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Lightweight Ladders for Camper-Roof Access


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#1 MarkBC

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Posted 17 January 2015 - 10:04 PM

GroovyDad's "latest purchase pic" caught my attention:

 

post-5621-0-12575500-1421529797_thumb.jp

 

I'd been wondering if I could find a very-compact/minimalist ladder that I could use for access to my camper roof for if/when I used my roof-top solar panels in tilt mode.  I'd want a moveable ladder, rather than those folding bolted-on cleats/steps, so that I can get access to all sides of the roof (without getting on the roof).  

I'm talking about a ladder compact enough that I can carry it with me when camping -- I have big extension ladders and step ladders for home use, but too bulky to carry with.


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#2 PaulT

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 03:19 AM

With unlimited budget, you could try a firefighter's folding ladder. http://www.fireladder.com/fold.html

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#3 Alley-Kat

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 03:40 AM

I really like this GP Logistics 5 foot Double Sided Compact Folding Ladder.

Nice and compact when folded up, about 4" square and the length of the ladder.

I'm waiting for it to go on sale at Camping World again (I missed it when they first introduced it), or get it from Amazon.


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#4 craig333

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 05:44 AM

This is the one I'll get as soon as I work some overtime.

http://www.ebay.com/...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT


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#5 MarkBC

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 05:50 AM

This is the one I'll get as soon as I work some overtime.

http://www.ebay.com/...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

That one looks perfect -- except for the price.   :o

It says "aluminum", but that has to be a typo... For $1080. it must be made of platinum.  :wacko:


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#6 craig333

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 06:13 AM

Wth? I should have previewed that first. I have no idea where the price came from. They normally go for under $200. 


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#7 Alley-Kat

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 02:57 PM

Some Ebay sellers do an unreasonably high price when they are out of stock. This way they keep their auctions up for eyeballs to see, yet don't generate any sales, thus minimal fees to Ebay. Once they have the product, the price goes back to the real value and sales start up again.


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#8 MarkBC

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 07:22 PM

OK...a quick search on "telescopic aluminum extension ladder" (a general search beyond ebay) shows lots of choices under $100 (and some better-? brands between $100 and $200, e.g. some sold by Home D-po).

 

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAkz9XWkGPomkOoLeCBlz

 

I'd forgotten about this type of ladder (I think I've seen them in TV infomercials some time ago) until Craig posted the "overpriced" one ;).

I'm going to get one!  I think I'll get one long enough to reach the camper roof while roof is raised.


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#9 takesiteasy

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 08:41 PM

The 10 footer on that ebay site is only $99.

 

http://www.ebay.com/...291118928?rt=nc


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#10 DesertDave

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Posted 18 January 2015 - 08:50 PM

I have the single-sided version of the one that Alley-cat listed. They sometimes are called 'stick ladders' in that they fold up into a 'stick' less than 4 inches square and length equal to their height.  Mine fits across the cab behind the front seats, using space I couldn't otherwise use, and I can grab it from either side.

 

I have used it a dozen times or more, loading and unloading kayaks, which on an F350 4X4 is at a height a wee bit taller than some of the smaller rigs.  My main issue is that when hoisting a 50 lb boat up on it, it wobbles enough on uneven ground that I want someone bracing the ladder while I load and tie down boats.  I have decided to use a more conventional ladder for loading and unloading of boats, but I think it would be near ideal if I needed to raise and lower solar panels.  I think I spent about $70 for the stick ladder, and it is always in the truck in case I need to access the front 2/3rd of the roof for any reason, say to clear snow or dislodge a rabid beaver.


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