Community Forums

jimmystoys · 12-26-2018, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

Just a word of caution.. Normally if the coach MFG does not install a ladder to access the roof,, It indicates that the roof is not strong enough to support anyone walking on it without using plywood to spread out your body weight.

I agree with saddlesore. I had a little 22' Ridgecrest a few years back. Our first pull trailer after our camper days. It had no ladder, which i found a little confusing, but I was determined to get on the roof to start servicing whatever owners do up there lol. Needless to say I was a little worried once I got up there because it didn't feel very sturdy and although I thought I was stepping on the roof trusses it didn't feel safe. If I had stepped onto the roof where there was just plywood (if that's what it even was) I'm sure I would have gone thru. Was a bit hairy experience once I got up there and realized I probably shouldn't be there! After that, all my 'maintenance' was done off a ladder and only what I could reach safely.

Craig36 · 12-26-2018, 01:54 PM

I use mine several times per year to check out the roof for debris. I also have a ham radio antenna that I mount on the top of the ladder when I want to talk to the world. Even with infrequent use, I would pay extra to add a ladder to a new coach.

richardgood · 12-26-2018, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aktraveler

I was at a dealership the other day and noticed that a lot of new motorhomes didn't have a ladder attached to the back side. When I asked about it, the dealer told me that a lot of manufacturers are no longer including ladders on their new models due to liability concerns.They're worried about people using the ladders to get on the roof and then falling off. I don't know if that is true, but I do see more and more RVs without attached ladders for whatever reason.

My point is this: even though most RV ladders are barely functional (on my last RV I needed a ladder to access the attached ladder), I still think they are an essential piece of equipment. You have to have some way to get on the roof of your coach. Or am I wrong? So I'll ask. Do you ever use the ladder that came with your RV to get on the roof of your coach?

Yep all the time to clean the roof/ do roof maintenance. I have a full length rear ladder on my 98 Beaver.

lancslad · 12-26-2018, 04:48 PM

I have a rear ladder. On it I mount a socket for the Flag and a socket for my wind gauge/thermometer. So every time we camp I am on the ladder, also inspecting the roof at the same time.

Myrons31 · 12-26-2018, 04:58 PM

I would have to say at a minimum about fifty times a year. I sit up on the roof for most of the the 4 day race weekends at Mid-Ohio.

grindstone01 · 12-26-2018, 05:42 PM

I use the rear ladder to mount/remove our portable satellite dish everytime we stop or move the RV.

Rmiscoord · 12-27-2018, 02:39 PM

Use mine at least twice a year, mainly to clean solar panels. No way I would use a stand alone ladder.

Ceratto's Grotto · 12-27-2018, 02:46 PM

I use it all the time: cleaning, inspecting, maintenance, insuring debris does not affect slide toppers, etc. As far as the liability BS, I think if that were the case, Home Depot would not sell ladders!?

nicfroo · 12-27-2018, 02:47 PM

I use mine to clean and inspect the roof--also to install trailer cover. 12 ft. leaning ladders are not fun !

Chris Hayes3 · 12-27-2018, 02:55 PM

When i bought a 2019 Entegra i was told if there is no ladder then the roof is not strong enough to support the weight of someone walking on it. When i called BS on the guy as there will always be a time when someone is needed on the roof for maintenance, he said "well that's what he was told to say". What a load.

tjshively · 12-27-2018, 02:58 PM

2005 Alpine Coach 36 FDDS
My Coach Does Not Have a Rear Ladder.
I have a 16 foot extension ladder I bought at Walmart for $70.
It fits across my lower Bay perfectly.
It is much easier to climb than a ladder that is straight up and down.

Sharpgt · 12-27-2018, 03:06 PM

Use mine all the time although I could live with a telescoping aluminum one if I had to but would consume storage and be a PIA.

gdrogemuller · 12-27-2018, 03:11 PM

My 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40AH came with a ladder. As many other RV’s we use it to clean, inspect, clean solar panels, etc.. It is a handy item to have on trips and no need to carry other ladders along

RG54 · 12-27-2018, 03:11 PM

I rarely use the ladder on our 2017 Coachman Pursuit. In fact, I am trying to figure a way to remove and seal the remaining screw holes. One reason for removing is that the ladder is "weak" and with low hanging branches can be bent easily. When you straighten then the thing breaks and then leaks occur if you don't get the base sealed properly.