Ladder Installation

[Cstred61]

Greetings,
My first post in the group. Quick question: looking to install a ladder on our Keystone Ultralite 29UBH. How or what is the best way to find the blocking or structural supports on the back wall? Since this will be weight bearing, I need to find good anchor spots. Thanks.

[fjr vfr]

I don't have the answer, but personally if my trailer didn't come with a ladder I would probably just pick up an expanding out ladder and just store it in the truck bed. They contract pretty small and are easy to store...a lot simpler solution.

[flybouy]

Typically ultrlite trailers don't have walkable roofs and therefore do not have ladders. This is a generalization and I'm not familiar with your trailer. Hopefully someone will have a more definitive answer for you.

[JRTJH]

As Marshal posted, many (maybe as much as75%) of Keystone ultra-lite trailers do not have walkable roofs, do not have ladders and there is NO structure built into the frame/roof structure to support a ladder that was never intended to be installed on that brand/model trailer.

That "generalization" varies by year, by model, by COVID supply chain shortages and by what is available to be installed, even on trailers that were built during a model year when that brand/model was advertised to have OEM ladders installed.

So, there's no "sure way" to know if your specific trailer was built with the intention that a ladder could be installed and parts were not available or if your trailer was built with absolutely NO structure under the roof decking and along the rear wall to support a ladder.

All that said, YOUR trailer may be missing all or part of the structural support needed and the trailer before it AND after it going down the line may be entirely different in what was installed.

RV's are not like automobiles where "automated assembly lines" build the exact model every time, every vehicle, every day and every unit built during that model run. RV's are a "one at a time, built by construction crews that change hour by hour".....

You'll need to do some specific and very detailed inspections on YOUR trailer even if 10 people post on here that they have the same model and their trailer has (or does not have) the roof/rear wall structure installed......

[cougar23]

Even if your camper does not have a walkable roof you need to inspect the roof at least once a year. You can do this with a 12 ft. ladder positioned along the sides moving the ladder as necessary no need to stand on the roof.

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN. I also would not install a ladder if it didn't come with one.

[wiredgeorge]

I have a ladder on the back of my 5th wheel but don't use it; use a 12.5' extending ladder;
https://www.amazon.com/Telescoping-E...3d670b6bc&th=1

[oldnjrver]

I looked into adding a ladder to our TT.
I discovered that I have a walkable roof, but found that my TT does not have the framing to handle the load of an installed ladder on the roof edge or rear wall.

Something I hadn't considered was the liability of a ladder being an attractive hazard. It seems kids are attracted to such things and if one of those young-uns gets hurt climbing your ladder you could be in for a financial disaster from a potential law suit.

Safe travels and all the best.

[NH_Bulldog]

I use a heavy duty telescoping portable ladder for all my roof needs.

I have noticed that many manufacturers are now going with a ladder bracket on the rear wall that you hook your portable ladder to at the top in place of a fixed rear ladder. Maybe I am ahead of the trend for once?

[rlh1957]

General rule from manf us that it didn’t come with a ladder the roof isn’t designed for the weight.
Don’t believe dealers or other sources saying it will accommodate a ladder.
Some don’t have a reinforced back wall for a ladder.

Do some leg work on the phone and keep trying till you get to someone in technical, etc. at Keystone and ask them if you can add a ladder and where to fasten it.

On a camper roof like that it is safer for roof if you take a 1/2” piece if plywood up to kneel on. Standing and walking can be unsafe and concentrates weight in one small area.

[rlh1957]

What year Keystone Ultralite 29UBH?

Here is a video of interest on a 2021 model.

https://youtu.be/ycaL2B_lfig?si=BlRGTyzr4O6Wlujo