Add ladder to RV or not

[Kbosch74]

Good afternoon.

We're getting very close to ordering our new travel trailer. Can anyone shed some light on the permanently installed ladders at the rear of the RV...pros or cons?

Thank you.

[teamfamily5]

If your roof was meant to be walked on the RV would come with a ladder and this is how you know it's safe to walk on

[Spade_Cooley]

I didn't get one for the following reasons"

It more trouble washing the trailer around the ladder.

When you need a ladder you don't always have it where you want it and you do not want to go walking around the roof except where you need to so a folding or extending ladder puts you right where you need to be. They are sold at Target.

[Kbosch74]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[jamnw]

I don't have one and time after time I wish I did.
More so to hang stuff from than getting on the roof.

I'm 250 lbs and probably would only use it in a desperate situation for getting on the roof. I like to have a ladder extending 3 to 4 feet above the roof line.

I learned something from this post: didn't know you couldn't add one later. I guess I will put that thought out of my mind...

[Ron3rd]

Go with the ladder, you'll be glad you did.

[wa8yxm]

The standard installed ladder is, in my not very humble opinion, scrap metal, and if I climb it more than once, IT WILL BE SCRAP METAL. No where near big enough to hold a 200 pounder (i'm 300 range).

I recommend against.

You can get a number of ladders that are very small to stow like the Little Giant or a telescoping ladder (Make sure you get one long enough you need a minimum of 3 feet more than what it takes to go topside)

Mine is a convertable step/extension, It is a crafstman, by extending it I can do the roof, and the step ladder is very handy for giving the rig a wash and wax. This is not the best for RVing though as it's big to store (I have hooks on the rear I hang it on).

[Jim_Shoe]

Buy this articulated ladder and strap it to the existing ladder with a plastic covered chain. Unless you're an acrobat, you can't climb onto the sloped roof when your last hand hold is below knee level. One of its best uses, is to set both end pieces 90 degrees from the other two to make a scaffold for reaching the awning or washing the windows.

[Ozlander]

Kbosch74 wrote:
It's only a $100 option so I figured if was even remotely useful, I'd do it.

For a 100 bucks I'd get one just to have it.
Then all the campers that don't have one will be green with envy.:B

[Led_67]

Go ahead and get the ladder because as the others have said it can be very useful and remember the rule...when you need it you will not have it.

[Parrothead_Mike]

If you don't go with a ladder you will still need to access the roof from time to time. I suppose a regular ladder would work when around the house, but when you're away from home you will be out of luck for removing branches or checking for any roof issues.

[USARMYCW]

RV daytrader wrote:
unless you want to be able to hang your chairs from it, I would suggest getting a telescoping ladder instead. Very stable leaned against side of RV, easier to climb than an installed ladder, put it where you want to check (no need to climb up back, walk the whole length to check an area up front)

X2

[Tothill]

Have a class c and a car topper box on the roof. We use the ladder each and every trip.

It is also handy for hanging wet towels when we get back from the beach. Tying one end of the dog rope (we tie one end to the ladder and the other to a tree, then run a line off it. The dog has lots of space to move, but is still tied up.

[RV_daytrader]

unless you want to be able to hang your chairs from it, I would suggest getting a telescoping ladder instead. Very stable leaned against side of RV, easier to climb than an installed ladder, put it where you want to check (no need to climb up back, walk the whole length to check an area up front)

[Kittykath]

A ladder is convenient for roof inspection and for sweeping off the slideouts & gutters. I'd get one.