Forum Discussion

CaddyJellyby's avatar
CaddyJellyby
Explorer
Dec 05, 2017

telescoping ladder?

I'm looking for a telescoping/folding ladder for the RV and for cartopping our kayaks and maybe for general use at home, too. I'm looking at them on Amazon and I'm a little worried about finding a good one because a number of reviews spoke of designs that would let one side suddenly collapse or maybe let the telescoping action smash fingers on the way down. Does anybody have one that they really like and that hasn't caused any bodily harm yet?
Seeking Advice
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2017
    Mine works great but you absolutely need to keep your fingers clear when collapsing it. So far I have.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2017
    I just spent 3 days on my 12 year old telescoping ladder. Wish it was longer

    I am always careful setting it up.. And the only problem is.. Well there as not been any.
  • Larry-D's avatar
    Larry-D
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2017
    I bought a 12'. Looked at Amazon and Walmart. Walmart happened to be a few dollars cheaper at the time for the same ladder. Ordered it and when it arrived it had the usual "Walmart" sticker on the box and on the other side of the box was an "Amazon" sticker.
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    For a folding ladder I like the Harbor Freight $99 17ft ladder. It is solid when extended, can be used as two separate step ladders to make a scaffold, holds 300lbs, and has nice wide steps. It weighs 35 lbs and is simple to manipulate.
  • jwstrout's avatar
    jwstrout
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    Take a look at a Little Giant brand ladder. I've used one for many years around my house, on job sites, and now I carry it on my trailer just in case. I have never had any issues with it, and at 15ish years old, it still functions perfectly, and is stable.

    Jeff
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    I own about a dozen ladders (cursed by occupation). I carry an Extend & Climb in the RV. The cheaper telescoping ladders are just that--cheaper. They will stick when operated, can bend from only mild abuse, and the latches will break. I'd suggest to anyone buying a ladder to pony up the few extra bucks and get a good one.
  • CaddyJellyby's avatar
    CaddyJellyby
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    Thanks for all the advice, folks. I brought one home from Lowe's today but I think it was a mistake. It says "300 lbs" on it and I took that to mean that it can support 300 lbs. But when I got it out of the car and hid it in the RV, I discovered that the gd thing WEIGHS 300 pounds. I think I've got to take it back and find a lighter one.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Dec 06, 2017
    i had one of those nice folding, multi-use multi-format, step,aframe, scaffol ladders

    heavy as a lead anchor

    i sold it and bought the telescoping ladder
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2017
    CaddyJellyby wrote:
    Thanks for all the advice, folks. I brought one home from Lowe's today but I think it was a mistake. It says "300 lbs" on it and I took that to mean that it can support 300 lbs. But when I got it out of the car and hid it in the RV, I discovered that the gd thing WEIGHS 300 pounds. I think I've got to take it back and find a lighter one.


    That's even funnier than the guy on 4 tables with a step ladder. Thanks for the chuckle.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2017
    Look around the CG. On the very rare occasion that a ladder has been needed somebody nearby always has one. Works great. No cost. No storage problems. No worry of theft.

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