Community Forums

tnedator · 07-21-2018, 11:50 PM

Depending on the season, I tend to range from 250-275, and I'll admit I never had the guts to go up the ladder on my ACE. Even though it claimed to be 300lb capacity, I read multiple cases of Thor ladders coming loose on people, and I watched my fairly thin brother in law go up my Thor ACE ladder and it moved quite a bit and seemed very flimsy.

So, when I take delivery of my Ventana next month, should I consider the ladder perfectly fine for a big guy like me to go up, or if I want to get on the roof to inspect/clean, am I better off using a stand alone ladder (which obviously has it's own safety challenges)?

WoodyS · 07-22-2018, 12:03 AM

I go up the ladder on the back of our 2008 Kountry Star all the time. But I'm "only" around 200 lbs. without tools.

I've watched our main service tech. go up it also -- and he's more like 225 - 250. But most of the time, he uses a fork lift.

I have no idea what the ladder is actually rated for. But I'll be interested to see if somebody has an actual weight rating for them.

redbaron73 · 07-22-2018, 01:21 AM

I'm 270 and use my dsdp ladder without any trouble.

triplewide · 07-22-2018, 01:28 AM

Have used ladder on my ACE. 245 plus what I am carrying.

Most "stand alone" ladders are rated at 250 lbs.

My concern with the ACE ladder is how it is attached. Three screws have fallen off the mounting plates. Over torqued is my guess.

Plan to replace the current screws with stainless steel ones.

reubenray · 07-22-2018, 01:49 AM

I go up the ladder on my LE all the time. I weigh around 200.

FLJOE · 07-22-2018, 05:11 AM

I have been going up and down my ladder at least monthly and I am probably 235 with everything covered and my size 12's on. There is just a slight flex but it certainly seems solid.

An RV tech recently strapped the Windgard sat dish on his back and climbed up there during the install. Between his weight, the dish, and his loaded tool belt he probably was over 235, no problems.

PandS · 07-22-2018, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLJOE

I have been going up and down my ladder at least monthly and I am probably 235 with everything covered and my size 12's on. There is just a slight flex but it certainly seems solid.

An RV tech recently strapped the Windgard sat dish on his back and climbed up there during the install. Between his weight, the dish, and his loaded tool belt he probably was over 235, no problems.

I'm 230lbs and have been up and down our Ventana ladder several times with no issues. I have noticed no flimsiness or movement. -Paul

gimlimike · 07-22-2018, 07:21 AM

My tech told me to use the ladder try and not pull back on the ladder while climbing up. If you look they are held by small screws into the mounts on the coach. I use my stepladder then get on the coach ladder closer to the top.

TomandGloria · 07-22-2018, 07:51 AM

255 and use mine without any problems.

Boomer · 07-22-2018, 10:17 AM

Now to 260 but was 280 and never had issue with Canyon Star ladder, so I assume the new Ventana should be no issue.

HavingABlast · 07-22-2018, 02:02 PM

I no longer get up on my coach’s roof. But when I did, one time I noticed a small amount of wiggle in the ladder (I am in the 220 pound weight class). I tightened the fasteners that mount the ladder to the coach (we have a ‘15VTDP), and that took care of the wiggle. So I would suggest that you periodically check the tightness of the fasteners.

WoodyS · 07-22-2018, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HavingABlast

So I would suggest that you periodically check the tightness of the fasteners.

And check the screw bedding. If you break the seal around the screws, water will get in. So check those screws routinely for cracks in the sealant.

Dan McMartin · 07-22-2018, 09:53 PM

I'm over 300 and you couldn't get me on one of those ladders if you paid me. We didn't even order one on our Bay Star. We carry a Gorilla ladder that supports up to 375 lbs. If I need to get on the roof, I'll use that.