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AirHog · 01-27-2007, 03:45 PM

We value our friends opinions on the Little Giant Ladders and it's versatility.

Has anyone used this system for working on the top of your trailer, around uneven surfaces, etc. Is it all what the advertisement states it to be? Local BJ's has the 17 foot for $311 which is cheaper than anywhere else advertised. Regardless of the high price, is it worth buying? We have other extension and step ladders but need something to get in those tough places conventional ladders can't reach.

Many thanks,
Titu

Fyrzowt · 01-27-2007, 04:10 PM

My brother is a contractor who uses one a lot. Not only do they extend like a straight extension ladder, they work as a normal A-frame step ladder. I have used it on stairs, making one leg of the ladder short, the other leg long. You can get pretty creative with them.
As to whether they are worth the money is a personal question. My brother owns several and finds them very useful in his business. I have only an occasional use for it, and so do not own one. But then, I'm cheap!

Dave

Chuck · 01-27-2007, 04:46 PM

I've used a similar ladder, and it is quite handy. Far as I can tell, it does anything the little giant will do, but it costs a 1/3 as much.

I haven't been able to figure out whats different about LG that warrants that much $$$. Doesn't mean there isn't something...I just don't know what it is.

The one I have (borrowed from dad) is made by Cosco; (and was also availble at Costco); I think he got it at Sam's. I've seen others by Werner in the big-box stores.

ticki2 · 01-27-2007, 04:51 PM

I have had one for about 20 years and use it for work . Back then I paid about 400 so I'm not sure if the newer ones are as heavy duty . There is nothing like it for working on or around stairs . Mine is the 22' model . It's a little heavy to just use as a step ladder . I can't see how it would help work on the roof of an AS , except to get up on it. It's also great for cathedral ceilings .

TinShack · 01-27-2007, 04:57 PM

I have a Werner that I picked up at Costco too. It's a nice sturdy ladder and even though I've never used a Little Giant, think the Werner does just as much...and I only paid $100 for it. Werner has been making ladders for many years, and is a trusted brand.

DEO · 01-27-2007, 05:09 PM

I have one I think they call it the big Gorilla or something like that... It's pretty handy.. a bit heavy for my wife but I use it quite a big... It is much more flexible than an regular step ladder..

CanoeStream · 01-27-2007, 05:10 PM

Hi Titu -- Always glad to see you posting! I'll have to take a look to see if you ever got final pictures of your Airstream hangar posted. That looked like a good project.

I recently bought a Little Giant Type 1A Model 22 for closer to 4 bills. We are facing some big home remodeling projects in the near future. We have 10' ceilings in a couple areas. It is most effective as an A-frame ladder but is a very heavy substitute to use as an extension ladder. I was helping a brother-in-law a few months back and it easily let the two of us climb opposite sides while lifting and installing a ceiling fan. Even with the wider base I would be careful to level all four legs. They definitely are sturdy and I can't see any problems with the extension and locking system.

Two Airstream considerations: 1. It could be useful in a fashion like Shari's polishing project. Particular jobs might demand work planks but I'm not needing that yet. 2. For going on the road I got a simple 5' aluminum ladder that I carry in the back of my truck. It lets me reach the fantastic fan if I must and in sloped campsites it has been needed to help me install my Hold-Awn -- at a fraction of the weight of a Little Giant I might add!

lewster · 01-27-2007, 05:14 PM

Titu,

I use both the Little Giant 22' and the $100 Werner from Costco (17') IMHO, the Werner is actually built better than the LG with much less plastic. They are both great ladders and I use them frequently in my work.

markdoane · 01-27-2007, 05:50 PM

I use the Gorilla Ladders, same as DEO. It's a little heavier than the Little Giant, but the 13' ladder, folded, will fit in the trunk of my Audi.

The thing I like most about it is the extra set of stationary top hinges. You can slide out the inner ladder, use the stationary hinges to connect the outside members, and 'VOILA', you have two step ladders able to make a scaffold.

I know it was less than $200.

Lumatic · 01-27-2007, 06:17 PM

I use a similar ladder. To work on the rook I bend the top section so that it straddles the roof. I glued some carpet scraps to the ladder uprights where they may contact the skin to avoid scratching

Royce · 01-27-2007, 07:06 PM

I had the 1A model 13 and traded up to the 1A 22. The 13 was adequate but I needed the 22 to reach the roof of my two story. Both are great ladders. I bought a show model from the local dealer for 370 for the 22. For me the best feature is having two of the work platforms. Stand on one and tools on the other. I have used it apart as scafold, works well but as Mark has said the Gorilla has extra hinges for the top that make that trick a little eaiser. The LIttle Giant hooks together using the lock pins when used as a double A scaffold. Would like to add another 13 to have for the easy transport. The 22 is a little heavy.

ALANSD · 01-28-2007, 07:39 AM

My werner was a handy ladder, until the locks that held it in position stopped working. I tried lubricants, adjustments, never could get it to work again.

rickandsandi · 01-28-2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titu & Gail

We value our friends opinions on the Little Giant Ladders and it's versatility.

Has anyone used this system for working on the top of your trailer, around uneven surfaces, etc. Is it all what the advertisement states it to be? Local BJ's has the 17 foot for $311 which is cheaper than anywhere else advertised. Regardless of the high price, is it worth buying? We have other extension and step ladders but need something to get in those tough places conventional ladders can't reach.

Many thanks,
Titu

Good morning Titu-

We purchased a very similiar ladder from Home-Depot for about $125 if I remember correctly. Save a ton on the cost and no shipping. I use it when I polish and wax and when we redid all the clearance lights. It also comes in handy around the house which Sandi says I am neglecting. I did mention to her that when the Tradewind gets here it is only going to be worse with two AS in the driveway!

nilesrob · 01-28-2007, 09:46 AM

I'm interested in an extendable ladder. Does anyone have pictures of the ladders you are describing?

davidz71 · 01-28-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

My werner was a handy ladder, until the locks that held it in position stopped working. I tried lubricants, adjustments, never could get it to work again.

Alan,
Don't they have replacement locks in the accessory part of the Werner Ladder website?

AirHog · 01-31-2007, 04:25 PM

Thanks everyone for all your great suggestions. We ended up purchasing the 17' Little Giant. It will be a great assistance in painting the hallway up the staircase and other hard to reach places.

Any by the way....stupid is what studid does, I smashed my middle finger on the left hand when I was holding onto the steps of the ladder and making it smaller and .........will probably lose my nail.

Regards,
Titu

AirHog · 01-31-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

Hi Titu -- Always glad to see you posting! I'll have to take a look to see if you ever got final pictures of your Airstream hangar posted. That looked like a good project.

Our Airstream Barn is 99% complete and just needs another coat of paint. As soon as the weather breaks, we will be out taking pictures and updating our Members Photos site. We finished the cedar siding this past fall just as the weather was getting cold. What a project to say the least!

Regards,
Titu & Gail

Inland RV Center, In · 01-31-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titu & Gail

We value our friends opinions on the Little Giant Ladders and it's versatility.

Has anyone used this system for working on the top of your trailer, around uneven surfaces, etc. Is it all what the advertisement states it to be? Local BJ's has the 17 foot for $311 which is cheaper than anywhere else advertised. Regardless of the high price, is it worth buying? We have other extension and step ladders but need something to get in those tough places conventional ladders can't reach.

Many thanks,
Titu

You don't need it to work on the roof of your Airstream.

Just lean a good ladder against a side window drip rail and climb up.

Wear rubber sole shoes or sneakers.

DO NOT walk forward or rearward of the awning rail.

Andy

bobchevy89 · 01-31-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

I've used a similar ladder, and it is quite handy. Far as I can tell, it does anything the little giant will do, but it costs a 1/3 as much.

I haven't been able to figure out whats different about LG that warrants that much $$$. Doesn't mean there isn't something...I just don't know what it is.

The one I have (borrowed from dad) is made by Cosco; (and was also availble at Costco); I think he got it at Sam's. I've seen others by Werner in the big-box stores.

Hi Chuck,
the little giant has a box frame and the rungs are wider to make standing on them much eiser. the warner are close but no cigar ,15 min. on a rung will tell you why little giant warrent the extra money.
Bob