Installing ladder on trailer ???

Our first TT which we owned for ten years came without a attached roof ladder. When we purchased a new TT in 2016 we made sure it came with a factory installed roof ladder. Wouldn't be without it again.

I don't get on the roof often but sure is nice for inspecting the roof and vents and all the calking. I never found a tall step ladder as the greatest tool for transitioning on or off the trailer roof. Plus I would never carry one along on our travels.

Friends of ours wanted to add a roof ladder to their 2015 5th wheel trailer and were told not to do it. Being they didn't order it as a manufacturer installed item, there wasn't any reinforcement provided in the wall for extra support.

I have a factory ladder and often go on the roof to check the things mentioned. But I don't use the factory ladder anymore as I found after a few trips up and down, it has become less and less secure with more wiggle and wobble (and I am a lightweight). Just seems like a path to leaks, etc.

I have an extendable ladder that I use now exclusively to access the roof. I just set it up right next to the factory ladder and use the factory ladder as a handhold to climb the extendable.

Like most said, IMHO too risky trying to add one aftermarket.

I wish my RV was that well built, Soundguy lol

GrandpaKip wrote:
I installed one on mine and like it I made sure of proper backing and used appropriate sealants. Not really a big deal.
It is really handy for sweeping off the slide when a step ladder won’t work.
If you are squeamish about putting holes in your roof and wall, this is not for you. Four holes in the roof and twelve in the wall.
If I weighed 200 lbs. or more, I don’t think I would be comfortable using one, though.

My FW came with a ladder. It has a sticker on it, rating it for 300 lbs. I don't weigh anywhere near 300 lbs, but if I did, I sure as he!! would not be using it.

Jerry

Here's another ...



... is that short stud (middle left) intentionally short or just stuck in because that's what the assembler had on hand. Good grief. :E

SoundGuy wrote:

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
manufacturers have the measurements available for most newer units for exactly where the stiffeners are located for ladder install.

Just contact them for the measurements.

I wouldn't trust measurements to reflect reality. My own dealer is the second largest Coachmen dealer in Canada by volume of sales and as such has hundreds of units pass through his shop every year. From what I've seen I'd say at least a couple of units each month are in there to have the rear or front wall removed / replaced for one reason or another. Here's just one, notice how haphazardly the studs are positioned, just as it is in any stick house, not exactly precise engineering. :(



Miss one of those studs with screws intended to secure a ladder in place and you're SOL. :M No way I'd take the chance of not only missing a stud but also then having holes in the exterior sheeting that's in the wrong spot. :M Unfortunately I don't have a pic of a wall that did have a factory installed ladder but I have seen inside one and in that case there was a proper backing plate to properly support a ladder. My bet is units from any manufacturer that don't have a factory installed ladder won't have proper backing, in which case retrofitting a ladder would be a very poor idea.

Looks like the 2 vertical studs on the right side is where a ladder would be mounted.

I installed one on mine and like it I made sure of proper backing and used appropriate sealants. Not really a big deal.
It is really handy for sweeping off the slide when a step ladder won’t work.
If you are squeamish about putting holes in your roof and wall, this is not for you. Four holes in the roof and twelve in the wall.
If I weighed 200 lbs. or more, I don’t think I would be comfortable using one, though.

LVJJJ wrote:
wouldn't do it. My ladder on my Trail Cruiser is attached at 8 points, that's 8 screw holes that can leak (I keep 'em caulked). All must go into studs or special blocking. If the screws aren't into wood (or aluminum) the ladder will just rip off the first time you step on it.

I've never cared if I've had one or not, this TT happens to have one.

Back in 2006 when we bought our 2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH hybrid our dealer had two on the lot, one with a ladder and one without ... I chose the one without, for obvious reasons. ;)

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
manufacturers have the measurements available for most newer units for exactly where the stiffeners are located for ladder install.

Just contact them for the measurements.

I wouldn't trust measurements to reflect reality. My own dealer is the second largest Coachmen dealer in Canada by volume of sales and as such has hundreds of units pass through his shop every year. From what I've seen I'd say at least a couple of units each month are in there to have the rear or front wall removed / replaced for one reason or another. Here's just one, notice how haphazardly the studs are positioned, just as it is in any stick house, not exactly precise engineering. :(



Miss one of those studs with screws intended to secure a ladder in place and you're SOL. :M No way I'd take the chance of not only missing a stud but also then having holes in the exterior sheeting that's in the wrong spot. :M Unfortunately I don't have a pic of a wall that did have a factory installed ladder but I have seen inside one and in that case there was a proper backing plate to properly support a ladder. My bet is units from any manufacturer that don't have a factory installed ladder won't have proper backing, in which case retrofitting a ladder would be a very poor idea.

wouldn't do it. My ladder on my Trail Cruiser is attached at 8 points, that's 8 screw holes that can leak (I keep 'em caulked). All must go into studs or special blocking. If the screws aren't into wood (or aluminum) the ladder will just rip off the first time you step on it.

I've never cared if I've had one or not, this TT happens to have one.