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Old 06-26-2016, 11:05 AM   #1
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No ladder, what do you do?

So my TT didn't come with a ladder as the industry seems to be trending. Do folks here just put an A frame in their straight through storage cubby? Add a ladder? Having roof access is maybe not nessesary but certainly is convenient... love to hear your thoughts...
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Old 06-26-2016, 11:13 AM   #2
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We have a Factory ladder,but I have/use a 11' "Extend A Ladder"! Handier and has a 300# rating! Youroo!!
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Old 06-26-2016, 11:13 AM   #3
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I would look into a folding ladder. I don't have a link,but do a search for folding rv ladder.Amazon or camping world have them. I have a ladder on our 5er, but still use our folding double sided ladder to blow off the tops of the slide outs.
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Old 06-27-2016, 10:08 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SecretAgentMan View Post
So my TT didn't come with a ladder as the industry seems to be trending. Do folks here just put an A frame in their straight through storage cubby? Add a ladder? Having roof access is maybe not nessesary but certainly is convenient... love to hear your thoughts...
You could always add a ladder like below:

Surco Universal Exterior RV Ladder - 84-1/2" Long Surco Products RV Ladders SP502L
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Old 06-27-2016, 11:27 PM   #5
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I like the GP Logistics ladder. Folds into about 4" x 4" square and whatever length you get. I got the 7 foot version. Sure helps for sweeping leaves off the slide out. Stores easily in the pass through, although some have mounted a PVC fence post underneath for storing it.
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Old 06-28-2016, 11:32 AM   #6
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A ladder is a must-have if you have slide-outs without topper awnings. If you park under trees you need to make sure the slideout is clean before you slide it in.

I bought "1/2" of an old extension ladder (only 1 of the pieces, for $20) and have it strapped under the camper. I installed carpet scraps on the one end so I can lean it against the camper without scratching.

A cheap and easy fix that doesn't take up any storage space. (and no risk of losing a finger when the extendable ladder collapses on you)
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Old 06-28-2016, 11:55 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
We have a Factory ladder,but I have/use a 11' "Extend A Ladder"! Handier and has a 300# rating! Youroo!!
+1 on the Extend A Ladder. I keep one in the RV at all times under the bed storage.

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Old 06-28-2016, 12:53 PM   #8
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The Extend-A-Ladders are light and compact but very pricey. I bought one of these.

Werner 17-ft Aluminum 300-lb Telescoping Type IA Multi-Position Ladder

Its half the price of the Extend-A-Ladder. The negative is that its a lot heavier and not nearly as compact, but I have the space in the truck bed to accommodate it.

The folding ladders are definitely compact they but don't reach as high as the other 2 types of ladders. I would prefer to have a ladder I can lean against the trailer.
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Old 06-28-2016, 01:00 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by mkosu04 View Post
A ladder is a must-have if you have slide-outs without topper awnings. If you park under trees you need to make sure the slideout is clean before you slide it in.

I bought "1/2" of an old extension ladder (only 1 of the pieces, for $20) and have it strapped under the camper. I installed carpet scraps on the one end so I can lean it against the camper without scratching.

A cheap and easy fix that doesn't take up any storage space. (and no risk of losing a finger when the extendable ladder collapses on you)
And how many fingers have you lost because of the extendable ladder collapses? Youroo!!
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Old 06-28-2016, 01:28 PM   #10
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Just purchased a Extend & Climb ladder today, I know you can probably get them a little cheaper on-line but we happen to have a Sherwin Williams paint store right near us and they are a dealer.
They had the 12.5 type II which is rated for 225lbs on sale for $175
It will work perfectly for our needs, already checked out the roof on our ML23fb and it will make cleaning the bow window on our raised ranch house much easier.
Model# 770P 12.5
Amazon has them for $168, so I guess we got a decent deal.
https://www.google.com/search?sclien...30.dt6iqomcXwI
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Old 06-28-2016, 07:55 PM   #11
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Check harbor freight for an extension that goes compact. Around $140 when my neighbor and I bought them
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Old 06-29-2016, 06:03 AM   #12
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I carry a knock off of the Little Gaint ladder that is shown on tv. Picked up at Lowes for a much better price, makes a 6 foot step ladder, or a 12 foot straight ladder. I noticed that Costco is now carrying the Little Gaint, forget what the price was. Being a Good SAMs guy, I have loaned my ladder out several times to folks with dirty slide out awnings. Have noticed that slide awning are a magnet for pine needles, which do require brooming off!
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Old 06-29-2016, 06:18 AM   #13
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I have the dealer checking to see if ours has the backing to install a ladder. If not a 7ft. folding ladder will be the next purchase. Right now I have a 4 foot step ladder. I purchased a little giant type ladder but it was so heavy I returned it.
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Old 06-29-2016, 09:56 AM   #14
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I'm at CW having 5th hitch put on the new truck. Ther ladders are $70 off and look good. 2 sizes and now priced well.
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:15 PM   #15
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Mars, please keep me posted what the dealer tells you about installing a factory ladder. There are lots of great option being discussed in here but I am still not a fan of taking up storage cubby space for a ladder that could easily be fixed to the rear. Thanks!
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:24 PM   #16
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And how many fingers have you lost because of the extendable ladder collapses? Youroo!!
personally? None.

But read a few reviews and you get worried pretty quick

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=9996981126

I'm not spending that kind of money for that level of risk.
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:26 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by SecretAgentMan View Post
So my TT didn't come with a ladder as the industry seems to be trending. Do folks here just put an A frame in their straight through storage cubby? Add a ladder? Having roof access is maybe not nessesary but certainly is convenient... love to hear your thoughts...
Just something to check out...sometimes when a trailer does not have a ladder it means the roof is not rated to walk on

Not sure that this is your case, just suggesting that you check it out before you do.

Other posts about using ladders to clean your slides are spot on BTW!
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:41 PM   #18
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personally? None.

But read a few reviews and you get worried pretty quick


I'm not spending that kind of money for that level of risk.
Unfortunately low cost ladders are more liability than useful. I am really surprised after reading the reviews that the ladder MFR was not sued!

I friend of mine in the construction business told me once that ladders were so costly because the MFR had to factor in the cost of liability insurance. Don't know if that is truth or not, but it doesn't sound hokey

If you want a quality ladder get this one - I am very pleased with its performance:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's not cheap but then again most well made items aren't

For the trailer set out there, this ladder may work better:

https://www.amazon.com/GP-Logistics-...folding+ladder

We had the 5' one when we were in our 5er and it had the added benefit of fitting in our bumper!
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Old 06-30-2016, 03:35 PM   #19
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Mars, please keep me posted what the dealer tells you about installing a factory ladder. There are lots of great option being discussed in here but I am still not a fan of taking up storage cubby space for a ladder that could easily be fixed to the rear. Thanks!
Will do.
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