Beware of thin roof

Beer1952 · Aug 16, 2023

I was trying to clean some bird poop from the centerpart of my roof, just on top of the windshield.
RAV4 Hybrid AWD 2020
It was hard to reach so I had to lean over and supported my body with the other hand on the roof.
When I was ready, I noticed I made a dent in my roof.
Tried to suck it back with a suction cup but it would not get back. On the inside is the airbag so that was no help as well. Time to visit a dent remover.
Never had this happen to me before with any other car, so I guess I'd let you know.

Garfield_I · Aug 16, 2023

Indeed, these Ravs are built with exceptionally thin metal. Sorry for the trouble but thanks for the warning.

mww33458 · Aug 17, 2023

Has happened before. Any meaningful pressure will dent the roof. Thinner metal for weight savings to maximize fuel efficiency.

Roof caved in when I stood on it

Boy that roof of ours is pretty weak...especially the midsection between the roofrack. I stood on it lightly (I weigh 145lb), and it caved in! it's happened before, but usually it bounces right back up. This time it stayed and now I have this huge dent! Suction cups? Any suggestions on how to...

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2021 RAV4 AWD Cruiser Hybrid (Australia) - Crap build...

First post and glad to be here with a Forum dedicated to my new car :) So I have had the car for 7 days now - and noticed a dent on the roof (like a small hail dent). I called the Dealership and advised that they need to fix this. All good they say bring it in for an inspection. Last night - I...

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web1999 · Aug 17, 2023

Thanks for sharing. Weight reduction.

iowagold · Aug 17, 2023

DOH!
yea been there done that on all cars and trucks.
hoods are the same.
a good PDR guy can pull that dent easy.

Pompatus · Aug 17, 2023

First noticed this with my Porsche in '76.
Prior to that you could climb all over my muscle cars w/o a second thought.

mikelets456 · Aug 17, 2023

I wonder if a RAV4 roof that has a "sunroof" fare a little better due to extra channels for the sunroof?

TrueTexan · Aug 17, 2023

The roof on my XSE with pano is plastic.

web1999 · Aug 18, 2023

Really, I thought it was aluminum

HMP · Aug 18, 2023

Maybe just refrain from crawling on your roof ha

And be careful loading things up on your roofrack

SLS Artemis · Aug 18, 2023

Use a ladder or step stool. I have three different options that I use depending on what vehicle I'm dealing with. I often just use a 2 foot ladder when washing the roof on my RAV4.

Bernie707 · Aug 19, 2023

A car they sell you a roof rack for, i.e. a rack for adding weight to the roof, should have a sturdier roof, Confucius say.😊

peterweb · Aug 19, 2023

Where the rails are attached would be reinforced/designed for the load. The roof panel itself is not designed to carry any weight.

Renegade · Aug 21, 2023

I’m pretty sure I learned that lesson in about 1965 when my sister climbed up on my dads roof at a fireworks show…..

Never lean on a roof, hood or trunk!!

crazyhorse · Aug 21, 2023

With the cars I owned from the 1960's it was no problem for two people to sit comfortably on the hood without any hint of damage.

Beware of thin roof

Roof caved in when I stood on it

2021 RAV4 AWD Cruiser Hybrid (Australia) - Crap build...

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