first then a same size piece of plywood on top . i keep to the edge of the roof , it makes it easy to scrub the roof  and then hose it all off  so far i havent dinted the roof at all i  weigh12.5 stone (which seems to increase weekly ) i am used to working on ladders but i feel safer stood on the roof rather than balencing on steps or a ladder leaned against the awning rail ,it is a bit tricky though getting back  onto the ladder  , still at least the roof looks clean when i look out of the bedroom window

        phil



10/11/2008 at 6:05pm
 Location: cheshire
 Outfit: bonair 850
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see health and safety would have a field day............ as a 8 or 9 year old that used to be  my job in part of the getting the caravan ready for the season. my dad ould let me climb up the stepladder in front of him  and then hold my belt loops while i climbed onto the roof and watch while i stood up there mopping      i reckon social services would probably try and have him for that now...........well that and im a bit heftier than i was (rugby prop) 

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everything can be fixed with WD40 and gaffer tape.
If it moves and it shouldnt --Gaffer tape
If it doesnt and it should-- WD40



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