Author Topic: Steps, ladders... what do you use???  (Read 9698 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline TheTaylors

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 98
  • Thanked: 2 times
  • Gender: Female
  • In for a penny...
Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« on: March 12, 2013, 07:05:51 PM »
Hi All,
Having just ordered our first CT, a red rock camper, we are now thinking about what are the best steps/stairs/ladders to use to access the bed. Our trailer does not come with integrated stairs, so an extra is needed to get into and out of the bed.
We have seen lots of those flimsy-looking step ladders and narrow plastic steps, to us they don't seem that sturdy or user friendly. We are prepared to buy, make or get made something that is sturdy and user friendly and thought it best to ask your opinion.
I have searched this topic, and haven't really seen any related threads. I am not really sure that this is the right thread to put this in, so I apologise if this question has already been answered else where and also if it's in the wrong section....
Thanks in advance  :D
2009 GXL prado and a Red Rock Camper

Offline RWS

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 422
  • Thanked: 12 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2013, 07:12:05 PM »
Somebody here was selling one last month, you could throw them a PM...http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=28194.msg438648#new

Offline Campa

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 892
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2013, 07:21:45 PM »
We use this one for our Customline. Its aluminium so its nice and light. Think it was around $130
« Last Edit: March 12, 2013, 07:33:15 PM by Campa »

Offline Kangaron

  • "Don't make excuses, Make it Happen."
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 1878
  • Thanked: 119 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2013, 07:33:44 PM »
Those light tubular steps are very hard on the feet.
These are available at Bunnings, paint shops etc, about $75 or so, can't recall, but very sturdy.


Offline GU Rich

  • "RED DUST BOUND"
  • 2017 National Meet Volunteer
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 4368
  • Thanked: 10 times
  • Gender: Male
  • SMOKE IN YOUR EYES, NOW THAT'S CAMPING.
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2013, 09:17:25 PM »
I have one for sale, I couldn't find my add in the classifieds here.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1013691987

Cheers
IF YOU SEE US OUT AND ABOUT COME AND SAY G'DAY!

FOLLOW ME ON
https://www.instagram.com/offroad_touring/

Offline nab

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 1940
  • Thanked: 377 times
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2013, 12:15:40 AM »
I found an old style wooden ladder, 3 step A frame. Cost $5 at a garage sale and can be used anywhere.
2005 Jayco Dove - sold
2003 Coromal Pioneer XC

Offline HEM19X

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3010
  • Thanked: 51 times
  • Gender: Male
  • If I agree with you, then we would both be wrong!
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2013, 06:01:56 AM »
We have a 3 step ladder like Kanga's, being vertically challenged, it can be used to put up lights in the annex etc.
2019 BT50 with custom canopy and lots of fruit. Towing a 2014 Lotus Freelander [welcome to the dark side]

Offline Raym

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 370
  • Thanked: 67 times
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2013, 06:59:26 AM »

Offline krisandkev

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1421
  • Thanked: 69 times
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2013, 07:20:13 AM »
We use one of these.  Ultra Thin Aluminium 3 Step Ladder, $49 at Bunnings.  Very light, strong and folds up very easy and does not take up much space when folded.    Kevin

Kris and Kev
2008 TTD Landcruiser 200 GXL, Aust Off Road Camper, 20ft Bushtracker.

Offline noel_w

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2484
  • Thanked: 138 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Welcoming Mexicans to SEQ since 2015
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2013, 08:45:18 AM »
We use one of these.  Ultra Thin Aluminium 3 Step Ladder, $49 at Bunnings.  Very light, strong and folds up very easy and does not take up much space when folded.    Kevin



 
x2 Got one of these and works well. Double use as we use it to put the annexe on as well.
TUG=GU ST 2012 Ute, CT = Modcon Imperial HF
We have to start thinking about what sort of a world we are going to leave for Keith Richards after we are all gone.

KingBilly

  • Guest
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2013, 08:51:25 AM »
We use one of these.  Ultra Thin Aluminium 3 Step Ladder, $49 at Bunnings.  Very light, strong and folds up very easy and does not take up much space when folded.    Kevin




We also use one of these in preference to the Customline ladder.  Under half the price plus we found this ladder folds flatter, therefore lower and easier to store on top of the mattress, and is more versatile than the one sided Customline ladder.

KB

Offline DannyG

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 3326
  • Thanked: 122 times
  • Gender: Male
  • The best way to predict the future is to create it
    • Oz Isuzu Forum
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2013, 09:34:17 AM »
We use one of these.  Ultra Thin Aluminium 3 Step Ladder, $49 at Bunnings.  Very light, strong and folds up very easy and does not take up much space when folded.    Kevin




Us too! Our tent opens out both sides so we use the CT one on mums side and this one on dads side, as others have said it is great for awning work as well.
Not a virus, not a re-install, not a format, not an issue since 2011..once you go mac you never go back

Oz Isuzu Forums
My Trailer Build

Offline Barry G

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2613
  • Thanked: 29 times
  • Gender: Male
  • For my 'Pop' l.Cpl Tom Powell, A Comp.21Batt.6Brig
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2013, 11:30:38 AM »
As the Heaslip is a rear fold with a drop down tailgate I don't 'need' a ladder.  However, the Squeeze found a nice little set of 2 steps, with the top step exactly 2/3rds of the way from the floor to the tailgate.
When travelling the steps are packed on the pull out runner, right behing the tail gate.  They don't fold, but are ideal 'storage' for various small items when on the road.
When home they are used in the kitchen by person/s 'vertically challenged' for accessing high shelves.  8)
2000 Jackaroo Monterey 2002 Jackaroo 'Equipe' & Heaslip soft floor rear fold camper.
05 Subaru Outback Weekender GOGO Camper
 i hope for a better world for my kids, and yours, not just a bigger slice of the current one!

Offline qlddsl

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 295
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2013, 04:10:13 PM »
We use one of these.  Ultra Thin Aluminium 3 Step Ladder, $49 at Bunnings.  Very light, strong and folds up very easy and does not take up much space when folded.    Kevin




How high is the top step, and how stable is this. Been looking for one myself, and this is the best looking one I have seen
if i dont need 4wd, i ain't going!!!

Offline Jeepers Creepers

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 6631
  • Thanked: 431 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2013, 04:37:43 PM »
We had a really solid 3 stepper come with the camper when we bought it.

Seems pretty stable getting in and out of the cot and great when ya zip on the annexe etc. At 6 feet tall, i'm too short one end by about 2 inches (not there) to reach the zipper as it goes over the peak of the tent.
I DON'T CARE HOW NICE THE HAND SOAP SMELLS.....

You should never walk out of the public toilets sniffing your fingers.

KingBilly

  • Guest
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #15 on: March 13, 2013, 05:20:40 PM »
How high is the top step, and how stable is this. Been looking for one myself, and this is the best looking one I have seen

The ladder is very stable.  Just make sure it is fully opened before stepping on it.  All the dimensions are below.

KB

Offline GGV8Cruza

  • The Cable Guy
  • Global Moderator
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 11626
  • Thanked: 620 times
  • Gender: Male
  • If 1 turbo is good, 2 must be better. VK3GJG
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #16 on: March 13, 2013, 06:50:11 PM »
I dont get it, why do you require a flimsy ladder to get into bed anyway.

Maybe I was lucky with my camper choice but Tambo supplied a great sturdy step that slipped into place which provided a great way to gain access to the bed. When it was travel time it slipped under the matress. No ladder to fall over during the night when gaining access after a few beers, safe for the kids in the morning to come up and have a cuddle. I think some of the manufacturers can do better and supply something similar.

Now I have a walk up which is the next step up ;D

GG

Offline Kangaron

  • "Don't make excuses, Make it Happen."
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 1878
  • Thanked: 119 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #17 on: March 13, 2013, 06:52:19 PM »
I dont get it, why do you require a flimsy ladder to get into bed anyway. GG

LOL, bookmark this GG and re-visit in 30 years   :cheers:

Offline fishfinder

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1494
  • Thanked: 11 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #18 on: March 13, 2013, 07:09:50 PM »
i would get the other half to get on all fours and step on her back and jump into bed
2004 Jayco Eagle Outback - 1999 Toyota Prado Snowy

Offline TheTaylors

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 98
  • Thanked: 2 times
  • Gender: Female
  • In for a penny...
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #19 on: March 13, 2013, 07:17:34 PM »
Thanks for all of your responses. There are a lot of opinions out there and I suppose it comes down to personal choice and trial and error as to which suits you best.
I am not sure what is provided with our camper... can't remember that detail, will call them tomorrow now that they should be back in factory after the Caulfield show.
I don't really like the look/thought of the narrow ladders, think they might be hard on feet, and a bit unbalanced if we decend a little off centre.
Love the thought of wooden steps, but storing them could be a problem.
Thanks again for your thoughts and keep them coming.  :D
2009 GXL prado and a Red Rock Camper

Offline nab

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 1940
  • Thanked: 377 times
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #20 on: March 14, 2013, 01:46:51 AM »
Love the thought of wooden steps, but storing them could be a problem.

Mine isn't very slim but has nice fat feet on it that don't hurt the canvas floor. Our setup allows it to be stored on top of the bed.
2005 Jayco Dove - sold
2003 Coromal Pioneer XC

Offline hotboostgt

  • Sleeping Bag User
  • *
  • Posts: 49
  • Gender: Male
Re: Steps, ladders... what do you use???
« Reply #21 on: March 14, 2013, 04:34:21 PM »
X4 just got mine definitely light and seem very sturdy . thanks for the tip. Will try tomorrow at Kenilworth homestead . first decent weekend since mid January. Hopefully blow the froth off a few coldies as well . cheers

Customline off road deluxe 11/08 12ft tent full annex blue/beige
Nissan trail STL Luxury