Community Forums

HDrider · 02-18-2019, 09:38 AM

We are having a 5th wheel built and are considering NOT having a rear ladder installed and just using the Warner (little Giant like) ladder that we currently use with our motor home.
I don't use the rear ladder on our current MH and just use our Warner but probably would in a pinch and it is handy for tech's to use I guess.
Any negatives of not having a ladder that I'm not taking into consideration? Our ladder on the rear of our MH is a glorified flag mount holder lol.

VACHZHD · 02-18-2019, 09:46 AM

If you have a portable ladder solution you are comfortable with that is tall enough to get you safely onto the roof and you store it in the rig then I would skip the installed ladder.

Less holes in the side and on the roof to worry about down the road and a cleaner look overall in my opinion.

Good luck whatever you decide.

AtomicRT · 02-18-2019, 07:19 PM

Good move IMO. I wish I could remove my ladder. But not worth it because of all the holes that would need filling/sealing. I won't/don't use it. I see the ladder as nothing more than a leak(s) waiting to happen.

Bob_C · 02-18-2019, 07:25 PM

Pretty easy to see who doesn't do roof maintenance........

Mr_D · 02-18-2019, 07:27 PM

My MH came without a ladder. I like the clean look but don't like no ladder as I get up on the roof every few weeks to clean and look the sealant over. I carry a 7' folding ladder and a 15' extending ladder now.

egwilly · 02-18-2019, 07:34 PM

Being of elder years, I find the built in ladder hard to climb. Goes straight up, no angle to it. Have had to seal it from water intrusion into the wall at the attachment points.

I carry a telescoping ladder that gets the job done.

HDrider · 02-18-2019, 09:17 PM

[QUOTE=bob caldwell;4641904]Pretty easy to see who doesn't do roof maintenance........[/QU
Not necessarily, I just prefer my Warner that extends far above the roof.

MtnTrek · 02-19-2019, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Pretty easy to see who doesn't do roof maintenance........

Doing elevated maint. and doing it safely can be an acquired skill.

Numerous RV's of all sizes and shapes have incurred leaks / damage from the ladder attachment points, especially when used vigorously.
Just watch the fiberglass panels the stanchions attach to sometime, as an average size man scurries up and down.
Watching the crap folk hang on them flopping around running down the highway causes me to cringe also, another topic.

Our folding "Werner" compressed lays stored neatly across the truck bed. Extended to 15' it offers a hand hold above the roof line, applicable where needed. Modified pool noodles used at ladder contact points. Step ladder configuration(s) are perfect for many other maint. chores on truck and trailer.
https://us.wernerco.com/view/MTIAA-17

scbwr · 02-19-2019, 04:11 AM

I prefer having a built on ladder as it's very handy when you just want to check the roof or do something quickly. On a purchase, it certainly doesn't add much to the cost. And, it's not that hard to inspect and maintain where its attached to the trailer.

But, it's a personal preference so go with what works for you. Another point to consider is whether a ladder is preferred by more potential buyers on a resale and that in some cases, a ladder cannot be installed after it leaves the factory as some manufacturers don't include the bracing needed if a ladder isn't part of the order. I tend to think more folks want the ladder than not....but that's not backed by any statistical evidence.

**Spdracr39** · 02-19-2019, 05:46 AM

I prefer the built in ladder. Easy to pop up there when needed and I don't have another device to store. There is no right or wrong answer just different preferences.

mobilemike · 02-19-2019, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtomicRT

Good move IMO. I wish I could remove my ladder. But not worth it because of all the holes that would need filling/sealing. I won't/don't use it. I see the ladder as nothing more than a leak(s) waiting to happen.

Ladder is easily removed. Just pull it off and reinstall the screws with sealer and some washers.

Ladder mounts commonly leak because of the torque and movement from climbing breaks the sealer. Once you reinstall the screws properly they will not leak.

IC2 · 02-20-2019, 08:52 AM

I don't use the ladder on our 5er except as a place to lean the Werner multi ladder. The Werner hooks in place over the OEM and provides a more secure setup. That OEM ladder being straight up is not my favorite way of getting on the roof. Also, it just feels flimsy for my 200 pounds along with being too narrow for my size 12 feet. Would I be witout that ladder - no as we don't usually travel with the space grabber Werner and there is always a chance that you need to get up on the roof. As far as leaks - maybe but in 50 years none of our RVs have leaked at the ladders but I alwys do preventive maintenance anywhere that water could get in.

I vote for a ladder and at the cost of a any new towable, it's a negligible item, used or not.