Being a newbie and getting ready to head out on our first cross country jaunt, I have been trying to stock all the goodies one might need. I am wondering what recommendations you all might have for a ladder to store in the storage area? I am a big guy so I like a sturdy ladder and I am sure I will need one at some point along the way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
A couple you might consider is this one from ACE Hardware (twin Step) or this multi use one from Home Depot.
You will always need one on a long trip.
A 7 Ft light commercial fiberglass step ladder rated at 325 lbs fits fine in our 1995 280 SE, I put it in at the front of the Joey Bed (closest to the front of the vehicle) vertically with the feet end toward the curb side, the ladder slopes just enough to clear the overhead wire channel in the bay and rolls in and out with the joey bed, fitting tight against the street side of the joey bed. The rest of the joey bed is full of the flip top stack boxes.
The boxes hold the ladder secure and the 7 ft height fits perfectly in the joey bed. I believe I purchased it at HD or WM. I prefer the fiberglass as there is less chance of it scratching something, or being dinged up. It is a yellow color, I do not have the coach with me so I cannot look at the name.
It was the only 7 Ft ladder I could find. Very glad that I chose it over a 6 footer, and much prefer storing it inside vice hanging off the rear ladder that I see frequently.
Greg 1995 280 SE
We own a Tele-Steps ladde (http://www.amazon.com/Telesteps-1800W-300-Pound-Telescoping-Extension/dp/B000G0ANDS/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1284951130&sr=8-2)r that we bought on-line from Amazon.com. Not cheap, but very well made and sturdy. I believe mine is rated for 300 pounds.
It is a little fussy to fold up, but once I got the hang of it -- it is fairly easy. Set up is a breeze. You can find them on line by entering Tele-Steps in Google.
My only complaint are the non-skid rubber cups on the bottom. The weight of me (165 lbs) and that of the ladder cut through the rubber cups. But, that also makes it better to use on gravel or sand or dirt because the round tubes then dig into the ground to provide secure footing.
I can use mine to wash windows, to work on awnings, to work on the roof and it easily stores in either bay -- although I store it in the CR-V.
It opens to 12.5 ft height or as little as about 4 ft. It has a vinyl cap on the end but I put a towel over it if I want the end of the ladder to rest on the side of the coach.
Hope this helps. Welcome to the Forum and to the world of Foretravel
Scott,
Inasmuch as you are a newbie, I'd like to suggest a few other optional goodies to own:
-Pressure Pro or other tire monitoring system
-Progressive Industries electrical management system. Get the one with the digital readout that goes inside of your coach
-A water pressure regulator to attach to the water bib in campgrounds
If you need more suggestions, just ask. We will all be glad to help you spend your money. ;D ;D ;D
Gentlemen,
Thanks for all you helpful responses that confimed my suspicions on ladder needs. This forum and the yahoo group has been an amazing asset in our year long adventure to buy and equip our Foretravel. On Aug. 12 we head out for our 4 week cross country adventure. Our first in a motorhome. We used to go via Harley but the wife can no longer handle the long days on the road. We appreciate all the valuable information so many of you provide and maintain. We hope to meet many of you as we traverse the USA over the next few years.
I found a "Little Giant" ladder on Woot.com for $129 and $5 shipping. I bought 2 and the shipping was STILL only $5 total for the 2. It's only about 48" closed but so changeable that you have about 10 ladder schemes in 1.
They retail for close to $280 elsewhere. They are a little thick ( bulky ) but I'm so glad I bought 2. Look them up online and see what I mean.
That's a great price. As heavy as they are I don't know how they can ship them for $5.00
You got a steal there ;D
We used them in my business but they sure were heavy & bulky but very versatile.
I bought the telescoping heavy duty ladder from Camping World. It was fairly expensive and thus I anguished over buying it.
See: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/telesteps-1400e-telescoping-extension-ladder/52090 (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/telesteps-1400e-telescoping-extension-ladder/52090)
This 10 foot ladder telescopes down to a little over 2 feet and is very sturdy. I have used it a lot over a couple of years and love it.
One of the better investments I've made.
I am cheap and as our coach is an older Gran Villa the under storage is limited plus I took the front right storage compartment for the extra battery pack for the solar and 120 volt conversion. As such I carry my ladder like the Beverly Hillbilly's on the back ladder of the coach. I carry a 7 foot fiberglass ladder. Some times depending on which car I have on the car trailer I store it under the car. It fits under the 41 Ford Coupe but not under the Subaru very well.
so Brad, how old is your coach? got any pic's of your 41? thanks
Outlaw