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Old 11-07-2018, 09:17 PM   #1
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Roof ladder

We purchased a used 2003 Dutchman 35' Toy Hauler. It does not have a ladder to the roof.

Has anyone installed a ladder?

If so, type and best location?

Thanks,
Bill
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Old 11-07-2018, 11:31 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labill View Post
We purchased a used 2003 Dutchman 35' Toy Hauler. It does not have a ladder to the roof.

Has anyone installed a ladder?

If so, type and best location?

Thanks,
Bill

Extension ladder or one of the collapsible ladders are great. Location, in the garage. If your RV didn't come with one it probably doesn't have the gussets in the wall for attachment. A mobile ladder will let you get all around the unit without having to be on the roof.
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Old 11-08-2018, 05:01 AM   #3
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When I was researching the ladder thing I was told that RV's with ladders have blocking built into the framing to support the ladder. No ladder no special framing.

I purchased a 13 foot multi position ladder that I store under the trailer on a BAL slide out rack. PS I have had this setup for over a year and have not needed to use it yet!
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Old 11-08-2018, 03:29 PM   #4
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They did such a poor job of putting my roof ladder on my 2014 Voltage that I took it off. Purchased on of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Xtend-Climb-7...97126601&psc=1
And never looked back. Works just great, easy to store. When moving its strapped on one of the cushions of the lower Happy Jack bed in the garage. When the "office" in the garage is set up, its underneath the table, clear back at the ramp door. Easy to get to.

Pirate
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Old 11-10-2018, 07:42 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Pirate View Post
They did such a poor job of putting my roof ladder on my 2014 Voltage that I took it off. Purchased on of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Xtend-Climb-7...97126601&psc=1
And never looked back. Works just great, easy to store. When moving its strapped on one of the cushions of the lower Happy Jack bed in the garage. When the "office" in the garage is set up, its underneath the table, clear back at the ramp door. Easy to get to.

Pirate

Ditto on that. Bought a similar ladder. Its under a bunk bed unless I need it.


Good way to go.
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Old 11-11-2018, 06:38 AM   #6
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Wanted a ladder installed on my Dutchmen but the svc mgr said the outside walls are not strong enough to attach a ladder.
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Old 11-13-2018, 03:54 PM   #7
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I leave my ladder at home and use the same folding ladder as 1|243
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Old 11-13-2018, 07:09 PM   #8
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I leave my ladder at home and use the same folding ladder as 1|243 except it's a 17'.
13' wouldn't be enough for my 3950.
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Old 11-14-2018, 09:52 PM   #9
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Not all of the Toy Haulers had walk on roofs and the way to tell was if the unit had a ladder or not. Check with the manufacture using your VIN number and they can tell you if you have a walkable roof.
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Old 11-15-2018, 03:21 AM   #10
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I don't walk on the roof of my 3950 despite it having a ladder. My wife has to wash the roof because she's a lot lighter.
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Old 11-15-2018, 03:29 AM   #11
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My response is similar to the others already mentioned.
I did extensive research as others have done.
For my Endurance 3556G, I bought a Werner 18’ collapsible from Lowe’s. The top of my roof is 13’ 5”, so I wanted extra length to compensate for the ladder angle and still have something to grab onto.
The only modification I did to the ladder is pad the rails with foam pipe insulation where it contacts the edge of the roof.
I Stowe it in the garage .
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Old 11-18-2018, 05:14 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joebedford View Post
I don't walk on the roof of my 3950 despite it having a ladder. My wife has to wash the roof because she's a lot lighter.
Man,

Why didn't I think of that!

Hey honey, guess what I just read about getting on the rv roof!:
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:35 PM   #13
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Man,

Why didn't I think of that!

Hey honey, guess what I just read about getting on the rv roof!:
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Old 11-22-2018, 02:41 PM   #14
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Man,

Why didn't I think of that!

Hey honey, guess what I just read about getting on the rv roof!:
Are you out of the hospital yet?
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Old 11-26-2018, 09:26 PM   #15
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I use a 8' aluminum folder step ladder from home depot ($65). I put it on the tailgate to get on the roof. The ladder transports vertically between the happijac and the tailgate, with over 30k miles using this method have had absolutely no issues.
With a step ladder I can trim a low hanging branch, work on an awning with out leaning on anything. Anything is better then a stock RV ladder, Just my 2 cents
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