Forum Discussion

applik's avatar
applik
Explorer
Mar 22, 2018

Back ladder

Bought a used 03 BT Cruiser (21 foot). The PO did something to the back ladder and it is seriously messed up. Kind of looks like he hit something horizontal towards the top and the bottom. Who knows. Anyway, we are thinking of just taking it off. We do not plan on using it. Hubby is a big guy: 6'3 and weighs 260. So would it be better to just remove it completely (since it looks really wonky and is unusable) or buy a new one to replace it? We use scaffolding at the house when we work on it, so not sure what use it would be.
Would like some input.
thanks,
Shari
Class C

27 Replies

Show More
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2018
    Brand? Not much info from me. I needed some parts and found exact match at marine store.
    I would suggest doing some close measuring of current ladder. Close look at the mounts to the rig.
    You maybe able to find make on existing.
  • navegator's avatar
    navegator
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2018
    One year we had a bird strike in the afternoon, and that night it rained softly we ended up with water in the bunk, if the ladder was not there I would not have been able to repair the center marker light that the bird cracked on top could not see it from bellow in the dark, I used tape to secure and water proof the light until replaced, many times I have gone topside to check on the seams and clean the roof and access the cargo container or adjust the satellite dish, those ladders are useful.

    navegator
  • applik's avatar
    applik
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2018
    Thanks for the replies. Looks like we will be replacing it ourselves then. Just don't have any spare room to pack a collapsible ladder.
    Any recommendations on a brand of ladder to order?
    thanks again,
    Shari
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Mar 22, 2018
    It's a rare camping trip when I don't end up having some reason to want or need to be on the roof for some reason, be it to sweep off leaves and pine needles, remove a stick, check a vent cover, or whatever. I would not care to be without the built-in ladder if I could help it.

    Of course, the cost of replacement may make it a moot question.
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    Mar 22, 2018
    enblethen wrote:
    I would be repairing or replacing it.
    If you have an issue on the road, it could be a saver. Something like broken vent or the like!
    X-2, back when I was slightly overweight,268, (OK, a lot overweight) I used my ladder several times to get up on top for various reasons.
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2018
    applik wrote:
    Bought a used 03 BT Cruiser (21 foot). The PO did something to the back ladder and it is seriously messed up. Kind of looks like he hit something horizontal towards the top and the bottom. Who knows. Anyway, we are thinking of just taking it off. We do not plan on using it. Hubby is a big guy: 6'3 and weighs 260. So would it be better to just remove it completely (since it looks really wonky and is unusable) or buy a new one to replace it? We use scaffolding at the house when we work on it, so not sure what use it would be.
    Would like some input.
    thanks,
    Shari


    You might also consider an aluminum telescopic ladder like this one.
    Telescopic ladder
    They're not heavy, collapse down for travel storage, and can be used anywhere, not just the back of your RV.
    The issue might be the weight rating. It's only good up to 255 lbs. but there may be others rated higher.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2018
    I would be repairing or replacing it.
    If you have an issue on the road, it could be a saver. Something like broken vent or the like!

About Motorhome Group

38,736 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2015