Who likes the Telescoping ladder?

[lacofdfireman]

So after the Overland Expo and seeing the Telescoping ladder I had convinced myself that this is the way to go. I need more height as my deck of my Tuff Stuff RTT is about 7'6. That means for proper angle etc I need about a 8.5-9ft ladder. I'm not sure 1 ladder extension would be enough to get the proper height with the folding ladders and by the looks of the telescoping ladders they just seemed and looked alot more robust. So I called around and nobody seems to have any telescoping ladders in stock and even had a few companies tell me that if I intend to use the telescoping ladder in the dirt that they will get dirt and sand in the sides making the ladders very difficult to extend and retract? Is this a fact? Trying to see if this is a salesman pitch trying to get me to buy there sliding ladder extension or if this is a legit concern? Never really thought about it but it seems that this could be a legit gripe. If you have a telescoping ladder tell me about your thoughts especially if you have come from the sliding ladder type. Or if you have had the telescoping ladder and went to the slide out ladders.

 

[Box Rocket]

I prefer the telescoping ladder over the sliding style without any hesitation. They're all of what you said and all around easier to use. If I were to guess, the companies that told you not to use the telescoping ladder are the ones that don't offer them as standard options (but they still sell them and they cost more than the sliding ones they have as the default). Also, I want to know who camps anywhere that isn't dirt or sand? I've been using a telescoping ladder in dirt and sand and blowing sand and mud for almost 5 years now and I've never had any difficulty with it working like it should.
It is possible to get a bit of grit in the sliding surfaces but that's also possible with the sliding ladders. Blowing a little compressed air, or just wiping the ladder with a cloth and if necessary, spraying a bit of silicone spray or dry graphite lubricant will keep it working smoothly. The sliding ladders need similar care.
The things I like about the telescoping ones are the simple use, much easier setup that doesn't need drilling of any new holes to set the ideal height, or new holes if you move it to a different vehicle. Longer ladder at 8'6" (in most cases) with no need for a ladder extension, that can still be too short, and is one more thing to pack and find a place for. Much lower profile when stowed so it's easier to fit in the garage and less wind drag going down the road.
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That's one guy's opinion. I'm sure there are some that might prefer the sliding ladders, but I'm not one of them.

 

[lacofdfireman]

Do you have any in stock that would meet my height requirement? I see a bunch on Amazon and some tang go up to 16ft but not sure if they are all the same thing. I'd like to see how the mounting hardware works on the telescoping ladder where it mounts to the RTT base. You have any photos?


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[lacofdfireman]

This is my current Jerry rigged setup. Not great.

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[Joe917]

Retracting a telescoping ladder is nasty.

 

[Yarjammer]

I have the telescoping ladder (Tepui) and it gets the job done. I can be a bit frustrating trying to get it at the Goldilocks height. In order for it to lock in at a certain height I find that the ladder is at a less than ideal angle or one side of the tent is angled up a bit. I really wish one of the rung sections had an adjustable collar for setting it at least within an inch of where I want it.

I haven't had any issues with dust or sand causing it to seize. Assuming it froze in the extended position while in the backcountry, I think I would just remove it from the tent, lash the ladder to my roof or trailer, and carry on until I made it back home if spraying it with some water failed to free it up.

Looking at your picture, I don't see how one extension wouldn't get the job done. If you need a foot or less extra you could just make a small wooden platform with coaming for the ladder feet to keep them in place. Heck, you could even permanently affix a rubber doormat to the top of it and put slots on the side for your shoes.

 

[joelbert]

sliding vs telescoping

I have a sliding ladder and the only issue that I've had (just acquired recently) is that when the springs on the truck flex getting out of the tent, the base of the ladder moves towards the truck (I think because the ladder was compressed and suddenly shorter). For now, I've created a board that props against my tire to hold it out so as not to scratch paint and fewer suprises.

 

[Box Rocket]

Do you have any in stock that would meet my height requirement? I see a bunch on Amazon and some tang go up to 16ft but not sure if they are all the same thing. I'd like to see how the mounting hardware works on the telescoping ladder where it mounts to the RTT base. You have any photos?


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Tepui has been out of ladders but shipments of out of stock items are being delivered over the next week or two.
The ones I've seen on Amazon are not exactly the same as the ones Tepui sells and I haven't used any of those so I can't comment on their quality.
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I am traveling for the next two weeks so it will be difficult for me to keep tabs on availability but I suggest calling the Tepui shop and talking to Kyle. He can tell you when ladders will be available and he can help you with an order while I'm gone. The number is 800-301-9874
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Here's a photo of the mounting brackets and ladder attachment.

 

[Box Rocket]

I'll try to get a video posted soon of how to adjust the telescoping ladders. There are half steps for rung lockouts that make setting height and angle easier. I try to explain it to people but I think a video will be more effective so I'll try to do that soon.

 

[sunnybean]

I'll try to get a video posted soon of how to adjust the telescoping ladders. There are half steps for rung lockouts that make setting height and angle easier. I try to explain it to people but I think a video will be more effective so I'll try to do that soon.

A how to video is a great idea.

 

[WillBeck]

I'll try to get a video posted soon of how to adjust the telescoping ladders. There are half steps for rung lockouts that make setting height and angle easier. I try to explain it to people but I think a video will be more effective so I'll try to do that soon.

Yes please!!!

That's the only complaint I have with mine. It functions easily, and stores down tiny. I can't imagine a sliding ladder being better in any way.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have about 200 nights with a Xtend 750P with solid performance. There are other manufactures with the same or lower price and a higher weight rating but dont believe it. Compare the two side by side and the Xtend 750P will be the one you purchase. In the beginning I purchased 2 thinking with all the sand and dirt of the SW it wont last long. After a year I sold the second ladder.

 

[grnhornetcustoms]

Seems to me as I remember when I got my RTT people were not always happy with the telescopic ladders so the sliders were being offered over the latter.

Notice the slider ladder. I had to use rocks to support the opening end of my tent because it would not collapse enough for the sloped ground I was on. Perhaps a telescopic could have worked better.

Sometimes the ground doesn't cooperate when you want the best view.


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[fredgoodsell]

I'll try to get a video posted soon of how to adjust the telescoping ladders. There are half steps for rung lockouts that make setting height and angle easier. I try to explain it to people but I think a video will be more effective so I'll try to do that soon.

I'm in Salt Lake and happy to help if you need someone to hold the camera for this project.

 

[dcg141]

I have about 200 nights with a Xtend 750P with solid performance. There are other manufactures with the same or lower price and a higher weight rating but dont believe it. Compare the two side by side and the Xtend 750P will be the one you purchase. In the beginning I purchased 2 thinking with all the sand and dirt of the SW it wont last long. After a year I sold the second ladder.

How do you attach it, or do you?