Picking a ladder...

[daveinaz]

I'm debating between a multi-position ladder like this one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-1...T-13/100658842

Or a folding ladder like this one:

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/GPL-7...2AD26C341AA795

I can use the factory ladder on the back to get onto the roof if needed. But I'm needing a ladder to reach the ceiling in the living room on the inside and something to reach the top of the slide-outs on the outside. I'm only 5'7" so I'm wondering if the 7' folding ladder would be tall enough reach the top of the slide-out or do maintenance on the sides of the 5er.

They both weigh about the same 25 vs 26.5 pounds so that's not an issue. But obviously the Werner takes up a lot more room than the GP Logistics that folds up into the size of a 4x4.

I'm leaning toward the Werner since it seems more versatile and would give me more reach but I like the GP ones since it's so compact...

[rohrmann]

I have one of these for inside the rig https://www.coscoproducts.com/eng/Pr...bber-Hand-Grip


And have one of these for outside https://www.campingworld.com/xtendcl...-ramps-ladders


Both store easily and are all I need. Many times I will use the extending ladder to lean up against the rear ladder to make it easier to get on the roof, especially if I have to carry tools with me. The extending ladders aren't cheap, but this is one of those things that should not be purchased by going for the low end product.

[Kidsolly]

I own a Werner ladder very similar to the you are considering. It is very sturdy and I have complete confidence when using it in any configuration. Used a 6 ft folding ladder last week like the one you are also considering purchasing. In the open position I would not climb higher than the second step without somebody helping to stabilize the ladder. As a leaning ladder, it should be ok but might not be tall enough for your needs. When choosing a ladder, safety first.

[DmaxDually]

I have a multi position ladder and it works great and is very sturdy no matter what step I am on. My friend has one of those folding ladder in his RV and I tried it once and never again. Too many pivot points makes it very flimsey and unstable. The steps are narrow and fold in the middle. Not safe to work off of IMO...

[Rondo]

One thing you might want to consider is WEIGHT. The first ladder you listed is very sturdy and you can do a lot with it in extended and folded positions both. I carry the second ladder you posted with us because it is quite light and sturdy IF you make sure the locks are on. I've climbed up on the ladder all the way to the next to the top rung and felt safe the whole time. I took a 6X6 plastic fence post and mounted it to the basement ceiling. I had to cut a small amount of it off for the post to fit in the basement but that is where I store our ladder. I've put a cap for the post on one end and use clamps I carry with us to secure it from coming out the other end. Works well.. Consider the weight and what you feel safe on and that should be your choice.

[jking]

I just bought the 22ft multi-position gorilla ladder for $99. (Reg $219) at the Home Depot! Spring Black Friday sale. Next time will be memorial or Father’s Day sales.

[WeBeFulltime]

I had the Werner that you linked to HD and is was a good ladder but HEAVY!

[MidMOTraveler]

I have the HF version of the multi position ladder. It works for everything and is very sturdy. I carry it in the back of the truck tailgate side of the hitch.

[Dave W]

I have the Werner 13 foot version. Commercial grade and is heavy. I rest it against the 5ers ladder to get on the roof. It will not by itself with the bottom kick out (1:4 ratio) for stability, allow access to the roof without using at least the two top rungs of the 5ers ladder. I wish I had bought the next longer version, an 18 footer. Did I mention that it is heavy and will add in bulky to store?

[BiggarView]

I'd consider a 17' folding version similar to the Werner product. For inside the smaller 3 step ladder seems appropriate.

I say the 17' (folds down to 4 1/2 feet) because you may not want to go up on the roof and the 17' makes all sides of the RV accessible, including the roof if the need arose. I've seen them for about 100 dollars with a 300 lb rating on sale recently. At 14 feet, the deployed ladder may not be high enough to rest on the top of the walls on the outside of the RV, potentially damaging them instead. Just food for thought.

[dlscott185]

I have the telescoping ladder referred to earlier. Here is one similar for a decent price.

https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Tele...gateway&sr=8-5

[daveinaz]

I currently have a commercial grade 22' multi-position ladder. It is sturdy but it is VERY heavy - not to mention it takes a lot of room to store. It's a beast! The Werner is advertised as being lighter than before -- the 13' is around 26-27 pounds, which isn't much more than the folding ladder. But BiggarView makes a good point that the 17' multi may be better.


With our motorhome we just kept a 6' step ladder in the basement and that sufficed for dealing with awnings and such, but it wasn't as tall as the 5er.

And those telescoping ladders are neat too! Have there been any issues with leaning the telescopic ladders against the side of the 5er? The storage dimensions of the telescopic (41x20x4) would be about the same as the 13' Werner (40x18x7) and close to same weight (24 vs 26).

[jdarwin]

Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime

I had the Werner that you linked to HD and is was a good ladder but HEAVY!

I also have this ladder and it is HEAVY. I'm getting ready to buy the one dlscott185 referenced

[rohrmann]

The only hazard with the telescoping ladders is the very hard feet of the ladder. When using these ladders on soil or gravel surfaces, they seem to be quite stable, but be very careful when using on a hard surface such as blacktop or concrete, as they can slip out from under you, and that is from experience As with any ladder use, and there is any chance that things will move on you, be sure to have another person assist with stabilizing the ladder.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by dlscott185

I have the telescoping ladder referred to earlier. Here is one similar for a decent price.

https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Tele...gateway&sr=8-5

Have this ladder and love it. Much better than the telescopic from camping world which I originally owned. It was great until the collapsing mechanism malfunctioned and the manufacturer had no remedy. This one takes a few more steps to collapse but not bad at all. Takes little space in the cargo bay. Have used it inside to work on ceiling fan and A/C unit. One was close to the wall and was able to support it against the retracted dining room slide to work on the A/C unit.

[2019 montana]

I bought the H.D. ladder maybe 2 years ago. PROS. It is very versatile. CONS. two heavy, you all most / need two people to extend it, the spring loaded locking pads, are tuff to open. There is my two cents. I have herd the folding ladder is best with the top work bench platform.

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

The only hazard with the telescoping ladders is the very hard feet of the ladder. When using these ladders on soil or gravel surfaces, they seem to be quite stable, but be very careful when using on a hard surface such as blacktop or concrete, as they can slip out from under you, and that is from experience As with any ladder use, and there is any chance that things will move on you, be sure to have another person assist with stabilizing the ladder.

Had a friend who almost died because the foot of the ladder slipped. Severe brain trauma. The irony is he taught ladder safety for his Volunteer FD.

[daveinaz]

I decided to get the 3 step stool for the inside and the 7' folding ladder for outside.

I debated between the multi-position Werner and the telescopic ladder since they are about the same size folded up but I went with the folding ladder for it's size when stored. I think I'll do like some others and store it in a fence post thingie (technical word, right?).

[summer home]

We have the three step stepstool for inside... excellent
and the telescoping ladder for outside.. I like it, however, I need something different to be able to reach the outside edge of my awning... it is pretty high up, with nothing to lean the telescoping ladder against...........

[daveinaz]

Originally Posted by summer home

We have the three step stepstool for inside... excellent
and the telescoping ladder for outside.. I like it, however, I need something different to be able to reach the outside edge of my awning... it is pretty high up, with nothing to lean the telescoping ladder against...........

That's one of the reasons I went with the folding stepladder. It doesn't need anything to lean it up against. I can always use the factory ladder to get up on the roof if I need to.