I have a Majestic (Cruise America) 28-foot class C motorhome. The motorhome has been outstanding in every way and has exceeded my expectations for a used motorhome. But as you may know, Cruise America does not include many items like stairs, slide outs and ladders to keep uneducated maybe first-time RVers safe. One of the items they do not include is an outside ladder. Obviously, they do not want customers crawling around on top of the MH. But I have had mine long enough to know that on trips I may want to go up there to check on something. Have been tagging along with my Little Giant ladder but it takes quite a bit of space and I am looking to do something different. So here is my question. I wonder has anyone purchased or found a ladder that will work with this motorhome model. I would have no idea where to anchor the ladder where there are places I could attach it to the motorhome and have it stay. I see some aftermarket ladders advertised and does anyone have any experience with them and how easy and reliable were they. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Like Cruise America I do not want anyone crawling or walking on my RV roof. I carry a collapsible ladder inside....$100-125 or so.

Contact Thor, they have a diagram for each model showing the location of backers.

It may well be that there are no backers for the ladder since none was ordered when it was built and these are/were custom built to specification. As was said, contacting Thor and/or Cruise America might give that information.I very much appreciate having the ladder on the back of my motorhome. I think it's at least 50-50 that I want to check or do something on the roof on any given trip, if only sweep off a bunch of pine needles or leaves.

We use our ladder all the time to hang our undies on....Seriously, if there is no backing or framing to attach to, you could always through-bolt a ladder on the back of your rig...large washers on the inside

I consider a ladder to be Required Equipment. Too many things happen that involve the roof in one way or another, to be without or rigging something unsafe to try and get up there. I don't mean a spectator platform. I mean (hopefully minor) cleaning and repairs.But no way would I guess about how to secure it. Gotta have detailed plans and appropriate fasteners.

RV outside ladder | Good Sam Community

4x4van
Explorer III
Jun 28, 2017
Huge difference in safety between a fixed ladder and a portable when it comes to the transition from ladder to roof (or back). No built-in ladder, while perhaps not a "deal-breaker" for me, would certainly be a major problem.
pnichols
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2017
Ron .... I'm curious:

How do you get up on the roof to check out the cause of a funny noise up there like what we experienced just a few miles south of Plush, OR -> that's way out there?
:B

(Sometimes I think I have to be prepared for anything because Murphy's Law only applies to me .... how did I get stuck with that?. :h )
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2017
We are ladder-less by choice.

I have our ladder and roof rack stored at home in our basement. 10 years so far and I have never have a serious need to get on the roof during a trip. Our roof and a/c unit is lower than a typical motor home so maybe you with taller roofs have broken away all the tree branches for us. Thank you for that!
:)
PghBob
Explorer
May 31, 2017
pnichols wrote:

I "think" that some RV manufacturers may be trying to provide roof access through a large vent in the ceiling. For instance, certain Earthroamer and Lazy Daze models may include a large vent for this - not sure though. This approach I can kind of buy into.... assuming one is willing to accept the additional risk over time of leaks from a large vent in the ceiling.

Older Lazy Daze RVs, like our 2011, did have a rather large hatch to the roof over the upper bunk. Since 2012 (I think) the large hatch was eliminated and replaced by a standard vent.
cgmartine
Explorer
May 30, 2017
I guess motorhomes sold by El Monte Rents are sold differently. Mine came with a roof ladder and electric steps, but no awning. I have the Tioga 31M. 112,000 miles and just breaking it in.
j-d
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
I mount my bicycle to the built-in ladder and carry a six-foot alum stepladder to-get beside it to bungee the bike in place. Also keeps me from a three-or-so-foot stretch to get onto the bottom rung of the built-in. I had to giggle over this thread. Got to the campground this afternoon and started on taking the bike down (and putting Old Glory up). Hadn't even started and there's a voice behind me: "Could I borrow that Ladder?"
T18skyguy
Explorer
May 29, 2017
On my old Rig the built in ladder got broken from the former owner backing into something. They did a good fix, but i never really felt it was sturdy. Before I would try and retrofit one, I would go with the collapsible ladder. Their great for around the house to and very compact. If you install a ladder, you can't be quite sure what you'll drill into. Plus if there is a curvature to the roof, the part that connects will need to be offset a little. I would be surprised if you found a proper fit, but I wish you luck.
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
May 29, 2017
Lwiddis wrote:
"I wonder how anyone above a "certain age range" is going to safely get off an external ladder onto the roof of a Class C? And then even more tricky, how to safely get off the roof back onto the ladder .... especially a ladder that is merely leaning against the edge of the roof?"

Pnchols, very carefully. Very slowly. That is an issue.

X2 LMAO

There is no difference from properly using a ladder to access the roof vs a built on except most built ons are not nearly as well constructed as the ladders I use around the house.
Either way you still have to transition from the top of the ladder to the roof both coming and going.

I've replaced {with the heavy duty, thick, allegedly unbreakable replacements}, all three hatch/vent covers over the last 3 years as the Arizona sun eats up the original plastic. I also get up there a couple of times a year just inspect but have yet to find anything that needed attention.

I use my 12' straight ladder slightly off of centerline at the rear of the coach and as noted go "slowly and carefully". I'm 65 and the first number when I get on the scale is still a "1".... but not by much. :B

If my coach had come with a built on I would probably be using it but it would hardly be a deal breaker one way or the other. {For the record Phil and I "usually" agree on stuff...}

As always.... Opinions and YMMV

:C
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 29, 2017
I admit to not being "on" the roof in a year. I can reach everything and put the cover on from the collapsible ladder...even wipe off the middle solar panel using a towel and broom.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 29, 2017
I admit to not being "on" the roof in a year. I can reach everything and put the cover on from the collapsible ladder...even wipe off the middle solar panel using a towel and broom.

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