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Old 12-05-2015, 09:24 AM   #1
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Ladders-telescoping?

We are considering getting a telescoping ladder for our Sport 22' that we tow with a Ford Flex...no space to store extra stuff, so considering a telescoping aluminum ladder. Any suggestions?
Thanks
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Old 12-05-2015, 09:33 AM   #2
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I carry one of these (Professional Heavy Duty 8.5 ft Aluminum Extension Telescopic Contractor Ladder).

Doesn't get used much, but works great when it does get used (330lb rating), unfortunately not always in stock with Amazon.
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Old 12-05-2015, 09:41 AM   #3
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Have had one of these since the AS was new.(early version)
Store it in the case....BUT it is a pretty substantial piece...25lbs & bulky, it will fit in the Classic's 'trunk' though.

IMHO.... ladders, buy quality.


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Old 12-05-2015, 10:25 AM   #4
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I've been using the Telesteps every day for over a year. They make several models. For an Airstream trailer, the smaller regular model works very well.

I use the 16' Pro model. The best feature is the single button that allows for the quick retract of all the rings.

Expensive but well worth it.


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Old 12-05-2015, 10:35 AM   #5
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I have a telescopic ladder that I got off of eBay. After some research discovered that the one I got is the same manufacturer as they sell at Camping World for half the price. (Just re-branded). Couple of things you must keep in mind when using one. Make sure your sections are full secured when you pull it up, and make sure your fingers are clear when you are letting it down! Sucker gets heavy near the end and can smash a thumb good! (experience speaking).
Here is a question that will probably be relevant for the OP. I haven't ever used mine to access the top of the trailer because I don't want to dent panels. Is there anyplace where you can buy some sort of ladder guard that would distribute the weight on the ladder enough as to not bend or dent the aluminum?

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Old 12-05-2015, 11:16 AM   #6
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So what do you do with these ladders? Lean them against the Airstream?
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Old 12-05-2015, 11:43 AM   #7
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If you lean them against anything, you need a pad on the top to prevent scratching or worse, especially on the fragile surface of an Airstream.

I have special foam caps made for this purpose. I'll post a photo when I get back to a computer later today.


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Old 12-05-2015, 02:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshAirStmr View Post
So what do you do with these ladders? Lean them against the Airstream?
As in 'what do you use them for?'

We have a rope and pole awning and the awning channel is approx approx 7ft 6in off the ground; a ladder makes it much easier to run the awning into the channel.
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Old 12-05-2015, 02:19 PM   #9
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Tilt solar panels, fix any number of multiple problems on the roof
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Old 12-05-2015, 03:07 PM   #10
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Sorry, I didn't really mean "what for," but rather "how to use." It seems like you could dent the Airstream when leaning a ladder against it but I really don't know. We've only been in possession of ours for 5 days. Scratching can be prevented, as Lew mentions, but are dents possible?
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Old 12-05-2015, 03:28 PM   #11
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I only lean it on the metal awning roll. Or maybe a window brow, but only as a last resort. Never on the skin
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Old 12-07-2015, 02:04 PM   #12
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A few shots of how I do it:

The cap is made in the USA using different densities of foam, with a very hard but pliable foam side that goes agains the coach wall. 'Been using these for about 18 months now…….very effective and not a scratch or dent to be found in any Airstream side wall...
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Old 12-07-2015, 02:51 PM   #13
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Although we won't take possession of our '25 Flying Cloud until Febuary, I have been pondering the ladder problem. I was really looking for a ladder that took up the least amount of space and was only considering it for pulling unlatching and pulling down the awnings, hoping I never have to climb on the roof while on the road.
This one is very compact and collapses to 3.5"x4.5"x64" and looks very attractive. I'm just waiting for delivery of the trailer to see which one is stow-able in one of the outside compartments.

Folding Ladders & Step Ladders, Best Folding Ladder | Folding Ladder System | ladder-guy.com
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Old 12-08-2015, 09:02 AM   #14
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Lew,

Where did you buy your ladder cap?
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Old 12-08-2015, 09:47 AM   #15
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We bought our telescoping ladder at ACE Hdwre ... they said that the round tube ladders were a bit stronger - not sure, but I think that I disagree ...??? I like the more rectangular style pictured above.
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Old 12-11-2015, 05:23 PM   #16
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I have the same ladder as Lew (though not that COOL foam cap...and I WANT one). I've found the ladder almost essential as I have 6 solar panels, a Winegard Sat dish, a WiFi Ranger antenna, a Wilson Cell Antenna, a King Jack antenna....etc. I put it against the awning roller or else on one of the window gutters. I started hauling the ladder this last travel season and used it multiple times. Fits in the trailer trunk standing on its side.
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Old 12-11-2015, 07:55 PM   #17
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I use a split pool noodle. Get one in season at a big box or pool store. Cut it in half and split it. Slide it over the rails and lean the ladder on the awning rail.

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Old 12-11-2015, 11:35 PM   #18
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Lew isn't telling where he got his cool foam cap.
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Old 12-12-2015, 10:58 AM   #19
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I have them made for me in the USA. PM me if you would like one. 😇😳


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Old 12-12-2015, 09:21 PM   #20
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I purchased this: Amazon.com: Generic EN131 Std. 12.5Ft Aluminum Telescopic Tel escoping Ladder Extension Exte nd Loft: Home Improvement on Nov 14th, 2014 and have been using it ever since with my Airstream.

If you spend some time on Amazon, you'll notice a lot of them look the same. I think that they are all coming from China and being resold under various names. Mine is sturdy and solid quality. Zero issues. And I paid under $150 at the time.

Wouldn't full time without one.
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