Make sure to use a tall enough ladder to get on your roof

belfert · December 13, 2014, 05:59:06 PM

I almost had a nasty fall today because I didn't have a tall enough ladder when I went up on my roof. Make sure you ladder is tall enough if you climb up on your roof.

The cover on my bus had come loose in high winds and I needed to get on the roof. I have a new eight foot step ladder and decided that should work even though my roof is 11 1/2 feet tall. I could barely get on the roof from the top of the ladder. As soon as I got on the roof I realized I would have major issues getting back down. I don't know any of the neighbors yet and I even considered calling 911 for help. I decided to risk getting down and my foot barely reached the top of the ladder. The ladder nearly tipped over when I put my weight on it. Luckily it did not tip causing a fall.

I will use a longer ladder in the future, or just go through the roof hatch from inside like I normally do. The door was blocked so I couldn't do the hatch thing this time.

itspaidfor · December 13, 2014, 06:09:48 PM

Glad you did'nt fall! I fell on the roof once when I was scrubbing it, lucky I did'nt go off the side.

muldoonman · December 13, 2014, 06:38:34 PM

Yeah that's a dangerous scenario. Bought me a telescoping ladder that folds up and stores underneath in bay. Was expensive but worth it. Think it's a 16 footer.

Gerry H · December 13, 2014, 07:13:40 PM

Had nearly the same experience a while back trying to put my cover on before the snow came. Not easy being on the roof and holding onto a 40' bag in a 20 mph wind. Used 4 - 27' x 2" Cargo straps under each bay and over the roof to the other side bay to help hold it down and relieve some of the wind pressure trying to rip it off. I'll be picking up a telescoping 16.5' ladder soon as muldoonman said. Some double in half for a normal 8' ladder also and fit nicely in the bay. Let us be safe. Gerry H

muldoonman · December 13, 2014, 07:19:56 PM

Gerry mine telescopes into about a 2 foot package and scopes vertically out a long as you need it. Has rubber feet and built heavy. Takes up less space than a lawn chair. Don't remember the maker.

Dave5Cs · December 13, 2014, 09:46:32 PM

Got the 14 foot 6 inch telescoping one off Amazon only 102.00 and it was rated A1 safety rating.

Dave5cs

Scott Crosby · December 14, 2014, 01:17:55 AM

I tie a rope to my wheel on the opposite side and throw it over the top. It really makes it nice to get on and off the ladder holding a secure rope. I also have the under $100 amazon telescoping ladder. I love it.

Tikvah · December 14, 2014, 04:52:24 AM

That's why I kept the roof hatches. They're hidden and I have to remove some screws, lower a panel, remove some insulation, and open the old hatch. Not needed very often, but I'm not going up a ladder

TIKVAH
(Dave Rush)
MCI 102A3 6V92
Full Time On The Road - I couldn't fix my brakes, so I made my horn louder

robertglines1 · December 14, 2014, 06:38:43 AM

Last year a friend fell changing a light bulb in his shop off a ladder. A shop that was to be his playground in retirement. He had just retired and is about my age. In wheelchair now with severed spine; and allot of pain.! Sure put me into a reality check!! Even if I don't intend to I can get hurt so please minimize your exposure. YES do share your brain lapses because it just might make someone like me think! PS he was in the electrical field and worked off ladders often.. Bob

TomC · December 14, 2014, 09:54:58 AM

One of my problems is finding a ladder rated at 320lbs. I have one that is an extension ladder that goes to 22ft. Easily get up and down off my 13'6" roof of my truck, if I don't want to go through the roof hatch. A good commercially rated ladder is expensive. But-the alternative can be an expensive funeral for your family. Good Luck, TomC

Lee Bradley · December 14, 2014, 12:49:12 PM

Quote from: Scott Crosby on December 14, 2014, 01:17:55 AM
I tie a rope to my wheel on the opposite side and throw it over the top. It really makes it nice to get on and off the ladder holding a secure rope. I also have the under $100 amazon telescoping ladder. I love it.

Thanks Scott,
That's one of the best ideas I've seen on the board.

HB of CJ · December 14, 2014, 01:47:27 PM

I for one would want more than one, (1) roof hatch that DOES OPEN. Preferably at least two. (2) Nothing more than a safety device should the Bus Conversion end up on its side. But ... having said this, how does one get from the floor up to the aforementioned roof escape hatch ... while inside the Bus Conversion ... when it is NOT on its side? I have not figure that out yet. HB of CJ (old coot)

Yikes!

Tikvah · December 14, 2014, 04:18:57 PM

I simply bring a 6' step ladder into the coach... not a big deal.

pabusnut · December 14, 2014, 06:05:29 PM

OK, so when I knocked down the ladder on my way up the roof(when I was the only one home) is not such a rare occasion after all

Since I have a buffalo, I climbed down to the "lower" roof, and then carefully slid down the drivers windshield backwards(facing the windshield) until my feet got on the front bumper!! After I got down, I saw my neighbor standing in his driveway laughing!!!

Steve Toomey

sparkplug188 · December 14, 2014, 06:34:40 PM

No excuses. Everybody here needs to pony up $20 to get ladder hooks that lock into the drip rail. If you're cheap, like me, they can easily be made out of some 3/16" x 1" flat stock. We have the technology! Your ladder will never leave you stranded on the roof of a bus again!