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Old 05-21-2014, 11:12 PM   #1
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Roof ladders in transit

What are your thoughts and concerns about traveling with roof ladder in place? 101 inches is the max width in Michigan.I have seen a few toy haulers with the ladder on, didn't look to dangerous. Not going to travel many trips with it mounted.
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Old 05-21-2014, 11:51 PM   #2
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I leave mine attached. No issues.
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Old 05-21-2014, 11:53 PM   #3
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What are your thoughts and concerns about traveling with roof ladder in place? 101 inches is the max width in Michigan.I have seen a few toy haulers with the ladder on, didn't look to dangerous. Not going to travel many trips with it mounted.
You read my mind! Was going to post this question tonight. Books all say no but when do we ever listen?
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Old 05-22-2014, 12:02 AM   #4
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I threw mine away. I rarely need roof access but I do need access to the sides so I have an extension ladder.
The OEM ladder is an accident waiting to happen. Leave it mounted while under way and you'll probably vibrate the rung screws loose. Not to mention difficulty climbing a straight ladder with tools in one's hand(s).
A question to ponder, are the mounting sockets screwed into wood or aluminum?
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Old 05-22-2014, 12:58 AM   #5
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Last month camping, saw a XLR with his underneath his rug all bent up. Got to the other side. Duct tape everywhere. He caught it on something and screwed his rig right up good
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Old 05-22-2014, 12:43 PM   #6
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You read my mind! Was going to post this question tonight. Books all say no but when do we ever listen?
Fanboy and Sundancer have given two very valid reasons why the manual says no. Here's another.

If you cause an accident because you didn't follow the instructions in a manual then it is very likely your insurance would not cover you.

Why do people think that because they can't think of a problem with something that there must be no problem with it? If the manual says no, then you should listen.
Think of the bigger picture folks!
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Old 05-22-2014, 04:08 PM   #7
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Talking

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Fanboy and Sundancer have given two very valid reasons why the manual says no. Here's another.

If you cause an accident because you didn't follow the instructions in a manual then it is very likely your insurance would not cover you.

Why do people think that because they can't think of a problem with something that there must be no problem with it? If the manual says no, then you should listen.
Think of the bigger picture folks!
Advice was sought and advice was given as this forum is used for...

I won't be leaving mine on due to the pathetic state of the roads here will probably break it.

I suppose I will have to remove my 17.5 tires too because the sticker on the side doesn't specify this size?
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Old 05-22-2014, 05:46 PM   #8
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Mine stays on.

On the last long trip I must have snagged it on something though because I ripped out the lower portion of the ladder and the screws in the side of the trailer. Bent the ladder a little but but I bought replacement screws (longer) and fixed it right up.
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Old 05-22-2014, 05:57 PM   #9
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I don't run with mine on either. I'm afraid that I'll snag it on something and rip it off the side. I am actually looking at a telescopic ladder to carry in the garage to use for the slide inspection, and also to eliminate a bunk bed ladder. I hate getting up on the roof on that flimsy thing, and it is a pain to haul. I know that some people don't clear off their slides before pulling them in, but here in Oklahoma, the wind blows all the time and there is always something on the slide. I just don't want to tear a seal and get a leak.
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Old 05-22-2014, 09:48 PM   #10
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I am another forum member that does not run with that ladder. I have a 14' telescopic ladder that is much more useful. It adds a little weight but I consider it well worth it.
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Old 05-22-2014, 09:57 PM   #11
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This would only work in an unfurnished garage but my wife and I camp alone so we deleted the beds and bunks in the garage. Having done that I had room to screw in a couple of small J-hooks near the ceiling to hang the factory ladder off of. I don't like to press my luck since I don't have a lot. I know I would end up hanging it on something and tearing stuff all to %#$%. As far as the ladder it's self, I only weigh 170 and it give me hives going up and down it to check the slides. If I were somewhere in the 250 range I don't think I would have the guts to trust the thing!
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Old 05-23-2014, 11:19 AM   #12
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I used to run with mine on... but I'm a big guy, and never felt it would hold me. So I removed it, and it sits behind my garage at home.

I bought an 8' step ladder that I wanted to have anyway for maintenance & washing... and when I need to get on the roof, I simply put the step ladder on the ramp/patio deck, and climb up that way.
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Old 05-23-2014, 04:55 PM   #13
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Fell 15' off a ladder 35+ years ago that was just leaning on the side of the church I was working at. So me & ladders don't get along. I have to have someone holding it or attached before I get down from a roof. Guess I'll stick with the factory one for now. The one on my Teton is mounted on the rear & attached at three points. Never had a problem going up & down that one.
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Old 05-23-2014, 06:16 PM   #14
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Well I've learned just today. It's a great beach towel holder. Haha
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Old 05-26-2014, 09:04 PM   #15
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I leave mine in place on the side of the trailer.

I learned with my first toyhauler, a Jayco bumper pull...to check where we're going first.

If its a private campground, like a KOA, I walk to the assigned spot. If I have concerns about getting into the spot without damage...I don't go there. If the campground won't give me a different slot...I go somewhere else.

If we're dry camping. We walk to where we want to park and check it out. Again, if there are concerns...we don't go there!

Learned the hard way tearing the Jayco up twice, once on each side. But it was a great trailer to learn with, got it fixed, sold it for a good price with receipts for the damage, so the buyer knew what he was getting.

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Old 05-27-2014, 12:48 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arlan in arizona View Post
I am another forum member that does not run with that ladder. I have a 14' telescopic ladder that is much more useful. It adds a little weight but I consider it well worth it.
We're did you get the ladder and what is the brand.
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Old 05-27-2014, 03:17 AM   #17
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Hmmm...but Arlan, where do you store that telescoping ladder?

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Old 05-28-2014, 12:42 AM   #18
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We also have a telescoping ladder and DH stores it behind his tool box out in the garage.....my mother's neighbor was moving and said he never used it and would she like it (I was visiting her that week) and I said yes.....now everyone in our camping group looks to borrow it when we camp!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...oping%20ladder
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Old 05-30-2014, 05:07 AM   #19
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I use a Telesteps. We won't talk about what I did to my side ladder on the Voltage.
Telesteps 1800EP Pro 300-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder with Wide Step, 14 1/2 Foot - - Amazon.com
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Old 05-30-2014, 05:40 AM   #20
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Wish they would give me my $.25 back that that crappy ladder cost.

Everyone that I know gets rid of it or uses it to strap something else to.
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