External Ladder missing

[KatRobMcD]

Our 2022 3931FB came without a ladder mounted to the frame. Anyone else in the same situation? How do you determine where the supporting structure is to mount an aftermarket ladder? Suggestions on where to order from or who to install? We've made due with a portable A-frame ladder but considering adding something more permanent to check the roof and slide tops.

[AZ Traveler]

Kathryn,

The ladder attaches to the roof and the back of the trailer. Sounds like it may have been in an accident and the ladder was not replaced?

The roof attachment likely carries most of the load. A good RV body shop should be able to install a new ladder.

[BB_TX]

Did you buy new? Used?

Here is where the ladder should be. Is there no sign it was ever there?

[Rotnjonny]

As a result of the pandemic, many industries experienced supply chain interruptions, including Keystone. As a result, there was a point in time where the ladder supply was disrupted and units were being shipped without a ladder. There is a good chance that you have one of those units. I would look at a unit like yours to see where they were attached and investigate those locations in your unit.

[KatRobMcD]

Thanks. This 2022 was not pre-owned so not likely in an accident. Thanks though.

[KatRobMcD]

@Rotnjonny - Sounds like you nailed it. We bought ours new and there is no evidence that a ladder was ever put on our rig. Thanks for the feedback.

I didn't think about it being a resource issue leftover from Pandemic days. And it didn't help that our salesman gave us a line of BS that the manufacturers are starting to make them all without ladders because of the structural integrity being impacted.

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by KatRobMcD

@Rotnjonny - Sounds like you nailed it. We bought ours new and there is no evidence that a ladder was ever put on our rig. Thanks for the feedback.

I didn't think about it being a resource issue leftover from Pandemic days. And it didn't help that our salesman gave us a line of BS that the manufacturers are starting to make them all without ladders because of the structural integrity being impacted.

If this was a purchase in the last year and you didn't get a credit from the dealer for a missing ladder noted on the contract I would ask them to fix it. The ladder is standard equipment.

I believe the dealers that sold legacy models without disk brakes gave folks a credit for the brakes.

[KatRobMcD]

@AZ Traveler, we purchased it May 2022 and the dealer (Camping World in Marion IL) is closed down. Interesting thought for a credit. Too late however

[Carl n Susan]

You might try contacting Montana Customer Service and see what they have to say. Perhaps CW headquarters might be another source to try?
You definitely should have has a ladder. If Covid caused a shortage, there had to be an adjustment. Either a discount or a plan to install it later.

[C&P RV]

I bought one from Keystone through Affinity in Goshen last year at the rally. Cost was $245. I installed it myself. You might be able to use a stud finder to find the backer locations in the back wall since yours was never installed. The roof should be pretty straight forward as the ladder is premade with the roof bends and mounts. The mounting brackets to attach it on the back of the RV came in a bag with the hardware. I had to drill the tubing at the appropriate locations as the replacement ladder came without any holes so the ladder can be aligned to the backers. In my case that was easy as I was replacing the ladder where someone had tapped it in a couple of places and it wasn't stable (at least not enough for me to keep climbing it..).

[KatRobMcD]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

You might try contacting Montana Customer Service and see what they have to say. Perhaps CW headquarters might be another source to try?
You definitely should have has a ladder. If Covid caused a shortage, there had to be an adjustment. Either a discount or a plan to install it later.

I suppose it can't hurt to try! CW definitely did not give us any credit since they claimed that the lack of ladder was intentional on this 2022 model. Obviously, incorrect info. Thanks for your input.

[KatRobMcD]

Originally Posted by C&P RV

I bought one from Keystone through Affinity in Goshen last year at the rally. Cost was $245. I installed it myself. You might be able to use a stud finder to find the backer locations in the back wall since yours was never installed. The roof should be pretty straight forward as the ladder is premade with the roof bends and mounts. The mounting brackets to attach it on the back of the RV came in a bag with the hardware. I had to drill the tubing at the appropriate locations as the replacement ladder came without any holes so the ladder can be aligned to the backers. In my case that was easy as I was replacing the ladder where someone had tapped it in a couple of places and it wasn't stable (at least not enough for me to keep climbing it..).

Good to know. We are toying with the idea of going to this year's rally. Never been to one so am unsure what goes on for the week. Couldn't find an itinerary or list of events/activities.

[scottz]

I find the ladder on the back to be flimsy. Every time I get on it, I feel like it is going to rip off; I use it as little as possible.

If I was in your position I would not mount a ladder; just carry a telescoping ladder.

I carry a 12.5' telescoping ladder. I paid $161 for it on Amazon 5 years ago; now it is $370. There are cheaper ones, but I can't vouch for the quality.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

I also purchased the silicone pad for it to prevent sliding and protect the RV.

https://xtendandclimb.com/product/top-rung-cover/

[Carl n Susan]

The 2024 Rally Agenda won''t be published for a while. But it is likely to be similar to last year's Rally Agenda.
Here is a link to the 2023 Agenda. As you will see, it can be a busy week.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=89889

[KatRobMcD]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

The 2024 Rally Agenda won''t be published for a while. But it is likely to be similar to last year's Rally Agenda.
Here is a link to the 2023 Agenda. As you will see, it can be a busy week.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=89889

Thanks!! Seeing last year's itinerary is extremely helpful.

[Foldbak]

My dealer told me that Keystone had a supply shortage on ladders so some didn't come with a ladder. The ladders are flimsy. I added stand offs on the roof to help support. It worked great.

[PDGx]

I would second the use of a collapsible ladder instead of the rear mount. The mounted ladders are a PITA to navigate from vertical, to the roof, and worse in reverse.

A slanted ladder is easier to navigate onto, and from the roof, stepping off the side of the ladder while standing upright, and not crawling over the ladder onto the top.

The collapsible ladders you can use anywhere, directly onto each slide out, or using them to access windows for cleaning.

We have both, and the collapsible ladder gets used almost exclusively.

[krobb]

I have a 2021 3931FB and have the ladder. For what it’s worth, I just ran across a video the other day that shows a manufacture utilizing a telescoping ladder that has a fastener located at the rear of their rig. No ladder to get in the way, just raise to desired height and you are good to go. If I didn’t already have a ladder I would look at this as a possible fix. Good Luck!

[KatRobMcD]

Thank you all for your input. We agree with the general consensus that the mounted ladders are flimsy & awkward and will likely just stick with our collapsible one. It was interesting to learn that our lack of a mounted ladder on our new rig was due to supply shortage and not (as the salesman told us) a new standard of production.