Forum Discussion

FishHaggis's avatar
FishHaggis
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013

roof ladder???

I am coming to ground on a travel trailer and need advice. The dealer is recommending not installing a roof ladder as it makes holes in the TT and can give unwanted access to the roof. The roof ladder would allow me to inspect the roof and equipment that is up there, and I believe comes with the model I am looking at.

Any advice on roof ladders is appreciated. Should I get the model with it installed or the same model without it?

Thanks,
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2013
    I bought an 8 foot step ladder on Craig's List - brand new Werner for 25 bucks. Works for me.
  • TubaPete's avatar
    TubaPete
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    Our current fifth wheel (our second) came with a ladder. I find myself crawling up there frequently. It helps sweep debris off of the slides before putting them in.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    I ordered my TT with one installed. The factory knows better where the supports are and it eliminates the need to carry a separate ladder. I'm up on the roof every time we get home to install my tarp so a ladder is really handy.
    Will your slides have covers? If not, don't you need to get onto the roof to clean off the slides before retracting them?
  • Passin_Thru's avatar
    Passin_Thru
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    Arctic Fox comes with one and a rack to carry IDK what. I would'nt use it but it is nice to get up and clean the vents and a/c and look at the roof.
  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    The WhiteHawk we purchased last November came with a roof ladder as part of a "value package". Its roof mounts are also the first thing I had to recaulk. I agree with the dealer, a ladder is another source of potential leaks; a step ladder or one of those collapsible ladders you can buy at CW will do the job.
  • Farm_Camp's avatar
    Farm_Camp
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    My new camper came with a ladder and it being new and all I used it to go up and look things over. While I was up there I noticed the my slide roof needed swept- was covered with pine needles from a nearby tree.

    So opinions will vary for sure. Mine does put two more holes in the roof to inspect...

    If my camper had not have come with one I would have probably skipped it. On the other hand I was kinda glad that I had it there this weekend.
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    Ours didn't come with one so we had one installed. Our last tt did not, nor did it have a walk on roof. We decided when shopping for a new one that it was a requirement. I go up there when we pack up on each camping trip to check everything and do any needed maintenance.
  • stubblejumper's avatar
    stubblejumper
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2013
    How often are you expecting to go up on the roof? For a once or twice a year inspection it is easier to do it with a ladder. I have a ladder with bottom extension and have used it twice in years. Usually inspect the roof when I wax which is done in a shop using scaffolding. JMHO

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