ladders and ladders and more ladders!

[Bluestreak]

My trailer did not come with a roof ladder and while I have very little reason to get up on the roof, I don't have any way to do it at all, short of borrowing/renting/purchasing an appropriate ladder.

I see "universal" RV ladders are available for ~$80-$150. More or less the standard RV ladder, it would need to be installed, meaning the appropriate mounting points need to be identified and then use of screws and sealant and...a ladder. All equal time and money, but once up, it's always there, stuff can be hung or strapped to it for storage and transportation and I can run up to look at the roof whenever I want to.

One other option is one of the collapsible ladders sold by the big box stores, camping world, etc. for $120-$180. These ladders extend to 12.5' and collapse down to a smallish package and seem like a nice option. No mounting needed, useable in a variety of places and easy to store. I see versions with plastic joints and some with metal joints....

I'd like any comments on these two options and any experience with the different collapsible ladders available, plastic vs., metal parts...


Thanks!

[WVDusty]

My DW and kids bought me a little giant ladder for fathers day a few years ago. It is AWSOME I love it. Its small enough to store and take up little room. And extends out high enough to clean the gutters on my house. I have used this ladder more than I thought I would it is very nice and stable.

[mohok1]

I think you need to rethink you comment that you have little need to get on your roof. Your roof will need washing at least twice or more times a year and a thorough sealant/caulking check each time. Additionally, if you park under trees while camping you will need to check for leaves & limbs that will not be visible from the ground.

[bluie5]

If I was going to spend 80 to 150 dollars for an RV ladder I'd get a little giant or some other type of ladder that I could use around the house and just the RV. Something that collapses to fit in your TV or RV.

[tinlizzie23]

One other thing you should be aware of - an RV not factory equipped with a ladder may not have the internal structure necessary to properly support a ladder with the weight of a person on it, let alone a bunch of other stuff strapped to it. There needs to be structural members at the attachment points, and you have no way of knowing where they are without removing the outer skin. I would never consider adding a ladder without the express approval of the manufacturer.

Also, some roofs do not have the underlying structural support necessary to carry a person's weight - in which case a sheet of plywood or a hands-and-knees position to spread the weight would be advisable when cleaning. Again consult the manufacturer to check on roof walking advisability.

[Paintinfool3]

I didn't have a ladder on my first tt and I do on the second ... I am glad I got the option because its always there if I need to get on roof but I am with tinlizzie on the fact that if was not factory installed you really take a chance mounting one in the right place .... I would go with a little giant and just take it with you when you camp just in ca. about 5 years ago our awning blew over the roof and crashed into the slide on the other side and if someone at the campground hadn't had a ladder I wouldn't have been able to get on roof to remove it

[Jack in Alaska]

My Jayco Bungalow does not have an attached ladder either. Apparently not ordered.
My wife says I am too much of a clutz and too old (74) to get up on the roof anymore. So........I hire that work done and they have their own ladder.
Several people have taken a nose dive off of their rigs last winter in our park. Ugly results. Not worth it IMHO.

[Jmooney]

I added a ladder to my last TT. It worked out fine and was nice to have. Look for the type with straight ends, that land on the bumper, which sustains a lot of the weight.

Tinlizzie is right. While I added the ladder, if was very apparent that the roof was not designed for someone walking around. I could hear it underfoot. I finally began to use planks to distribute my weight while I was up there

[clubhouse]

I carry this in my TT...

http://www.amazon.com/Telescoping-Te...apsible+ladder

and use traditional ladder at home when washing.

[Quahog]

Ditto here although mine is a different model... works great for a variety of things, even around the house.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Bassdogs]

You can almost always borrow a ladder in a CG if an emergency presents itself. I have an installed ladder on my 2014 whitehawk and have used it a few times, but I find [and hear] that RV ladders are designed for under 30 age users not eligible for AARP like me. They work in a pinch but you had better watch where you put your feet and that BIG step to the first step can be a real challenge too.

[Rustic Eagle]

My Eagle came with a ladder, however I very seldom use it because it's not the most user-friendly thing to climb and step back onto getting off the roof.

I purchased a telescoping (13ft) "multi-position" ladder a few years ago and put it in the back of my TV when I go camping. I like it because it's easy to use, sturdy, easy to work from, and makes checking/cleaning the slide roof a breeze. When collapsed it takes up very little space.



http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-13...ct_description

I purchased mine on sale for about $70.

Bob

[Bluestreak]

Thanks to everyone for your responses, they are exactly what I was looking for.

I agree someone in a CG has a ladder in case of emergency…RV’ers are a most helpful group.

I am not quite ready to pay someone to do what I still can do...*smile*

I wash the roof once a year and have never found any issue I needed to take care of and this new Starcraft is my 4th hardside in 17 years. Apparently, California RV parks & campgrounds are pretty benign placed to camp!

I sort of like the telescoping tube designs because they end up smaller and lighter than the "Little Giant" type, as handy as they are. But, the tuber’s need to be leaned against something and that is not always possible….

Living on the first floor of a non-elevated condominium, nothing outside requires my attention and nothing inside is taller than me on a simple aluminum 3 stepper, so home use is pretty non-existent.


Father's day is coming up, so we'll see!

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by Bluestreak

My trailer did not come with a roof ladder and while I have very little reason to get up on the roof,!

If this statement you made is honestly how you feel then your in for a big surprise down the road.

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by mohok1

I think you need to rethink you comment that you have little need to get on your roof. Your roof will need washing at least twice or more times a year and a thorough sealant/caulking check each time. Additionally, if you park under trees while camping you will need to check for leaves & limbs that will not be visible from the ground.

+1

[Bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Adk Camper

If this statement you made is honestly how you feel then your in for a big surprise down the road.

Honest, it's not only how I feel, but it's been my experience!

As with all things in life (life mind you, not death) your mileage may vary.

Thanks for your concern.