Adding a folding ladder

[Eric H.]

Our 5ver TH is not a FR product but is a 2019 Dutchmen Voltage/Triton 3551. I'm asking my question here because out of the four RV forums I'm a member of, this one is the most current and has what I consider the best and most knowledgeable answers/advise.

My question is not manufacture specific but more generic TH. We bought our TH used 2 years ago with 2.6kw of solar panels mounted on the roof so the traditional area in the back where a folding ladder would be mounted is blocked by solar panels. I have a couple other areas closer to the front I could squeeze one in but I doubt in those areas there will be framework that lines up with the ladder mounts. How are these ladders typically secured to the exterior walls? Do they just screw into the siding or are they tied into framework?

I already have a 20' extendable ladder that I use to get on the roof but I hate getting on and off of the roof on it. I have climbed mounted ladders many times on other rigs and I feel much safer on them. so any advise is appreciated.

[5picker]

R/V ladders are typically mounted to framework in the walls. The thin wall material would not be suitable for people trying to climb them.

Newer R/Vs are coming with removable telescopic ladders with an attaching bracket mounted near the roof line. (where's there typically some beefy material to fasten the bracket) The telescopic ladder then has an adjoining bracket that clips to the bracket on the side of the R/V making it safer to climb. You'd have to get the ladder and the mating R/V bracket.

Made by LCI... see it here...
Lippert On-The-Go™ Ladder

[Eric H.]

Originally Posted by 5picker

R/V ladders are typically mounted to framework in the walls. The thin wall material would not be suitable for people trying to climb them.

Newer R/Vs are coming with removable telescopic ladders with an attaching bracket mounted near the roof line. (where's there typically some beefy material to fasten the bracket) The telescopic ladder then has an adjoining bracket that clips to the bracket on the side of the R/V making it safer to climb. You'd have to get the ladder and the mating R/V bracket.

Made by LCI... see it here...
Lippert On-The-Go™ Ladder

That's a great idea thanks. Although I still like the idea of a mounted ladder for quick access, I could make a mount & hooks like this easily. My ladder was not a cheap one and I would rather not buy another one.