There's another thread going on that discusses using the ladders and walking on the roofs.. On my 2008 Toy Hauler, the ladder seems about the same construction quality I have seen elsewhere - but the mounting was not all that solid (rusty lag bolts into wood that was not sealed well).. I took my ladder off and replaced it.
I thought I would give a heads up to the gang here that there is a sale on these extending ladders.. 16.5' tall fully extended and can also be used as a step ladder. For $139 it is a bargain.

Rakuten.com:YescomUSA|16.5 Ft Aluminum Telescopic Ladder Telescoping A-Type Extension Multi Purpose|Uncategorized

Still at close to 240#, I don't want to walk on the roof unless I absolutely have to.. Other than working on vents and caulking, I can do everything I need to do from the ladder.. It is a pretty sturdy piece.

 

Picture.. Sorry...

 

I use the Werner version of the Little Giant Ladder. It is heavier but I have heard horror stories of the telescoping ladders collapsing.

Werner ladder

 

I've heard stories about them as well, but then again - it's a ladder and it is subject to proper setup and use.
One thing you can count on is that people will fall off of any ladder, no matter how sturdy it is.
These telescoping ladders seem pretty doggoned solid to me. As long as you go back and check the latching of each of the thumb-slides on every rung and observe normal ladder safety protocol, you should be just fine.

I did look at The Little Giant and I liked it as well, but space was more of an issue for me so I took a pass on that one..

 

I had one and used it for several years until it got wet. After that it would collapse unexpectedly.


Steve

 

I just have a 6 foot step ladder for around the sides.


Since I don't mind getting up on the roof the step ladder is sufficient.

 

Randy, do you lean the ladder against the trailer?


If so, where?


Any hints of where to not lean it against?

 

I have been leaning ladders against RV sidewalls for years normally so the feet extend above the roofline. I weigh 185 pounds. I very seldom use the ladder on the RV as I think they are too narrow to be safe. I carry an extention ladder on my truck as well as an 8 foot step ladder and a four footer.
As long as you are careful and use common sense, there is really no problem. My extention ladder has the rubber booties on the legs and if it is going to lean on the edge of the roof I go up easy and put terry cloth towels on the edge so I leave no marks.

I work off the 8-footer on slides or use the extention as required. The strength of the roof has more to do with getting up on it. I always feel first with my hands than step gingerly. On the entry level ultra-lites I try to feel for the stringers where I step and if the is too much give, I use a piece of plywood or particle board to distribute my weight, but that is rarely necessary.

As with anything, slow and carefully will handle nearly every repair!

 

Pretty much what Steve said.. Although If I have to put it up against the siding, I use a double layer of old sweat-socks over the ends of the ladder..

About the only place I won't put the ladder is up against the outsides of the slides when they are pushed out - and glass of course..

 

Thanks Steve and Randy!

 

I can't imagine a ladder that doesn't hold properly, once wet!
Pretty scary thought to use something that doesn't have securing locks on rungs.
You're a braver man there Steve.

 

My telescoping ladder has positive locks on both sides for each rung.. I don't know if they are all this way or not.. It sure seems solid to me though..

 

Since I haven't actually seen the telescoping ladder that Randy mentions, I can't say it's not a good choice - and it is a LOT better then the piece of junk RV manufacturers seem to use.

If I was to be looking for a different telescoping ladder and these were my choices there are a few things that would be on my list.

The first would be a positive locking mechanism when it was extended. The Werner has one spring loaded locking pin, ~1" in diameter on each leg along with a very heavy pivot pin holding the two leg sections.

The other 'thing' would be the rating and which organization made it. The Werner is an ANSI 1A (plus OSHA) which is extra heavy duty with the other, EN 131 (not OSHA tho, according to the adverising) and is commercial/DIY duty.

I would look at load carrying ability. The Werner/ANSI says 300# and no qualifying for how it's being used while the other is 150 kg vertical tho the advertising says 330# load carrying which is the same as 150 kg. Be real careful here as vertical load capacity will not be the same for a ladder at the 'standard' 1:4 ratio when against a wall.

Is that Rakutan/Yescom.USA ladder a bad one. Probably not but I would like to see one to help make my decision if I was to think of purchasing one tho for sure would take Randy's recommendation into consideration

 

I had the same ladder and liked it. I don't know why the locks stopped locking reliably, but when I was on it and it collapsed onto my foot as I was climbing, I had to stop using it. It was really handy as it was so convenient to bring along. It may have been a fluke, don't really know.

Steve

 

I would certainly be concerned if something like that ever happened to me too Steve... And who knows, maybe over time and use, this one of mine will get all loosey-goosey and I have to Bin the darned thing.. Dunno yet, but will keep the troops here informed.
As to not having OSHA stamp of approval, I know that OSHA is not the only organization that provides certification and OSHA is also not recognized as the authority of safety anywhere but the USA - although it would certainly be recognized by folks like us if we were across the pond I would hope..
Here is a link and picture that tell a little more about the European standard. Maybe that would help.
British and European Ladder Certification Standards