|
|
02-17-2014, 11:46 PM
|
#1
|
1 Rivet Member
2014 25' Flying Cloud
San Simeon
, California
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
|
A/C Shroud Cover? Ladder to Access Roof of AS?
We are recently converted tent campers who bought a 25' Flying Cloud (rear bedroom). We live in a remote location, so the trailer is stored (exposed, no shade) at a facility an hour away. We have our tires covered and intended to cover our A/C shroud but haven't done it yet because it's a bit complicated.....We live in such a remote location that we usually begin/end a trip from the storage facility, which would mean we would have to carry a ladder with us that is tall enough to access the roof. So the questions are:
1) When your trailer is in storage, do you cover your A/C shroud to protect it from UV rays and other elements (assuming your trailer is not shaded)?
2) Do you carry a ladder with you on trips that is long enough to allow you to climb onto the roof of your trailer?
3) Have you ever had the need to access the roof while traveling?
The ladder I am considering is made by XTEND+CLIMB: Telescoping Ladders, Step Ladders, Extension Ladders | Xtend+Climb Telescoping Ladders
Thank you,
Cloud Pup
|
|
|
02-18-2014, 05:36 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
|
I carry a ladder (sort of a tri-fold thing) that is just barely tall enough for me to reach up to the A/C shrouds, and yet it is small enough to fit into the rear storage compartment of the trailer. Ours is a rear queen bed model with a rather large storage under the bed.
I do not cover the shrouds when in outside storage.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
|
|
|
02-18-2014, 07:44 AM
|
#3
|
2 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari SS SE
Georgetown
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 41
|
Roof stuff
I use a shroud cover when in storage, an item from ADCO. Be sure to measure your shroud before purchasing ( the item recommended for my PENGUIN was too short so had to order one for a COLEMAN to get a good fit ).
I do carry a ladder when travelling--- the same brand you are considering. Recommend the 12.5 foot model as you will have something to hang on to when coming back down.
I haven't had to use it on a trip yet but the day I leave it at home will be the day before I need to.
|
|
|
02-18-2014, 10:29 AM
|
#4
|
65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
|
For the price and the amount of space required, I would say this is a tool most RVrs should have.
I carry this style within my LPG bay on the CLIPPER and have found use for it many times over the years while on the road.
I made a hanger for it to slide below the LPG deck which still allows storage on the bay floor for other essentials.
This ladder is more convenient than a rear mounted ladder that most motorhomes are equipped with. It allows access to the the perimeter of the roof, marker lamps and canopy's that would otherwise not be accessible from a roof location.
Dave
__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
|
|
|
08-23-2014, 07:11 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
|
Xtend and Climb
Do you all find the 12.5ft is sufficient, or would the 15.5ft be better? If the 12.5 is fine, has anyone used both the home series 770p and the pro series 780p?
|
|
|
08-23-2014, 07:35 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
|
1. No
2. No
3. No
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
|
|
|
08-23-2014, 08:17 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
|
....and then what would you recommend?
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
|
|
|
08-23-2014, 10:25 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
|
If u have a truck tow vehicle and bed is available you could get by with a ladder which is long enough to secure in truck bed to give a "boost" to any ladder.
Using a Little Giant, no pressure on the AS. An extension ladder in truck bed will offer a bit more protection if properly secured to truck and put some split "pool noodles"
Over the ladder contact points to minimize scratches.
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
|
|
|
08-23-2014, 10:59 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
|
- I do not carry a ladder, but that telescoping ladder looks interesting.
- I do not cover my ac, but I wipe it down with 303 protectant spring & fall. Those plastic covers will last 10+ years, but will fade some.
- Yes, once in 40+ years towing campers (Airstreaming 20+). A fan cover blew off while traveling last summer. It rained.
If you carry everything you might need, you will probably need more payload capacity in your tow vehicle!
Most campgrounds have a ladder you can borrow. You can rent one at any town that has a rental store. Walmart, Lowes, HD or some hardware are always around the corner. If you are really in a bind, most times other campers are really helpful.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 06:13 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
|
1) I have a ladder like you show. Have carried it along, found it to be a hassle...see #3
2) No, I used to many years ago. I think they do more harm than good,,,,holding in moisture all winter, and a hassle to put on and take off. When shroud cracks due to exposure, get an Icon. UV resistant, much heavier material, and lifetime warranty. No more climbing.
3) Ironically, the last time out for the first time, ladder was at home. When I backed into the site, a small branch hooked the rear Maxxair cover and slightly bent the rear corner bracket upward. The clip/pin which is for easy opening/removal was pulled about 3/4 of the way out. No real damage, but I was afraid I'd at least lose the pin going home. But all was OK.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 07:56 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
|
As far as the telescoping ladder is concerned, how well did it work? Did it seem stable enough?
A hassle in terms of storing it somewhere despite its small size, or a hassle to use?
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 07:58 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
1981 31' Excella II
New Market
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
|
I have one of these ladders and it works great. I put some EDPM sticky back foam on the top section so it does not scratch the Airstream. It also works as a really good step ladder which is great for general maintenance activities like caulking etc. I usually don't take it on short weekend trips unless I know I am going to do some maintenance.
Shop Werner 13-ft Aluminum 300-lb Telescoping Type IA Multi-Position Ladder at Lowes.com
Perry
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 08:13 AM
|
#13
|
1 Rivet Member
2003 30' Classic S/O
Regina
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 10
|
A quick question, is the roof of the AS strong enough to walk on? We need to put some caulking around the air vent in the bathroom, but my husband (who is a big guy) is afraid to walk on the roof and cannot reach the vent from the side.
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 08:18 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by perryg114
I have one of these ladders and it works great. I put some EDPM sticky back foam on the top section so it does not scratch the Airstream. It also works as a really good step ladder which is great for general maintenance activities like caulking etc. I usually don't take it on short weekend trips unless I know I am going to do some maintenance.
Shop Werner 13-ft Aluminum 300-lb Telescoping Type IA Multi-Position Ladder at Lowes.com
Perry
|
Thanks. It appears to be 10.6ft with a 13ft reach. How is it getting on top of the airstream since it is only 10.6ft tall? I suppose one benefit of the height is that it's only 5+ tall folded so storing is a little easier.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 09:02 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by britabeck
A quick question, is the roof of the AS strong enough to walk on? We need to put some caulking around the air vent in the bathroom, but my husband (who is a big guy) is afraid to walk on the roof and cannot reach the vent from the side.
|
It can be but only if you stay on the rib rivet lines. Between the ribs there is zero support.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 09:11 AM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream
As far as the telescoping ladder is concerned, how well did it work? Did it seem stable enough?
A hassle in terms of storing it somewhere despite its small size, or a hassle to use?
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
|
Works fine. 12.5 feet is plenty...I use mine for AS roof access at home due to it is always right there in the corner of the garage, compact and at the handy. When I travel more extensively and for long periods, I will take it along. Not really necessary for short trips.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 09:32 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
1990 25' Excella
Sisters
, Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,195
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by britabeck
A quick question, is the roof of the AS strong enough to walk on? We need to put some caulking around the air vent in the bathroom, but my husband (who is a big guy) is afraid to walk on the roof and cannot reach the vent from the side.
|
I haven't walked on the roof of my AS but the book-learned I've picked up here indicates it's fine, but stay off of the end-caps.
Cheers,
John
__________________
John Audette
Air Cooled Porsche Specialist -
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled. ~ Robert Frost
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 11:00 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1981 31' Excella II
New Market
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
|
The folding telescoping latter I use is perfect. The top of an airstream is 10 ft so on the curve there is about 1 ft sticking up. I can do whatever I need to do with that ladder.
Perry
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 05:13 PM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
1979 31' Sovereign
Northeastern
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 627
|
Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to give that Werner ladder a try since it can be used to get on top, as well as can serve as a step ladder. Not quite as collapsable as the other telescoping ladders, but the weight doesn't seem too bad and it should store under the bed nicely.
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
|
|
|
08-24-2014, 07:00 PM
|
#20
|
1 Rivet Member
2014 25' Flying Cloud
San Simeon
, California
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
|
Thank you to everyone for replying; after I bought a 12.5' Xtend+Climb ladder, I forgot about the thread. I've been very happy with the ladder; I keep it in the bed of our tow vehicle since we have had plenty of space on the 5-10 day trips we've taken so far. In fact, I just leave it in there all the time b/c it's a convenient place to keep it (we have a locking truck bed cover so security isn't a problem). We're taking a 4 week trip this fall, so we'll see if we still have enough space to carry it once we're loading up all the provisions for a trip this long, but I anticipate we will.
I have used the ladder to access the roof of our 25' Flying Cloud several times, usually to place or remove the A/C shroud cover. I don't even have to extend the ladder to its full height, but I do need to place some foam with adhesive on the caps of the ladder (great idea from an earlier post in the thread) to protect the trailer from scratching or rubbing.
We bought our ladder online for as good a price as I could find. It wasn't cheap, but it is a high quality item.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|