Ladder

Although I've done it way too may times, leaning a closed step ladder against a wall can result in a fall. They are designed to open and be stable on the four legs of the ladder.

I now have one of these telescoping ladders: xtend & climb.

To keep the ladder from marring any edges, a rag can be taped to the ladder or some have cushions that attach to the ladder.

First....what makes your attached ladder not feel safe? Just curious if you don't mind.

I would be concerned about the ladder moving and you falling if you had it lean against the TT. Also damaging the TT. If it slid it could scratch the fiberglass.

I can't use the attached ladder because I'm 62 and I fell, breaking two ribs last year.I just need to know if there is an easier way to get on top of the roof.
Thanks for any and all replies.

I use an 8 foot step ladder - you coud get a 10 foot step ladder, use an extension ladder, or the one westend suggested. Although I'm not sure if resting a ladder against the plastic gutter would break it. sorry for your accident - I've been there.

I use a Krause Model 121321 12' 300 lbs. folding ladder with a single hinge (lighter than multiple hinge ladders and folds to 6' which fits inside my closed truck bed). I'm 71, 240 lbs. and lean it against the street side gutter to access the roof. I've been using this since 1996 and hope they are still available. Bought it at a local hardware store (big box? cannot remember); made in Roscoe, IL. It is a narrow ladder (14") but has a 31" crossbar at the bottom for stability. I use mine without the crossbar as Krause sent me a couple of extra feet at no charge.

Other than bad memories what is to say you won't fall off the separate ladder? Do you have to get up on the roof?

If you use an extension ladder make sure you run it 3' above the roof. Put something on the edge of the roof where the ladder makes contact or you'll scratch the paint off the trim. IMO the TT's ladder is way safer. It's solid and won't slide. An extension ladder call slide sideways easily.

On our last TT we had no ladder. I used an extension ladder. I had to be 2x as careful getting off and on the roof. A fixed ladder is safer.

OSHA requires that extension ladders to be tied off at the top for a reason. If you lean to one side it will flip on you. Heard of too many accidents while in construction to be leery of them.

My advice is that if you use an extension ladder is to have someone hold the bottom while you climb it.

For me, I don't feel the factory rear ladder on our Jayco TT was that super strong either. At my seasonal site, I used a very large step ladder. Ladder never touched the side of the trailer. I only used the Jayco's rear step ladder on emergencies. Then again, my body weight is in obese weight range. This works for me...

Yardvarkers wrote:
...would it harm the edge of the camper to lean a step ladder on the edge....

Yes, you can scratch it at the least and cut the rubber roofing at the worst. Use foam pipe insulation or pool noodles to protect the RV.

I feel safe using the Jayco rear ladder, but I still prefer using an "A" ladder to get up to very top and then I step off onto the Jayco ladder and get myself onto the roof.

I can see and understand why you are very cautious. A gust of wind, small slip or trip, etc. can cause some very serious injuries. Take your time and be careful!!