Where to Lean Extension Ladder

[itat]

We just bought a new fifth wheel and it has the rear ladder but it feels narrower than the one on our TT and the handrails don't go as high on the top so it feels less comfortable getting on an off the roof. I have an extendable Werner ladder that I can use to lean against the trailer for easier, more comfortable access, but where and how should it be leaned against the trailer?

[007matman]

I do it all the time. I just stay away from any windows where the sidewall has been cut through. I have rubber "mitts" that go over the top rails of the ladder so it doesn't scratch it. A thick towel or old rug would also work.

Use the sidewall though.. depending the TT the back top edge is not well reinforced.

[itat]

I could probably fit a ladder on the door side just behind the slideout with the table and chairs but thinking about it some more, since its a 5er the roof slope (front to back) might not work for leaning the ladder against the sides. Since there is beefed up structure in the rear wall and the roof because of the factory-installed ladder, I wonder if it might work better to lean my ladder on the rear wall at the peak of the arch so it would be level across and I'd have no gutter to worry about?

I found a previous thread where member Restcure posted a picture of how he uses pool noodles on the ladder to soften the contact point. I kinda like that idea.

I have this 17' Werner Aluminum Telescoping Multi-Purpose Ladder so I can extend it a few feet above the roof for more safety getting on and off the roof.

[chaps2018]

I have several points that allow me to lean the ladder so it rests on the metal rub rail. (Working round the 4 slides and awning). The challenge I have finding the right spot for the ladder to hit at a decent angle due to the various slopes at the campsite.

My ladder is only 12.5’. But I will say, it has served us well at least once every month for the past 6 years. CORE DISTRIBUTION 770P telescoping-ladders, 12-1/2-Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIL0WU..._7XgtCbG8QBFJX

Used to be named extenda climb

[CHICKDOE]

interesting topic. i want to follow this as i also have this question. i will not use the factory installed ladder as it is not anchored securely. but i wonder if you could place an extension ladder right next to it at the rear.

[rracer5]

I've had a Werner 13' and now a Little Giant 17' folding/extension style ladders. I just extend & lean it against the existing factory ladder just at the top step. This also allows you to have the factory ladder rails as hand holds when getting on & off the roof. Feels much safer. For working on the sides, I use it in the step ladder mode extended all the way so as not to have to lean it on the sides using wood blocks/wedges for uneven ground.

[JohnD10]

I carry an 8-foot step ladder.

I very easily can get up on one of the slide outs from it.

[jimmoore13]

I've used a ladder stabilizer for most ladder applications for nearly 50 years. I have this one now.

It's safe, easy to install and remove, and it spreads the weight and keeps the ladder off gutters, windows and so on. On an RV, it can spread the load, and the legs are padded to protect the finish.

Another advantage is that it can be installed several rungs down the ladder to enable you to extend the ladder above the roof just as you might if you just leaned it against the side of the RV and gutter. This makes it much easier to grasp the ladder and mount up for the trip down. Yet it protects the gutter on the rig.

If you plan to use your ladder often, I suggest selecting your spot and installing an eye-bolt or eye-lag-screw (for wood frames) to lightly tie your ladder in place so the wind can't blow it over, ruin the ladder, and leave you stranded on the roof. If you use an eye-bolt, try to find a place to come through into the interior inside a cabinet-out of sight. Use a fender washer on the inside to spread the load widely enough that if someone gets the bright idea to hang a clothes line or some other heavy load on the eye-bolt, it won't damage your rig.

Photo of the stabilizer in action on the fiberglass ladder...me staining the cabin...18 months ago. PS. If you can't see the photo, it may be due to the permissions on my Facebook account.

[goreviper]

I use sn extension ladder to access my roof to clean solar panels every couple weeks. The seasonal site I have in the Adirondacks has many pines around it. Panels get filthy. Anyway, I use noodles to cushion the side rails of the ladder against the gutters as previously mentioned in this thread. Works fine, no dents or marks on the gutters. It's important to have the ladder extend above the roofline to provide proper access and safely transfer to the roof from the ladder and then the reverse.

[Rich5117]

X2 on goreviper's noodle comment the extra large ones work extremely well.

[Tiguan Tow r]

We use an oversize pool noodle on our telescopic ladder to eliminate scrapes and dents.

[jimmoore13]

Originally Posted by goreviper

I use sn extension ladder to access my roof to clean solar panels every couple weeks. The seasonal site I have in the Adirondacks has many pines around it. Panels get filthy. Anyway, I use noodles to cushion the side rails of the ladder against the gutters as previously mentioned in this thread. Works fine, no dents or marks on the gutters. It's important to have the ladder extend above the roofline to provide proper access and safely transfer to the roof from the ladder and then the reverse.

That's using your noodle! Clever idea!!