Community Forums

jedgar1 · 05-04-2018, 07:45 PM

I used to carry a 15 1/2' collapsable ladder in the freezer. fridge compartment but I had to take the cooler and slide tray out to carry it. Turned out it was to long and too heavy to use. I traded it for a 12 1/2' and it fits nicely behind the cooler.

TJ · 05-04-2018, 07:55 PM

"It fits nicely behind the cooler," but is is long enough to safely get on and off the roof? I submit that a 12-1/2' ladder is certainly not long enough to get on and off the roof of my 2014 Ventana LE. It would just barely reach the roofline when standing vertically.

The general rule for ladders is that they should be at least three feet longer than the height of the structure they are being used against. That provides a handhold to step on and off with.

Be careful.

TJ

Stuart W · 05-04-2018, 07:56 PM

Great information, I have been struggling with this topic, 12.5 won’t get you on the roof very easily will it?

TJ · 05-04-2018, 08:53 PM

I try to stick with the advice a good friend gave me years ago; "no man over the age of 60 belongs above the first rung on a ladder!"

And, I must admit to being beyond the cutoff point.

TJ

Winepress · 05-04-2018, 09:25 PM

Mine is about 15 feet. I store it in front of the generator. I recently had to take some photos of my roof for a warranty claim. Glad I had the extra length.
Ladders over 60... all about balance and stability. I know it sounds corny, but video Tai Chi is pretty good on the road.

Stuart W · 05-04-2018, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winepress

Mine is about 15 feet. I store it in front of the generator. I recently had to take some photos of my roof for a warranty claim. Glad I had the extra length.
Ladders over 60... all about balance and stability. I know it sounds corny, but video Tai Chi is pretty good on the road.

Which one did you purchase?

10 fan · 05-04-2018, 10:28 PM

I have a 10 or 12 ‘ that I’m hoping will get me on the slide and then on the roof. I asked 2 different dealers how they get on the roof. Both said ladder to step on slide and step on roof. Time will tell

Winepress · 05-05-2018, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart W

Which one did you purchase?

Not sure, got it on Groupon some time ago.

WardSimmons · 05-05-2018, 09:52 PM

I started with an Xtend & Climb 15.5 foot from Lowes ($238), but wasn't satisfied. It felt stable, but the retraction process required that each individual step be manually released as it was coming down. The release catches were not so easy.

I returned it and replaced it with a Telesteps 14.5 foot from Amazon ($315), and am well satisfied: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I agree with the three-foot rule, and recognize that this ladder is slightly short for our 12'3" roof height, but it's close, and feels safe. The retraction process only requires one easy motion at the base, after which each successive step releases the one above when it is fully retracted.

wa8yxm · 05-06-2018, 06:32 AM

First I like that ladder you have. Wish mine was longer.

Second I carry mine inside the RV (Bedroom usually or main bath)

I just wrapped a cargo strop around it 3 times (it's a long strap) and that keeps it from "Expanding" when I want it compact. When on the road it either goes in the main bath between other stuff or on the bed.

IF I ever get a traveling companion and clean out the unused half of the main bath it fits nicely between teh vanity and shower.

But I really like that ladder. Used mine last... Yesterday .

ARD · 05-06-2018, 06:20 PM

Thanks to the people on this forum for sharing their ideas, I asked Newmar to make me a shelf to go over the freezer when I did my FPU. I have a 16' ladder and I can manage it. Use it to get up there and clean, but have not been brave enough yet to step over onto the roof.

Campin Cajun · 05-06-2018, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARD

Thanks to the people on this forum for sharing their ideas, I asked Newmar to make me a shelf to go over the freezer when I did my FPU. I have a 16' ladder and I can manage it. Use it to get up there and clean, but have not been brave enough yet to step over onto the roof.

This is a great idea! I believe I will make a shelf for mine too!

Stuart W · 05-06-2018, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARD

Thanks to the people on this forum for sharing their ideas, I asked Newmar to make me a shelf to go over the freezer when I did my FPU. I have a 16' ladder and I can manage it. Use it to get up there and clean, but have not been brave enough yet to step over onto the roof.

Great idea, thank you for sharing [emoji4]

JFXG · 05-06-2018, 11:49 PM

I use a Werner folding ladder that extends to 16 ft. With proper placement/angle this leaves me with about 2.5 ft above the roofline. I place the ladder beside my kitchen slide (no topper), so I safely step from ladder to slide and slide to roof. Demounting is also safe and comfortable, with about 3.5-4 ft of ladder above the slide as a handhold.
This ladder lives on the factory ladder on my DS.