Forum Discussion

Kbosch74's avatar
Kbosch74
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013

Add ladder to RV or not

Good afternoon.

We're getting very close to ordering our new travel trailer. Can anyone shed some light on the permanently installed ladders at the rear of the RV...pros or cons?

Thank you.
  • RV daytrader wrote:
    unless you want to be able to hang your chairs from it, I would suggest getting a telescoping ladder instead. Very stable leaned against side of RV, easier to climb than an installed ladder, put it where you want to check (no need to climb up back, walk the whole length to check an area up front)



    X2
  • Have a class c and a car topper box on the roof. We use the ladder each and every trip.

    It is also handy for hanging wet towels when we get back from the beach. Tying one end of the dog rope (we tie one end to the ladder and the other to a tree, then run a line off it. The dog has lots of space to move, but is still tied up.
  • unless you want to be able to hang your chairs from it, I would suggest getting a telescoping ladder instead. Very stable leaned against side of RV, easier to climb than an installed ladder, put it where you want to check (no need to climb up back, walk the whole length to check an area up front)
  • A ladder is convenient for roof inspection and for sweeping off the slideouts & gutters. I'd get one.
  • It's only a $100 option so I figured if was even remotely useful, I'd do it.
  • Order your TT with the ladder. It's not something that you can or even should add aftermarket because of the interior support system.

    I like my ladder just fine. It is nice knowing that I can climb up on the room to check the caulking, brush off the slide topper, etc. Lots of people attach their chairs to the ladder.

    WoodGlue
  • We have one on our present rig.. I guess it looks nice. I hardly ever use it.
    Once in a while I climb on the roof to inspect the caulking. The less time you spend on an RV roof (or any roof) the better.

    Some people hang chairs or bikes on them. My wife sometimes hangs her sweaty jogging shirts on ours.
  • if you are going to get one, you will need to order it with the RV from everything I have read and from the last time I talked to a dealer about it.

    There is blocking they install to support it, that is not there if you don't order it with. So they are very expensive or nearly impossible to do after the fact.

    With that said, i have been able to live without one. I am able to jump on the roof of my truck to the roof of my slideout to the roof if I really need to get up there..

    my $.02 worth,

    Bryan