Snow Load
 

I'm new to the Forum, and I apologize if this topic is old.
I have an older 18' and I normally park the trailer under cover for the winter, but I'm wondering if I can save some storage fees and just leave it outside for the winter? With the trailer down, does anyone know what the snow load rating might be?
I live in the NW, so I could get 10' of wet snow on it during the winter and I would be unable to access it to clear the snow off the roof.
Thanks.
PAC

Speculation on my part
 

but I think ten feet of wet snow would crush a bulldozer.

snow load
 

If you can't clear the snow then it would be best to pay for storage.

snow
 

Snow what snow?? Florida all we get in liquid snow...LOL

Ok, I understand snow, lived in Minnesota for several years. Grandfather and great-grandfather lived just out side of International Falls, Minn.

While I don't think that 10feet of wet snow would crush a bulldozer I think that it might do in a hilo. Like Sam said if you can't keep clearing the snow I would keep it inside. Enjoy the snow. There were times that I did, not most of them however. Clearing the driveways was never fun.

Later Tim

I live in Wisconsin and must park mine outside. However, I do have a cover and I also go over and brush off snow after we get 4 inches or so. However, there are many regular travel trailers that are parked outside for the winter and I must admit that I wonder what the difference is between them and a hi-lo. Actually, I would think there would be less stress on vertical frame members on the Hi-lo than a regular trailer----not that that would be much of an issue anyway. That said- why would a hi-lo be any more affected by snow on the roof than a regular travel trailer??

Rick

Good question Rick. I was wondering the same thing here in Michigan.
- Mike

There may be standards established by RVIA that require minimum loading on RV roofs.

I agree - I would think a collapsed HiLo would be able to carry much more snow than a regular travel trailer.
I guess HiLo never tested and/or published snow load specifications?
Thanks,
PAC

I know the HiLo is not designed to be loaded with snow while in the up position. I saw one that that was totaled because of that.

AGREED! :)

That would indeed be an interesting test on the cables.

The only problem I have noticed is when they park regular sized TTs on either side of me- so the windward one acts like a snow fence and I get the drifts down on me. And, both, block the sun depending on orientation.

I realize that the "southern and desert" members here may be bored by this discussion but we dont get to discuss weekend jaunts during Jan and Feb like they do...... so....:)

I realize that the "southern and desert" members here may be bored
 

NOT AT ALL! We gleefully tease y'all 'bout that strange white phenomena known as snow.

I live here in South Dakota and when I store my unit I would build a roof type with plywood just resting a couple inches above so the snow would not rest on the roof of the unit.

Hi Paul,
The snow roof was my original solution, but city ordinance doesn't allow that type of structure. :(
PAC

I would think a fine to pay the city would out way the damage snow could do to a hi-lo, I would build it.

According to the forecast, we'll be getting our first snow of the season on Saturday (yeah!). We'll probably get 2 inches at the most, just enough to make everything look purty. Guess I better get cracking and get my winterizing done and cover the trailer!

I've always just stored mine outside with a cover on it here in Minnesota and have never had an issue with snow damage in the spring. Maybe I'll keep a closer look to how much an accumulation there is, but if I have to pull a layer or two of snow off before I remove snow around the trailer I can do that quickly enough. That's the advantage Hi-lo offers someone as short as myself - it's easy to access the roof.