Retractable swim/boat ladder for camper access?

[rruff]

Seems like a good solution for camper access. I don't recall seeing anyone use a ladder like this however. Maybe there is a good reason? What do you think?

Pros: Doesn't stick out too far when open, light, retracts, locks in place (may need further securing though)

Amazon.com: SeaLux Stainless Steel Pop-N-Lock Boarding 3-Step Undermount Sliding Marine Boat Telescoping Swim Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: SeaLux Stainless Steel Pop-N-Lock Boarding 3-Step Undermount Sliding Marine Boat Telescoping Swim Ladder : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[NatersXJ6]

That looks like a pretty cool idea to me. I bet there are a lot of ways to make that work as a rack accessory under a tent or camper mount.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Those are not all that sturdy.

 

[rruff]

Those are not all that sturdy.

Ya, could be... I don't recall ever using one.

I was planning on backing out of the camper anyway, with handholds on both sides. Some sort of ladder makes the most sense. The whole back of the camper will be open (flip up door) to access outdoor stuff, and I figure that will be an active area for cooking and such, so don't want steps that stick way out.

 

[Todd780]

What kind of camper? Many come with ladders from the factory. But, careful as I don't believe it is recommended you walk on the roof.

I know with ours, we were told for any maintenance items located on the roof, we should crawl to distribute weight.

 

[rruff]

What kind of camper?

I'm building it. The ladder is for regular access, not roof access.

 

[highwest]

I always try to look for creative solutions, especially from marine applications. However, I recently got some regular old RV scissor steps for our trailer and they are rock and roll.

 

[rruff]

...and they are rock and roll.

Is that a good thing?....

 

[1000arms]

I'm building it. The ladder is for regular access, not roof access.

They are integrated into the design of the bed.

Easily my favorite part of this new bed. Deploying takes no tools, and less than 10 seconds.

It was originally a folding step stool. ... Took some rework, but it worked out nice. ... Here you go....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Xtend-Climb-Contractor-Series-Step-Stool-6-5-ft-Aluminum-Type-1A-300-lbs-Capacity-Step-Ladder/50214707

Have you seen IdaSHO's method?

The second quote of his posts includes a link to the ladder he started with.

 

[rruff]

Have you seen IdaSHO's method?

Yes, I did and it's very cool, but I don't have that much room under the camper where the ladder will be deployed. It's also sticks out further, is probably heavier, I'd have to build a mechanism to stow it, etc.

 

[highwest]

Is that a good thing?....

I guess that depends if you like rock and roll... I do.

Very solid though, folds up to a somewhat reasonable size, removable, and not too heavy.

I have a brand new 4 step, 18” wide, aluminum model from CR Brophy that was too long for our application that I could send to you for a reasonable price if you’re interested.

 

[rruff]

I guess that depends if you like rock and roll... I do.

But I don't like my steps to rock and roll...

How do you store your steps?

 

[1000arms]

Have you seen IdaSHO's method? ...

Yes, I did and it's very cool, but I don't have that much room under the camper where the ladder will be deployed. It's also sticks out further, is probably heavier, I'd have to build a mechanism to stow it, etc.

... I was planning on backing out of the camper anyway, with handholds on both sides. Some sort of ladder makes the most sense. The whole back of the camper will be open (flip up door) to access outdoor stuff, and I figure that will be an active area for cooking and such, so don't want steps that stick way out.

Is this your current plan? https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/tundra-2016-4x4-custom-off-road-camper-build.165762/

 

[highwest]

But I don't like my steps to rock and roll...

How do you store your steps?

Good point.

I store the steps inside the trailer when traveling.

 

[rruff]

Is this your current plan? https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/tundra-2016-4x4-custom-off-road-camper-build.165762/

Ha! Not anymore. Got stalled, then redesigned and started over this summer. It's a flatbed now, rear access, cabover bed, PVC foam and handlaid fiberglass (will probably use carbon cloth for the floor/base).