Community Forums

DPeterson · 06-22-2017, 11:23 PM

Getting ready to go full time in our 5th wheel and was wondering about ladders.

I've seen several RVers carry step ladders strapped on the RV ladder. Doesn't seem like a good place considering the vibration and load over time, but could be my perception to error on the side of caution. I carry a short ladder ( three steps, folding ) in the bay and have used it occasionally on our camping trips. Wondering if as a fulltimer I really need a taller ladder. I have a 5 ft aluminum and a 7ft fiberglass available to take. So the questions are..

If you carry one, what do you carry? How do you carry it.

How often do you use your ladder a year?

If you have carried one on the rear ladder any issues?

vsheetz · 06-22-2017, 11:33 PM

I have a collapsing telescopic ladder.

Barbaraok · 06-22-2017, 11:38 PM

Since Alpines didn't put ladders on their coaches, we have always had a ladder that would allow us to reach the roof. We have a 13 ft ladder and have used it more than once to get up on top and secure the cover over our front A/C (we have had 2 shrouds disintegrate) as well as replaceing caps on holding tanks vents. Pull we use it at shorter lengths for washing/waxing coach, etc.

JFXG · 06-22-2017, 11:52 PM

I like to be able to reach the roof of our Dutch Star, and I don't trust the manufacturer attached ladder.

I carry this Werner folding ladder folded into a 4ft unit and hung / bungied on the coach ladder. No problems in 5 years. I use it as an 8ft A-frame step ladder for general tasks, and a 16 ft straight ladder for solid, secure roof access.

paz · 06-23-2017, 04:29 AM

I never like to see step ladders, blue boys, lawn chairs or bicycles strapped to the ladders on the backs of RVs. Not only could it be unsafe if one of the fasteners comes loose, but it reminds me of the Clampets.

For a step ladder, I carry a 7-footer like this.

It folds up so I can store it along the front of my storage bay. You can also get a length of PVC fence post and mount it under the frame of a 5th wheel or trailer.ve

Save

G Schulz · 06-23-2017, 07:04 AM

I carry a 12.5' telescopic ladder. Have used it many times, doesn't take up a lot of space and I carry it in one of the bays. At first I was wondering if I really need one but it's been invaluable.

affreeman · 06-23-2017, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

I never like to see step ladders, blue boys, lawn chairs or bicycles strapped to the ladders on the backs of RVs. Not only could it be unsafe if one of the fasteners comes loose, but it reminds me of the Clampets.

For a step ladder, I carry a 7-footer like this.

It folds up so I can store it along the front of my storage bay. You can also get a length of PVC fence post and mount it under the frame of a 5th wheel or trailer.ve

Save

+1 I have this same ladder. It's amazingly solid and stable when unfolded.

EDIT: Looking at the photo more closely, this is not the same ladder I have. I have this ladder.

harleyjt · 06-23-2017, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by affreeman

+1 I have this same ladder. It's amazingly solid and stable when unfolded.

EDIT: Looking at the photo more closely, this is not the same ladder I have. I have this ladder.

Same here. I added the optional top cap, and I store it in the rear pas thru bay . Has worked well for me.
jt

Dcbenny · 06-23-2017, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by affreeman

+1 I have this same ladder. It's amazingly solid and stable when unfolded.

EDIT: Looking at the photo more closely, this is not the same ladder I have. I have this ladder.

I have a ladder on the back of my RV and the few times in need to get on roof it's fine I used to carry a 5 ft step ladder but replaced it with a telescoping ladder but have since taken it out and want back to step ladder, it's easier for me to use step ladder to clean the the RV windows and under side of awning

Vette Racer · 06-23-2017, 09:16 AM

I carried an 8ft step ladder on the rear ladder for awhile until I noticed the ladder coming apart and decided it was just too much weight on it. Need a longer ladder but haven't found a way to carry it, most of the telescoping/folding ladders don't have a 300LB rating which is what I would need.

Fiesta48 · 06-23-2017, 09:27 AM

To carry a step ladder on the factory installed rear ladder it must be light. Mine is a 5' aluminum. Wish it was 6'. I made long brackets for the step ladder to attach to the step of the factory ladder. And then 1 heavy duty spongee cord at the bottom wrapped around both. Never a problem. Used it hundreds of times. If stored in a under compartment it would take up too much space.

computerguy · 06-23-2017, 11:00 AM

On sale for $132.26 including shipping. Just ordered mine. I used to have a full 8ft ladder but it was just too big in the basement.
RV Upgrade Store

drdarrin · 06-23-2017, 11:03 AM

I carry this one.

Click image for larger version

Name: upload1498237313.258243.jpg
Views: 476
Size: 297.6 KB
ID: 166104

It's heavy but I can use it either as an extension or as a step ladder. I carry it in the back of my pick up

TRebel · 06-23-2017, 11:14 AM

My MH has a rear mounted ladder. The bottom half of the ladder hooks on the bottom of the upper mounted section. So, you would have to store the bottom half... taking up precious storage space.

I too bought the 7' collapsing ladder and stored the bottom half of the factory ladder in my shop.

The 7' collapsing ladder will allow me to get to the mounted upper half of the factory mounted ladder, to get on the roof.
Since the 7' collapsing ladder is portable, I can move it to any side of the MH and it is great for cleaning the windshield. Seems to be pretty sturdy and stable.

When collapsed, it takes up very little room in the pass through storage.