Forum Discussion

1ed's avatar
1ed
Explorer
Apr 24, 2021

What Size Telescoping Ladder

I have a tt that has a height of 10 ft and I AM looking for a telescoping ladder. My trailer does have a ladder but I want to mount a Pathway Satellite Antenna on the existing ladder and I thought it would be easier to have the additional ladder for this application. I would like to know how tall I should get based on others experiences. Thanks Ed
  • me? i'd want a ladder the extended at least a foot above the roof line. and remember, your ladder will be resting at an angle against youf TT meaning the ladder will need to be longer than 10' to begin with so it will be even with the roof.
  • We have a 12 ft for our TT, works well so far the roof of the TT is about 10 ft. But I lean the ladder against the installed ladder on back and climb the last two rungs on that. Don't want to score the paint on the TT by leaning the ladder on it.
  • If you were nearby, I'd give you one, slightly used, 12 footer. I hate it. Vertical rung spacing is way more than I am comfortable with. Be sure to check that out on whatever you find.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    10' Well I'd say 14 foot for the ladder (10 foot + a foot for the slope + 3 feet above roof)

    If you are near Flint I have a 12.5 you can try and a convertable (14') that I really should junk convertable step/extension ladder.. you can try 'em for size reference.. Not selling the telescoping and for sure not the one the other one I'm likely going to sell as scrap metal.. It is damaged and I'd not wish the liability of passing it on..
  • Are you looking for one time use, or to purchase?
    (Presuming you really never have needed a ladder if you don’t actually own an extension ladder).
    One time? Borrow one.
    Purchase? However long you want. OSHA says ladders extend 3’ min beyond upper landing. But this is sort of a strange question......
  • I've comfortably gotten on and off the 10' roof for years with a 10' self standing ladder. I would never take that RVing though, and as I'm finally getting close to that age where my adventures will be longer, I just purchased a 12.5' collapsible ladder, which I expect will work quite well. Taller might be easier, but it starts getting heavy and storage becomes an issue.
  • Using a short ladder to get on the roof is easy, getting off can be dangerous with nothing to hang onto.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Did I mention I used to be a professional ladder monikey

    I've done 2 rungs (each a foot apart) above the roof but 3 is recommended for safety.
    That is why I recommended 14 feet (one foot for The Pythagorean theorem 10 feet for the roof and 3 for safety)

    How to "Set" the ladder (proper slope) To get the slant or slope of the ladder right you need a handy Dandy Slope gauge Thankfully you have one... Built in.

    With your toes just touching the ladder's "Feet" reach out and grab a rung.

    IF you just barely touch it with your fingers.. Too "flat" move feet closer to trailer.

    If you have to bend your ram (or the rung hits your wrist) move feet farther from trailer

    If, with your arm fully extended the rung falls nicely in the palm of your hand so you grip it like you'd grip it climbing.. Good to go

    Be sure to secure the top when you get there Least it blow over and strand you.

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