What is Best collapsible ladder to carry?

azloafer · 09-13-2010, 05:32 AM

I want a strong ladder that will fit into a storage bay. What is best and where can I buy it? Thanks, Joe

GG1 · 09-13-2010, 06:36 AM

I have a 7 foot one that folds into a 5x5 square, you can climb up either side and has an optional tool tray. It slides into the box that goes through to the other side of the motorhome. It takes up very little space, I used to carry one on my ladder on the rear of the coach but this one works better. Its also very sturdy, I bought it from camping world I think for around $120 its a little pricey but works good. The only drawback is that its heavy.

Route 66 · 09-13-2010, 06:42 AM

Cosco 17' ladder at Walmart. The 13' was too short to safely use when I needed to reach the roof of my MH.

Remember ladders are not usable at their stated length.

Refuse1 · 09-13-2010, 07:23 AM

I have one of these and it works great ! Very light weight, it telescopes from 2.5' to 12.5'. It is quick to deploy and easy to store. Takes up alot less room than a folding ladder. Bought mine @ Target.

Xtend & Climb Type 1A Contractor Telescoping Ladder - 12.5' : Target

Clay L · 09-13-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Refuse1

I have one of these and it works great ! Very light weight, it telescopes from 2.5' to 12.5'. It is quick to deploy and easy to store. Takes up alot less room than a folding ladder. Bought mine @ Target.

Xtend & Climb Type 1A Contractor Telescoping Ladder - 12.5' : Target

I have one of those also and like it.
I lucked out and got it on a close- out for about $150.

smlranger · 09-13-2010, 08:50 AM

I have both the 'extend-and-climb' 12' ladder and the 7' folding step ladder from Camping World. I prefer the 7' folding ladder overall and carry that in a compartment. The extend-and-climb requires you to lean it against something (like a standard extension ladder) so it was not usefull for cleaning the windshield or other circumstances where a step ladder would work.

AC eagle · 09-13-2010, 07:52 PM

My wife smashed her finger in the colapsable ladder flattening her diamond ring. It had to be cut off of her finger. Want to buy one cheap??? Dont ask what it cost me!!!

photoadjuster · 09-13-2010, 08:17 PM

The telescoping type of ladders are a good product from a good company (legal disclaimer only). But you must be very very very careful extending them ( you must make sure that each latch on both ends of each step are correctly engaged. Also, as Bill wrote above, you might want to wear shark proof gloves before collapsing it.

As an insurance adjuster, I have seen numerous claims, caused by these ladders, One heating & air conditioner repair company destroyed several of them (so no one would ever use them again) after an injury.

In my opinion, and my opinion only, they are not safe. If you have one, please don't use it and do not give it away. Place it under one of your leveling jacks, lift the coach and sell it for scrap along with your empty aluminum cans.

pameridan04 · 09-13-2010, 08:33 PM

Hi:

+2 for the folding 7ft step ladder from camping world. Like smlranger stated, it slides into the side compartment, and you need at least a 7 footer to clean winshield and stuff. CW usually has them on sale, and you save a few bucks more if you are a president club member. I think they are around $149 or so.

I bought mine at the Louisville Rally, had a $50 coupon from CW...

Regards... Jim P.

SCVJeff · 09-13-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clay L

I have one of those also and like it.
I lucked out and got it on a close- out for about $150.

Got one too except mine is black anodized (dont think make them anymore). Having read about a few folks getting their fingers in these, I'm always aware of where all 10 of mine are when collapsing it.

azloafer · 09-13-2010, 10:29 PM

CW no longer has the 7 foot ladder, just 5' and 6'. Joe

UFO Pilot · 09-13-2010, 10:59 PM

I have the Camping World 6' and the 7' fold up ladders. I only use the 7' one now as it is lighter and lets me reach the top of the windshield.

AFChap · 09-14-2010, 07:08 AM

I too have the 7ft collapsible step ladder carried in a pass-through bay.. if 8ft would fit I would have bought it. I have never used it for washing the windshield ...have a telescoping sponge/squeege for that. Don't recall where I bought the ladder ...CW maybe, but have seen them other places too. Check online for "collapsible ladder."

azloafer · 09-14-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

I too have the 7ft collapsible step ladder carried in a pass-through bay.. if 8ft would fit I would have bought it. I have never used it for washing the windshield ...have a telescoping sponge/squeegee for that. Don't recall where I bought the ladder ...CW maybe, but have seen them other places too. Check online for "collapsible ladder."

Don't you find that "telescoping sponge/squeegee" difficult to use on the curved windshield? I couldn't figure out how to get the curved ends dry without a ladder. Is there a trick to it? Joe

hamguy · 09-14-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer

I want a strong ladder that will fit into a storage bay. What is best and where can I buy it? Thanks, Joe

We use a 7' aluminum telescoping jobbie. Sturdy and lightweight. I don't recall the brand but I got it at Home Depot 4 years ago.

UFO Pilot · 09-14-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer

Don't you find that "telescoping sponge/squeegee" difficult to use on the curved windshield? I couldn't figure out how to get the curved ends dry without a ladder. Is there a trick to it? Joe

Joe
That is my problem also, that is why I use the ladder and a soft cloth.

bdpreece · 09-14-2010, 10:35 AM

I also have the 7ft Collapsible from Camping World. It does not seem as sturdy as my old green fiberglass folding ladder but it works as advertised and I am careful to make sure it is on solid & level ground when I use it. I love the fact that is easy to store and that I don't have to unload a lot of stuff that has been set on it in order to get it out from under the motorhome.

Suncircles · 09-14-2010, 04:38 PM

I have the 7' collapsible ladder which came with the coach. It satisfies all the needs I have in working around the coach. It folds down to an approximately 4"x4"x7' configuration and is stored in its own box in the streetside bay of the coach. I write because I have been bitten by the thing several times while collapsing it. It is the best ladder to have but beware of pinched fingers while collapsing it. Also beware of the fact that fingers may get snapped while unlatching the red latches on the bottom inside of the legs. Gloves help a lot! The red strap that holds the legs together in the stored configuration broke early on in its life, so the strap is useless to me. PPL still has the 7' collapsible ladder.

Suncircles

2005 Journey 36G with 2006 CRV Toad

AFChap · 09-14-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Don't you find that "telescoping sponge/squeegee" difficult to use on the curved windshield?

The curved edges are a more difficult than the flatter areas, but not so bad I feel a need to get out a ladder to do it by hand. I came very near getting out my own squeegee today at a Pilot truck stop when both of the ones I tried from the truck island were beyond use on the scrubber side...

hamguy · 09-15-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamguy

We use a 7' aluminum telescoping jobbie. Sturdy and lightweight. I don't recall the brand but I got it at Home Depot 4 years ago.

It is not 7'. It is closer to 12'. Works just fine and sturdy.