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Old 07-06-2014, 07:56 AM   #1
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Ladders on a classic

Has anyone installed a latter on a classic motorhome? I have cooked up a a scheme for piggy-back carry of kayaks that would require ladders or racks on the back of the moho.
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Old 07-07-2014, 02:28 PM   #2
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I've been thinking also of installing racks on the rear roof section for Sup boards or kayaks. But wouldn't want to be walking around on the roof as that opens another can of worms as far as roof leaks are concerned.

Please do post details of the rack design you are considering for the others here thinking similar thoughts.

Good luck
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Old 07-07-2014, 02:32 PM   #3
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I don't know for sure how the end caps are constructed on the Classic MOHO, but I assume they are the same as the trailers. That being the case, there's not much support to affix the ladder to from the rear. I would guess you would need to move to a side ladder affixed to the rearmost bow where the end cap is mounted and span the ladder to the next forward bow.

It's perfectly OK to walk on the roof, you just want to stay on the rivet lines. I've been on my roof 20 or 30 times and never bent anything or opened up any rivets. BUT, stay off the end caps.
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Old 07-07-2014, 03:27 PM   #4
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My idea is to use the scupper holes to rack the kayaks. It would consist of extender bars attached to the ladder/rack similar to the ones that you use to hang lawn chairs on, or like a bike rack without the fittings for the bikes - just the bars. Four bars per kayak inserted through four of the scupper holes, add a crossbar to one of the sets of bars, and the kayak would be very securely held. Also, this arrangement would be fairly easily loaded.

If the end caps are unsuitable for supporting the ladders, then I suppose that some kind of rack arrangement could be fabricated for attachment to the bumper/frame.

I am just kicking around ideas at this point.
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Old 07-07-2014, 04:24 PM   #5
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I gather you are opposed to a small canoe/kayak trailer like this:

Trailers, Receiver Hitch Carriers & Trailer Accessories|MagnetaTrailers.com

I'm getting ready to make a 4 place canoe trailer out of an old rowboat trailer I've had at my father-in-law's place for 20 years. He was storing a paddleboat on it till recently, so now I get it back.
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Old 07-07-2014, 04:31 PM   #6
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Already towing a jeep. Simplest answer is to transport the kayaks on top of the jeep, but I prefer to keep the jeep as lightly burdened as possible.


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Old 07-07-2014, 04:34 PM   #7
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So......up the back and over to the first rib i suppose, past the end cap.
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Old 07-07-2014, 04:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mayco View Post
So......up the back and over to the first rib i suppose, past the end cap.
I thought of that too, but that'd be a long reach from the level of the top of the rear window (last highest ribs/crossmember as I recall) all the way to the first bow. That's gotta be like 4 feet. There is literally NOTHING under the outer skin on any of the curved pieces of the end cap. I found this out on the plant tour as well as when I was running some rear camera wiring.
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Old 07-07-2014, 04:58 PM   #9
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Could install aluminum catwalks down the whole length of the roof... LOL!


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Old 07-08-2014, 07:29 AM   #10
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I thing you would be opening up the opportunity for some nasty dents while loading and unloading.


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Old 07-08-2014, 04:59 PM   #11
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I think I'll go with the frame mounted arrangement.


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Old 07-10-2014, 08:30 PM   #12
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Instead of a ladder set-up, I was considering strapping my canoe along the lower side of the roof, streetside, just above the windows. This would block my refrigerator roof vent though. It's just a thought.

Had considered some sort of rack that's attached to hitch bumper, but if I tow a vehicle that's out as well.

There was an Argosy motorhome owner who had attached some sort of Yakima rack to roof of his 28ft motorhome. Needed the extra storage for Burning Man. Same sort of restrictions as far as rear cap though. Guess we just leave some of our toys home when on long distance travels where a toad is necessary??

If you figure something out, please post.

Thanks, Derek
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Old 07-11-2014, 06:26 AM   #13
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You could always strap it to the side like this guy did with his surf board

Click image for larger version

Name:	74-modified-argosy-surfs-up.jpg
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Yes, this is a 1974 20' Argosy motorhome, somewhat modified of course
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Old 07-12-2014, 10:06 AM   #14
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I
Have considered putting them on the sides- saddlebag style. I need to look at what does width wise. Surf boards are easy because they are flat. Kayaks are much thicker. If it doesn't cause a problem, then I like that solution a lot.
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Old 07-12-2014, 10:45 AM   #15
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I think you'll find that a Kayak would cause you to be over width. I've heard that some states enforce the width limit on motorhomes so that would be something to consider if you decide to mount them to the sides.
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Old 07-12-2014, 01:14 PM   #16
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Yep, that is exactly my concern.
I think the most logical place to transport them is atop my Jeep.


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Old 08-11-2014, 02:25 PM   #17
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just switch and get a inflatable kayak,they are great...easy to store..that is my solution...M
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Old 09-05-2014, 05:05 PM   #18
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I have used inflatables... Don't much like them.


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