Adding a ladder ?

[sCarycary]

So. I am looking at a Coachman Santara. It has a big rounded cap at the rear. It does not have a ladder. I want to know if I can add a ladder without o much trouble. Too much trouble would be removing the rear cap and building a sub structure to support the ladder. Who has a Santara with a ladder on it? This one is a 1999.

[Wayne M]

Cary,
I see there has been no answer to this post. I don't know if you decided to modify the structure, or not.

Have you considered picking up one of those collapsible ladders. I purchased one and it stores easily in the basement of the MH. It will access the roof with no problem. Besides being able to do that, it can be used to wash the windshield, and any side windows that you would like to do. I probably would cost less than a structure change, and it is more versatile.

[az bound]

There may be existing backing in the cap to support a ladder. Give a call to Coachman and they should be able to varify that. You may be able to see the backing from underneath. It normally looks like horizontaly placed plywood strips running the full width of the cap. I would not attempt to install one if there is no backing.
I also chose to go with a collapsible ladder even though the backing was there, much more useful.

[High Plains]

We got a collapsible ladder even though our MH has a ladder. I have trouble getting back down that narrow built on ladder.

[WheelingIt]

Originally Posted by High Plains

We got a collapsible ladder even though our MH has a ladder. I have trouble getting back down that narrow built on ladder.

We have a collapsable too. Very handy for all kinds of jobs around the MH including washing, waxing, slide inspection, window access etc.

[sCarycary]

Thank you all for the ideas. I googled rv ladders and then learned of all the collapsible ones out there. I would say this probably the way to go. I like the idea of a ridge mounted ladder though.

[bullheaded]

You might consider this one Portable Telescoping Extension Ladder 15.5ft Telescopic - eBay (item 200538438878 end time Jan-30-11 09:29:21 PST) it extends beyond the top of the roof. I've got one on order now, as I have no ladder on my new rig.