Ladder advice

[miwok]

I recently bought a Pace Arrow with no rear ladder. I had a recent stroke, so am not going on the roof unless I am crawling, but to get up to wash or inspect the roof, I was thinking about this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Werner-12-f...der/1000075183

Too tall? Too short? Kinda heavy and I do not think I can travel with it. But better than an extendable leaning against the roof, to me at least.

[tucson.don]

The platform height is 10' and your RV roof is probably close to 12' so, you'll have to hoist yourself up two feet. It's maybe too short for you.

[Lv2Roam2]

This ladder looks like its 12' long collapsed so it won't fit in your storage area. I travel with a 17' - 18' Werner collapsible that is very stable, can be extended to get on the roof if needed - and purchased at Lowe's for a cheaper price. Lowe's also has the same style Little Giant ladders.

http://lowes.com/ladders

[twojayhawks]

IMO to safely access the RV roof the ladder should extend a couple feet higher than the roof.

[Kraken]

One of these stores well if it is high enough for your roof.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_i=553480

[Ljwt330]

Originally Posted by tucson.don

The platform height is 10' and your RV roof is probably close to 12' so, you'll have to hoist yourself up two feet. It's maybe too short for you.

Originally Posted by twojayhawks

IMO to safely access the RV roof the ladder should extend a couple feet higher than the roof.

The greatest danger will be getting down from the roof, not boosting yourself up. You need a ladder that is tall enough so, as you leave the roof, your foot easily reaches the first step while you are still centered and stabilized over the roof. All ladders should be held by someone as you climb/descend, especially a step ladder which is set sideways to access the roof.

[pecooper]

Many factors need to be considered here. You will need at least a 14' stepladder to safely get on the roof without serious worry. Then you have to orient a step ladder sideways to the RV and step to the side to get on or off the roof. This is the easiest way to get one wobbling (Fall experience speaking). Step ladders are heavy. Your choice is 55lbs. With your stroke will you be able to handle that bulky thing? Using an extending ladder and making sure it is firmly planted and extends above the roof is the only way I go on or off my RV. And the DW is always watching in case 911 need to be contacted AGAIN!

[Dutch Star Don]

I don't know how you're doing after your stroke, but should you even be thinking about going up on the roof? I'm 62 years old and portly. It gets more difficult each year to climb safely on the roof.

We just ordered a new coach that doesn't come with a ladder. Everyone is buying those extendable ladders as noted above to access the roof. One of the important things when searching for the ladder, is that it is at least 2' taller than the roof, so you have something to hold onto. I plan on using an extendable ladder and then strap it to the roof before I step off of it onto the roof.

When you get to that type of height with an "A" frame ladder it will want to tip when you step off or onto it at roof level. Might be safer if you found a 14' model and do as I plan, strap it to the roof before stepping on or off. It could be as simple as adding a hook to the roof of the coach to hold a strap.

I think the only type you will be able to take with you, that is tall enough, is the extendable type.

Here's a wild idea....look for a used rolling ladder like they use at big box stores to reach the upper shelves. Obviously, it would only work at home, but you could roll it up to the back of the coach and walk right on. I would buy one, but I don't have the perimeter room around my coach where I store it.

[miwok]

Good thoughts, will rethink. I appreciate it. Washing and such I have a extended boat brush, so I think I can do it from the ground. Lots of posters have mentioned they are not waxing with buffers and such, I should be able to use the liquid types.

[tcg]

I use ladders that tall a lot. They are not that easy to manage and I'm relativity healthy and fit.

If they are not opened correctly and on a level surface they get dangerous really quick.

I own a couple of the telescoping ladders for my business, they are easier to carry, deploy and climb but in your situation I'm not sure I could recommend it as a safe alternative.

You may be better off leaving the roof work to a hired hand.

[Mr_D]

I'm 71, widowed and use one of the extendable ladders to access my roof. Don't like not having someone holding the ladder and able to call 911 but you do what you have to do.

[Jandcinok]

Big tall step ladders arent real stable, they really are intended for hard flat surfaces, like a nice flat concrete driveway,not sure if you have that available. Now the issue of setting it up sideways, if that means the rungs would be perpendicular to the coach, dont forget the taper of the ladder, you’ll be farther away from the coach at the tip.

Why not a good extension ladder with a stabilizer at the tip? As mentioned, the Little Giant ladders are really nice, a little pricey but, dont cheap out on ladders.

Whatever you do, tie it off before you climb it. That way it will be there when youre ready to use it again. ��

[miwok]

Originally Posted by Jandcinok

Why not a good extension ladder with a stabilizer at the tip? As mentioned, the Little Giant ladders are really nice, a little pricey but, dont cheap out on ladders.

Whatever you do, tie it off before you climb it. That way it will be there when youre ready to use it again. ��

I might have an indoor place available soon, and tying off any ladder at the top is a good idea. Thank you all.

No, I am not planning on getting up there very much, but want to wash it.

[BCam]

This may help:

https://axleaddict.com/rvs/What-You-...adders-for-RVs