Install roof ladder ?

[gearhead]

We bought the Cougar 28SGS a couple weeks ago. I doesn't have a rear ladder to the roof. I asked the salesman when we were buying it if they would install a ladder. He said they couldn't because if it came from the factory without a ladder it was not structurally strong enough to support a ladder. Hard to believe , but then I can't imagine the dealer passing on a chance to make a couple more bucks selling a ladder. Anyone heard of such??

[hankpage]

I find it hard to believe that Keystone uses different jigs to weld the frames of the same model trailer just for a ladder. Some lite-weight trailers are not framed for ladders and yours may be one of them. If your model is offered with a ladder I would assume it is a matter of knowing where to attach it. JM2¢, Hank

[BulletOwner1]

I'm pretty sure I've seen lots of Cougars with ladders. That being said, when we bought our Bullet I noticed no ladder also. Sales manager said the same thing. Roof not designed to be walked on. He said if I needed to be up there it was wise to take some plywood or boards to distribute weight better.

But then again my trailer is an "Ultra Lite" model so maybe the roof isn't as heavy duty as others. I'll probably follow the salesman's advice on this one.

[tundraman67]

I was told by my dealership that most Cougar Xlites/Half Tons don't have ladders because of the lack of backing to install them to. I really miss one being on my 29RES.

[TandE]

I miss not having a ladder on my cougar also but do not want to add one now. Was wondering if something like this http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=370577340372
Would be better to take along since it folds up pretty small.

[gearhead]

That's a good looking ladder TandE.
I think I will email my dealer and see what I get back in writing. There was a conversation about them expecting me to apply a sealant on the roof annually. Of course nothing was said about having to spread plywood on the roof to walk on it.

[TandE]

Yeah I've seen one at camping world for 3x that price but have never used one so I have my concerns about it as far as saftey goes. But for the amount of times I need (or most rv'rs for that matter) to go up on the roof it may work just fine. And once I get slide toppers it will be only for inspections and cleaning.

I guess since there was no ladder on mine I dont know if I trust someone hoping they get it in the right spot.

[BulletOwner1]

That ladder looks like a smoking deal. Anybody tried one???

[hankpage]

I have one and use it to get to slide-out roof to clear debris when I can't get my truck close enough to that side. (to stand on bed-rail to reach) I am 250+ and it works well, however it is not tall enough to reach the roof because of the angle necessary to safely use it. (Most 5ers are close to 12' or more) But using the slide roof as the top step it works fine and the slide out holds it from slipping side to side. It may barely reach a TT roof though.

[TandE]

They do have a 16ft version too. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=370820061372

[BulletOwner1]

The 12' one would be fine for my Bullet. It's only 9' tall. I think I'll get one.

[hankpage]

They do have a 16ft version too. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=370820061372

That would be better but be warned ....... the round vertical supports slide on the edge of the roof very easily. If not careful you can go for a ride easier than with a conventional ladder. Storage is great... I lay mine flat on the basement floor and stack bins on top of it ... takes very little room.

[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

I wouldn't install a ladder if one didn't come with one without at least contacting Keystone. I wanted to add a roof A/C on our 299RKS but it didn't even have a roof vent up front so I contacted customer service through the website and included my year, model and VIN and they responded back that it was not designed nor built for it and would not support an A/C unit. I felt certain they would have built it to support one but they didn't.

Just my .02

[Nick & Gia's Trailer]

I also wanted a ladder. Dealer said no. Called keystone about ladder for my 29RBS, and thy said it was not advisable being a Xlite.

[gearhead]

That's what I'm expecting. The service folks at my dealership are going to call Keystone and ask them. I'll update.

[LZScout]

The standard response from Keystone will be that they don't recommend any modifications to their RV's. My Alpine 3250RL does not have a rear bumper or any means of mounting a receiver hitch to attach a bike rack. When I called Keystone about an aftermarket add on that would attach to the frame from underneath, they gave me the above response and also said it would void the warrantee. Same answer for mounting solar panels on the roof.


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[Poppy's 5th Wheel]

The standard response from Keystone will be that they don't recommend any modifications to their RV's. My Alpine 3250RL does not have a rear bumper or any means of mounting a receiver hitch to attach a bike rack. When I called Keystone about an aftermarket add on that would attach to the frame from underneath, they gave me the above response and also said it would void the warrantee. Same answer for mounting solar panels on the roof.


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That's an interesting perspective I hadn't thought about. Of course, they will just say that for every inquiry and just stay completely out of any trouble. Hmm, I may just take my trailer to an RV specialty shop and see what they say about adding a front A/C. The trailer is out of warranty anyway so I could care less about Keystone. I do want to make sure the roof doesn't cave in though :)

[Little Guy]

I purchased one of these ladders and I am very pleased with it. It takes little storage room and is lightweight. I wouldn't want to use it everyday as a work ladder though...as it is too light for everyday use. One word of caution, there is a pinch hazard when using these ladders and buyers should be very aware of this. You MUST follow the instructions on retracting this ladder or risk painful damage to your fingers. Otherwise, for a camper ladder, they are handy to have. I would prefer a permanently installed ladder on my TT, but many do not have the proper backing in the walls to install one. This ladder is a viable option.

[gearhead]

Poppy: I asked my sales rep about a front A/C and he said no problem. They would just run another power line and I would have 2 separate power cords.
Do you have a 15,000BTU A/C or 13,5000? If the smaller, maybe you could size up to the 15,000?
Hey...how many miles on the C6? I'm about to wear mine out...2007 with 12,000 miles!

[thewhitehat]

I purchased one of these ladders and I am very pleased with it. It takes little storage room and is lightweight. I wouldn't want to use it everyday as a work ladder though...as it is too light for everyday use. One word of caution, there is a pinch hazard when using these ladders and buyers should be very aware of this. You MUST follow the instructions on retracting this ladder or risk painful damage to your fingers. Otherwise, for a camper ladder, they are handy to have. I would prefer a permanently installed ladder on my TT, but many do not have the proper backing in the walls to install one. This ladder is a viable option.

I'm just wondering how it would fare leaning it against the side of the trailer and crawling up on it. I don't know if I want anything touching the side or edge of the roof of my trailer. :confused:

[JRTJH]

I'm just wondering how it would fare leaning it against the side of the trailer and crawling up on it. I don't know if I want anything touching the side or edge of the roof of my trailer. :confused:

A swim noodle split and fitted around the ladder would prevent any damage to the RV.

[gearhead]

^ Now that's using your noodle!
Couldn't resist!