Forum Discussion

EagleScout-USA's avatar
May 01, 2015

Top bunk access

Just pulled a new Jayco 26BHS off the lot today! Wondering what people are using to access the top bunk. I have double over double bunks in the rear with corner access to the bunks. There is no ladder, or hand grabs for that matter. Suggestions?

10 Replies

  • I have that trailer and my 6 year old son somehow thrusts himself up there. He's tall but sometimes needs a boost.
  • X3 on the Camping World ladder. It was kind of expensive at $60 but is super nice. I did have to cut it down a bit. I used a steak knife since I was out camping and didn't have a hack saw with me. That was pretty much the end for that knife but it came out great.

    I've had my TT since my kids were first born and having no way for them to access the top bunk was actually nice (the whole what goes up must come down thing :)). They finally got old enough to climb up/down safety.
  • Whitehawkmn wrote:
    I had the same problem, I searched on this website and the Jayco owners website and found a great design that was simple and took about 1/2 hour to make. I used 2X2's for the rails and dowels for the ladder rungs. looks great and now the kids don't have to climb the bunks like gorillas.


    This is the pattern that I followed from the other website:


    Here is the material from a previous post in this forum from another member that they posted.

    Total Height = 51 1/4" (including 1/4" felt pads on the feet)
    Total Width = 10"
    Rung Width = 7"
    Sides = 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square fir (labelled as 2x2 though...but it's not!)
    Rungs = 1" Hardwood round dowel
    First Rung = 21 1/4" from floor
    Second Rung = 31 1/4" from floor
    Third Rung = 41 1/4" from floor

    Use a 1" forstner bit to drill your holes, can do 1" depth into each side. Very strong!
    Also, round over your outside top corner.
    Check your height. It may differ slightly from trailer to trailer. I kept the top flush with the top edge to help avoid any clothing snags or injuries.
    All purchased from home depot in the trim/moulding section.
  • I had the same problem, I searched on this website and the Jayco owners website and found a great design that was simple and took about 1/2 hour to make. I used 2X2's for the rails and dowels for the ladder rungs. looks great and now the kids don't have to climb the bunks like gorillas.
  • krobbe wrote:
    Camping World sells Bunk Ladders..
    I have one that I cut to size. Very sturdy. I didn't permanently attach it so it can be easily moved. I glued foam rubber to the underside of the hooks so it doesn't tear up the fake wood finish on the bunk.


    Same here. Although I didn't buy at CW, that ladder looks the same and has brackets the ladder connects to when it is being used so it doesn't move. I remove it and lay it on the bunk mattress where it stays while TT is being transported. It is solid construction, light weight and does not move.
  • bluie5 wrote:
    I made a ladder out of PVC with wooden dowels inside. I think I found idea on Google. I painted it to match the interior colors. 100 pound son uses it with no problem.



    Thats funny I made mine out of PVC with threaded rod inside. I found the idea in my head! LOL:B
  • Camping World sells Bunk Ladders..
    I have one that I cut to size. Very sturdy. I didn't permanently attach it so it can be easily moved. I glued foam rubber to the underside of the hooks so it doesn't tear up the fake wood finish on the bunk.
  • I made a ladder out of PVC with wooden dowels inside. I think I found idea on Google. I painted it to match the interior colors. 100 pound son uses it with no problem.
  • I took two small blocks of 2x4 and screwed them into the plywood base under the mattress. I had my kids put there arms up like they wanted to pull themselves up, and that told me right where to screw them down. Adjustable as the grow too!

    Works well, cheap and can't be felt through the mattress.