Community Forums

Whitewolf · 08-11-2017, 07:32 AM

We all know the ins and outs of safety when using the ladders attached to our RVs. I want to tell you of a recent experience I had.

We were at home. Our slides were out and I wanted to move them in so I could wash the RV. I went up to the roof to sweep any debris from the tops of the slide outs.

As I was preparing to come back down the ladder, the left rail that attaches to the roof, pulled up. It's a two piece assembly and it came apart.

NOT a good feeling 13 feet in the air.

The part that attaches to the roof has a conical star type piece of metal the grabs the inside of the ladder tube. It appears it was only grabbing the very bottom of the tube.

I removed the baseplate from the roof and readjusted the star so it would grab the tube further up. Reattached and reapplied lap sealant.

All is good now.

Noelj · 08-11-2017, 07:46 AM

Glad you are OK, and got it fixed so easy and cheaply.

JohnBoyToo · 08-11-2017, 07:53 AM

First thing I did was buy a heavy duty ladder so I'd never have to use that piece of danger

MtnTrek · 08-11-2017, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

First thing I did was buy a heavy duty ladder so I'd never have to use that piece of danger

x2

Glad to hear you're OK too!

bddadles · 08-11-2017, 09:31 AM

X3.

Whitewolf · 08-12-2017, 06:01 AM

All ok here. Once I found the battery to jumpstart my heart.

wingnut60 · 08-12-2017, 08:42 AM

The ladder did not have set screws to hold it into the holders?

Whitewolf · 08-12-2017, 03:44 PM

No, it's held together internally. There's a screw on the bottom side of the baseplate that goes thru the star type piece of metal. Tightening the screw makes the star grab the inside of the ladder tube. Or it should.

Half Dimes · 08-12-2017, 04:37 PM

Several years ago, on a previous rig still under warranty, I complained to the dealer that the ladder did not seem to be stable. I watched the tech pull off three screw heads with his finger. Apparently at the factory, someone had over torqued the screws that held the ladder on the back of the rig. Rather than back out the screws and do it right they used some caulk to reattach the heads.

W5CI · 08-12-2017, 07:32 PM

That is why most RV's have Slide Toppers. Glad you are safe and got it fixed so easily.

Whitewolf · 08-13-2017, 05:17 AM

Toppers on my short list for next year.

chaps2018 · 08-15-2017, 09:53 AM

While I would like slide toppers($1800 installed for my rig) I still see value in getting on the roof frequently and easily. I have been using this ladder for the last 4 yrs.

Xtend & Climb 770P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type II Home Series, 12.5-Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIL0WU..._wHXKzbXBGCSTH

plain ol Bil · 08-15-2017, 10:46 PM

I like to save weight wherever possible in the trailers I have owned. BUT - one place I refuse to save weight is on ladders. I do not trust the flimsy little ladders on the back of trailers, too light, too narrow and they just do not "feel safe". So I have always carried a "real" ladder. My new 5er is 13-5 tall and safety is the primary concern when working on it. I used a friends Gorilla 22 ladder and bought my own right after using his. Heavy - yes, expensive - yes, stable - yes, safe - yes. Working construction for over 50 years I know a little about ladders and love this one. No I do not work for them, own any stock, have relatives working for them or get free anything from them. But I do eat my Wheaties (and need them for this ladder).

Oldelevatorman · 08-17-2017, 07:00 AM

I set my 8' ladder right behind the RV ladder and only use the top 2 steps of the attached ladder to get on the roof. They are very flimsy for sure and I've tightened all the screws which does nothing. I'm going to put a slide-out support underneath the bottom rung for support while we're parked. It says 300# capacity but my 225 makes it deflect 2".