Concerns about 40' 2016 roof with no ladder

[PandS]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

The redesign of the roof, with the facades and rear spoiler pretty much eliminate the ability to add a ladder. The height would exceed safe driving heights. I would rather have the high end look of the facades, hiding the everything on the roof, versus a ladder.

I have two ladders. I have a one piece fiberglass ladder, at home, with "Guardian Angel" arms mounted at the top, which makes it very easy to access the roof. As a matter of fact, an angled ladder is much easier to use than a straight up and down ladder.

For on the road, I have a collapsing ladder. In an emergency, I can use that ladder to access the roof. I understand your desire to inspect the roof, but how often do you need to do that on the road? Leaves blow off and snow will melt. You're certainly not going to go up there and shovel snow, one for safety reasons and two, there are a lot of items on the roof that could be damaged by a shovel. My roof only has a few square feet where there is not something mounted.

I highly doubt that Newmar eliminated the ladder because they didn't want people on the roof. I'm sure it's more about the ne roof design. With that said, I would guess that the majority of people buying these coaches are older and most don't want to go on the roof.

A friend went crazy when he saw my new coach didn't have a ladder and acted like it was the end of the world. Then he bought a new Allegro Bus without ladder. After six months, it's no longer an issue for him.

Do you just leave the pine needles, cones, acorns and leaves on the slide toppers and run your slides in?


I get up there before pulling the slides in, every time. I'm really glad our rig has a ladder and can't imagine not having one. -Paul

[GaryKD]

Winegard Sat dish just went bad. Found out Winegard has a poor design. Before choosing Winegard, consider:
1. the dish on the roof contains all the electronic components.
2. Does Winegard make the repair a plug and play? No, No and No.
3. The main cable cannot be disconnected from the dish.
4. One must remove the dish, then feed the new cable through the same conduit.
5. Are any components in the dish serviceable. NO, NO and NO.

I bring this up because sooner or later you will need a sturdy ladder to get on the roof. It is a matter of when not if.

[Spikester]

I too was concerned about not having a ladder on the 2020 Dutch Star I ordered, but the more I thought about it the less I was concerned. Yes there may be times someone has to get on the roof for maintenance or some other reason, I emphasis someone. As age takes over I wonder if climbing up that straight ladder to scramble over the top cap is a good idea or not. I will buy a excellent 15 1/2 foot collapsible later to carry for those emergencies that may crop up, and probably have someone else do any heavy maintenance on the roof when needed.

Gary KD your statement about Winegard Sat equipment is spot on, IMO I would steer anyone putting Sat antennas on there roof to RF Mogul equip, superior in so many ways. I have had a MotoSat (now RF Mogul) antenna on my roof since 2007, have had 0 problems and going strong, nothing seems to bother it.

[Dutch Star Don]

Originally Posted by PandS

Do you just leave the pine needles, cones, acorns and leaves on the slide toppers and run your slides in?


I get up there before pulling the slides in, every time. I'm really glad our rig has a ladder and can't imagine not having one. -Paul

Nope....I have the Girard slide toppers which are super tight. Everything sweeps off the toppers as they come in. I just can't see getting on the roof every trip and cleaning the slide toppers. Law of averages will soon lead to a medical emergency.

[Dan McMartin]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Nope....I have the Girard slide toppers which are super tight. Everything sweeps off the toppers as they come in. I just can't see getting on the roof every trip and cleaning the slide toppers. Law of averages will soon lead to a medical emergency.

That's our opinion as well. Getting on the roof is dangerous. Most of the ladders we have or carry aren't as safe as they could be. The attached ladder is narrow and vertical. Most folding ladders are barely tall enough, if tall enough at all, to access the roof safely. Plus, there's all manner of tripping hazards on an RV roof. The risk isn't huge but there is risk.

As I said earlier, all the cleaning and maintenance some folks perform on their roofs is probably overkill. An annual inspection and cleaning is probably all you need. We're of the opinion, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[tmandoug1]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Winegard Sat dish just went bad. Found out Winegard has a poor design. Before choosing Winegard, consider:
1. the dish on the roof contains all the electronic components.
2. Does Winegard make the repair a plug and play? No, No and No.
3. The main cable cannot be disconnected from the dish.
4. One must remove the dish, then feed the new cable through the same conduit.
5. Are any components in the dish serviceable. NO, NO and NO.

I bring this up because sooner or later you will need a sturdy ladder to get on the roof. It is a matter of when not if.

Motor went bad on my Winegard satellite and they sent me a new base. Took an hour to replace it.

[tlkhorses]

I have something similar to this telescoping for my stick built. Mine has the wide base but not the hooks it shows on this one. I think the issue with anything you get is not damaging the paint etc but this is an idea. Just some kind of cushioning or stand off for the top.
Found on Amazon of course: Handvoll Telescoping Ladder 17.5ft Aluminum Extension

[PanJH]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

The redesign of the roof, with the facades and rear spoiler pretty much eliminate the ability to add a ladder. The height would exceed safe driving heights. I would rather have the high end look of the facades, hiding the everything on the roof, versus a ladder.

I too like the looks of the facades but also think it wouldn't be a big deal to have a ladder on the rear. Have the ladder go about as high as the facade and then have it set up like an extension ladder and slide the extension up another few feet so you can get on the roof. It could also have a curved section on the ends that rotated and fit into 2 receivers on the roof. That way you have an attachment up top, similar to the old school ladders like I have on the DS.

[zzotte]

I was a lot more uncomfortable climbing that rear ladder with those tiny screws holding that ladder with me

Zzotte

[MidMichHunte]

The rear ladder option on the 2020 Bay Star was $336 so I didn’t think twice, I ordered it. I figured it was one less thing taking up space, but after reading this thread I’ve decided caring a small step ladder makes sense.

[tlkhorses]

Originally Posted by MidMichHunte

The rear ladder option on the 2020 Bay Star was $336 so I didn’t think twice, I ordered it. I figured it was one less thing taking up space, but after reading this thread I’ve decided caring a small step ladder makes sense.

Look at GP logistics for a step ladder. It collapses into a square tube and you can get them up to 7' foot. Just make sure to lock it open with the tabs. I have one and like it. Takes up little room in the bay.

[DebnDan]

First coach without a ladder. Thought it was going to be a nightmare. It has become a non issue. I much prefer the look without a ladder and was never really comfortable with the light weight ladder on the coaches. I carry this ladder, it’s both a step ladder and an extension ladder and fits very nicely on the generator slide out tray.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F202679667419