Last updated on May 5th, 2023 at 11:39 am

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If you own an RV, you know the importance of maintaining your rig. One of the most important pieces of your rig, new or old, is your roof.

If you’re like me and your travel trailer doesn’t have an attached ladder, your roof can feel fairly inaccessible to you as an RV owner, and you may even be questioning how much weight it can hold. It can also feel impossible to lug around a standard house ladder with you while you’re trying to enjoy RVing!

Thankfully folding ladders exist, and it’s a blessing for RVers in particular. Looking for a portable ladder to keep with your rig for those routine roof maintenance times? Check out why a foldable ladder may change the game for you!

But if you just want to see which ones made our list of favorites you can see them here:

Types of Folding Ladders

You may be wondering how many types of foldable ladders there are out there. Thankfully, there’s nothing too complicated; it all boils down to two basic designs!

Telescoping

The most popular type of collapsing ladder is telescoping. This essentially means that the ladder collapses downward on itself, rather than needing to be folded up. The legs and even the rungs often have telescoping capabilities.

These ladders are the latest tech and have many of the advantages most RVers are looking for. They dominate our product list and for good reason! They are lightweight, compact, and versatile. While these may all be perks, the price point may be a little high for some of you.

Folding

A classic style of portable ladder, folding is the other primary type of ladder we’ll be looking at. Folding ladders are quite sturdy but never get quite as small as telescoping. If you need quite a tall ladder, storage may be something you need to consider. 

Folding ladders are often a little less expensive and heavier, which may give you more peace of mind while on the ladder! They are quite stable, but keeping your overall rig weight in mind might be important to some of you.

Why Bring a Ladder When You’re RVing?

You may be wondering why a ladder might matter while you’re RVing, and it may not. However, I’m always a proponent of ‘better safe than sorry’, so the idea of a portable RV ladder is appealing to me!

Your new folding ladder may come in handy at home too, but it’ll no doubt come in handing in your RV. Bringing a ladder along on your camping trips may feel like overkill, but here are some guaranteed handy uses for your new gadget!:

• Routine RV roof maintenance
• Decorating your campsite
• Window and other exterior washing
• Emergency needs during inclement weather
• AC and other RV roof vent access
• Awning maintenance

If you’re just going on a quick trip with the whole family and need the space, it’s not a bad idea to leave the ladder behind. But if you’re planning a long trip, especially through inclement weather, having a foldable ladder in your rig may come more in handy than you think!

As a full-timer, having a foldable ladder is a necessity for me. I need to check on my rig’s roof often, and it’s great to have such a small and capable device around. You may find yourself thinking the same!

What to Consider in a Foldable Ladder

Besides the two primary types of foldable ladders, there are some other factors to consider before making your final purchase. Keep these things in mind before you get shopping!

Weight

Your rig’s overall weight matters, both for your tow vehicle and your rig’s frame. Each axle is only meant to hold so much weight, and some foldable ladders can be pretty heavy, despite their portable nature. If weight is a big concern for you, make sure you’re looking at how heavy some of these ladders are!

Folded Size

While all of these ladders fold up and get smaller, you may want to consider the size of the ladder when it’s being stored. If you’re planning to keep the ladder in your rig or exterior storage boxes, you may wish to purchase the smallest ladder you can manage. Foldable ladders pack a lot of punch in a small package, but it still may be wise to consider the size of it all folded up.

Height of Your Rig

Do you know how tall your rig is? If you’re looking to purchase a folding ladder for your RV, you should of course make sure it is tall enough to reach the roof of it! Measure carefully and accurately, and you should have no trouble finding a ladder that reaches the roof of your rig.

Your Safety

While most RVers strike me as the do-it-yourself type, your safety should always be a priority. When shopping for ladders, foldable or otherwise, always keep in mind how easy your ladder will be to operate, especially if you are planning to operate it alone. 

Having a safety spotter around is always a good idea, but not always possible. If you plan on taking a solo trip and wish to use a ladder, feel free! But take your time, do so slowly, and keep an eye out for ladders that promote use for single people. There are also additional safety handles and accessories you can purchase should this be a large concern for you!

7 Best Folding Ladders for Your RV

Know how tall of a ladder you need? Feeling confident about your budget? Then let’s take a look at some of the best folding ladders out there for your RV!

Best Overall Ladder: Jiahe 12.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder Portable Multi-Purpose Folding A-Frame Ladder

I always keep an eye out for RV items with multiple capabilities, as it saves space in my small RV setup. That’s why I’ve kicked off our list with the Jiahe Telescoping Extension Ladder as it offers two ladders in one: an A-frame ladder and a straight ladder. Even with these two features, the ladder weighs just 24 pounds, which is light enough for me to lift and move around.

As it only measures 19 x 4.99 x 35 inches when folded, storage isn’t too much of a problem either, something I always consider when purchasing new RV accessories. When in the A-frame position, the ladder can extend to 6.25ft, and up to 12.5ft when in the straight position, meaning this ladder is ideal for multi-purpose use, suitable for both in an RV and in a house. Although relatively lightweight for most, the ladder weight may be a bit of an issue if you often camp alone and can’t maneuver a ladder of this weight around easily.

I do, however, like that this Jiahe ladder has easy-to-use slide latches that I can adjust simply and reach the height I need. I can sometimes be a bit shaky when it comes to height, so I love the ability to adjust the ladder each rung at a time, and the protection spaces help result in an easy retraction too. The instructions aren’t the easiest to follow which isn’t the most helpful, but with many reviews and videos online, I found that additional directions weren’t too much of a problem.

It’s vital for me that RV equipment is built to last, as I don’t have an endless budget and want to avoid having to buy another ladder in a year’s time! Therefore, the aircraft-grade aluminum construction is a bonus, and being so sturdy, it ensures maximum extension stability and supports quick adjustments. It’s also a good-looking piece of equipment which may not be of importance for some, but I like bringing new items into my rig that look high-quality and modern! 

I’m grateful for the heavy-duty strap and grip handle this ladder comes equipped with, as it helps combat the overall weight. It also has a 150kg load capacity, and offers strong support with a widened anti-slip pedal – great for those of us not big fans of height!

You can see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.

Best Telescoping Ladder: Ohuhu 12.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

When looking for a ladder for my RV, I want something small, easy to operate, and lightweight. That’s why I’ve added the Ohuhu Telescoping Ladder to our list because it can do it all, collapsing and storing with ease. The lightweight nature of this ladder stands out to me as it only weighs 25 pounds, meaning I can lift it out of my rig, set it up, and pack it away without getting too sweaty! I enjoy the handy carrying handle as it means there’s something to grip and hold onto when moving it from one place to the next.

I always take a look at the material products are made of, as it’s usually a good indicator of how durable the item is, and how long you can expect it to last. Crafted from strong aluminum alloy, this ladder is just as strong as it is portable with the rungs can support up to 330 pounds. This is a bonus for me as I know it will likely last for years to come, making roof maintenance a breeze, as long as I don’t need to use it on a rig any bigger than 12 and a half feet tall, as that’s the maximum for this ladder.

Heights aren’t something I’m overly confident with, so the high-quality extension mechanism is beneficial as it allows me to adjust the height quickly and effortlessly, with locking pins holding it securely in place. This is particularly helpful when I’m working on my roof alone and don’t have a helping hand to aid with the ladder.

I can also pack it away effortlessly too, by pressing the two thumb buttons, allowing the ladder to retract in seconds, making it an easy-to-use piece of equipment for RV roof maintenance and more.

Best Folding Ladder: Comie 330lb 12.5FT Multi Purpose Aluminum Folding Step Ladder

The amount of space a folding ladder needs in my RV is a big consideration, but I don’t want to sacrifice features just so I can fit the ladder into my rig, that’s why I’ve added the Comie folding ladder to this list. Its folded size is roughly 40″ X 15″ X 11″, which may be too large if, like me, you have a smaller RV as it takes up considerable space. However, this ladder has a lot to offer, for both RV life and home use!

This ladder is lightweight, weighing around 25 pounds, something important for me as I don’t want to strain myself when I need to use the ladder and my partner isn’t around to help. It also comes with 2 panels, giving me the option to stand on the ladder with more stability and safety, calming my nerves when I need to get onto the roof of my rig.

With a sturdy aluminum construction and foldable design, it’s convenient to use and easy to carry around, but it does need a significant space to be stored. Black anti-slip rubber sleeves on the bottom of the ladder keep you in close contact with the ground, and as safety always comes first, this is a standout feature for me.

The aluminum frame of this Comie ladder has anti-rust and anti-corrosive properties, which means I don’t have to worry about keeping this ladder protected 24/7. Anything that can bring down my RV maintenance to-do list is a winner for me, and as it’s competitively priced, it’s well worth considering.

Sturdiest Ladder: Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M17

Can you believe there’s a folding two-person ladder? Well, Little Giant Ladders makes something called the Velocity and it even has wheels! This sturdy little guy comes in various heights and weighs just about 25 pounds, light enough for easy maneuverability, but heavy enough that I feel supported. I also know I can reach the angle and height I need to with this ladder as it has many unique configurations such as an A-frame, extension, staircase, and 90-degree ladder!

This ladder is constructed using a special alloy that makes it 20 percent lighter than any comparable industrial-rated ladder, without maximizing strength, an important safety factor in my eyes! The Velocity also includes several innovative new features such as the dual-pin hinge and the easy-to-use Rock Locks that stand out to me as it means the ladder is quick and simple to adjust. 

I have to bring attention to the storage height of this ladder, as it’s substantial, with a storage height of just under 4 feet and a depth of about 8”, so it needs considerable storage space, an issue for small RV, truck camper, or travel trailer owners. 

The Velocity’s wide-flared legs and aerospace-grade aluminum construction give great corrosion resistance and durability giving me an unmatched feeling of safety and stability. The Little Giant Velocity is rated to hold 300 pounds on both sides and is a true two-person ladder, giving those like me who are nervous on ladders relief that someone else can join in and help out too!

Best on a Budget: WolfWise 8.5FT Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

RV accessories often don’t come cheap and if you’re on a budget like me, it’s worth taking a look at the WolfWise Aluminum Telescoping Ladder. Its ability to support up to 330 pounds and fully extend to 8.5 feet in seconds, is a great advantage as it means I can easily carry the ladder outside to conduct RV roof work by myself.

As I have a small RV setup, this ladder is ideal for the height of my rig, but RVers with particularly large rigs may struggle as it may not be tall enough to allow someone to get onto the roof. When researching different ladders for your RV, I would advise measuring your roof to double-check the size of the ladder that will work best for you. 

Safety always comes first for me, so I find it’s worth focussing on buying a ladder able to help me get the job done as safely and securely as possible. Since this dependable yet lightweight ladder is only 14.7 pounds and collapses to a mere 18.5×30.5×1.9 inches, I know I can move it around using the carrying handle without straining myself, only taking 5-8 seconds to retract the ladder from its full extension.

It’s important for me to own RV equipment I can move around easily, for times when I camp solo, so this is a big bonus in my eyes. It can be effectively placed in limited spaces such as under the bed, in the trunk of a car, or in any tight storage space available in an RV with a heavy-duty closure strap for ease of transport too.

The only downside of this ladder is the fact it may cause a bit of damage to the outside of RVs when in use, so I find it’s worth putting a rubber strip or non-slip cover on my rig to keep damage at bay. 

Best Ladder for Tall Rigs: Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M26

Seeing double? You may remember Little Giant Ladders from our Sturdiest Ladder category, and here they are, making a folding ladder that’s 26 feet tall! I personally don’t need a ladder that reaches this height as my rig is nowhere near 26 feet tall, but I had to include it for those who have big RVs or fifth wheels.

As I’m sure you might’ve guessed, the features on this ladder match its smaller 17-foot brother, however, the dimensions on this ladder are a little different: 79 x 30 x 9 inches. I’m not capable of carrying heavy weight, so weighing in at about 50 pounds is far too heavy for me unless I have somebody to give me a hand whenever I need to use the ladder!

While it can fold, I feel as though this ladder pushes the boundaries of what some might consider portable. It does have the same useful wheels as the 17-footer, though, and adjusts just as fast into various positions, so if you don’t mind a workout every time you use it, this Little Giant Ladders unit may tick the boxes.

The hefty weight and size are a drawback for me, as it makes this unit harder to maneuver around, and let’s be honest when cleaning an RV roof, you’ll need to be able to move a ladder plenty of times! However, it is easy to lock everything in place and get the ladder in position, ready to be used, as demonstrated in the video below.

With various ladder options and immense height, this ladder may not be right for all of you, it’s definitely a bit overkill for me! However, if I needed to replace the ladder in a house, I would consider this one, as it’s a great crossover ladder, ideal for use at home and on the road, and is cheaper than purchasing two separate ones!

Editor’s Pick: Xtend & Climb 770P Telescoping Ladder, 12.5FT

Although this ladder is a sizeable investment, the Xtend & Climb Telescoping Ladder series is one I have to mention on our list. These ladders all collapse and store with ease, but they are of different grades, colors, and materials, something I’m impressed by as it means I can customize and create a ladder that looks good and does everything I need it to do. 

The options available are Home use, Contractor use, and Pro use, but for simplicity, I’ve chosen the home-use edition of this ladder! Made of Aerospace Engineered 6061 alloy with a Clean-Touch anodized finish, I’m confident this ladder will last well into the future, to help with many years of RV roof maintenance, and covering of my rig. 

Owning a sturdy ladder is essential for me, as safety is paramount, therefore, I appreciate the heavy-duty Xtend & Climb Home Edition ladder as it has rungs built tough to ensure sturdy footing. 

Xtend & Climb Home Edition Telescoping Ladders extend and lock by the foot, allowing me to easily adjust to whatever height is needed for the task I’m tackling. I find this handy as it means I don’t have the hassle of lugging around a heavy extension ladder, I just need to open it up rung by rung to my desired height.

This particular model is made for home use and stretches 12.5 feet tall, but I’m grateful it is only 32 inches tall when ready to store and weighs only 27 pounds, so it’s easy to move around and use.

As I’ve mentioned before, safety is always at the forefront of my mind, so the fact this ladder has an angled thumb release mechanism to ensure proper hand position, a no-pinch closure system with yellow padded side sections, non-slip end caps, an integrated carry handle, and a heavy-duty closure strap is massively reassuring. 

This ladder has been designed and manufactured with functionality and practicality at the forefront, and while it may be the priciest ladder on this list (besides the 26-footer), it’s a valid contender, offering plenty of options should this particular ladder not suit you.

The Importance of Maintaining Your RV’s Roof

The number one use of a foldable ladder is maintaining your RV’s roof and other roof accessories. While it can come in handy in other aspects of RVing or camping, having a foldable ladder stored in your rig is most likely used for roof care.

While it depends on what your roof is made out of, there are some basic steps you can take to maintain your RV’s roof, and a ladder is step one in the process! You’ll thank yourself later if you’re able to keep these basic maintenance items in mind. 

Check On Your Rig’s Roof- Just Take a Look!

The easiest trick you can do to help expand the life of your rig’s roof is simply to get on a ladder and look at it. Check out the roof, if it’s dirty, and if there’s any new wear and tear. You’d be surprised by what you might find, and you may discover potential problems before they occur! 

Make sure you don’t cause more issues, though- not all RV roofs are safe to stand on, and you may cause more harm than good should you step where you don’t belong. Good thing you have a ladder though, right?

Wash the Roof from Time to Time

Washing the roof (and the rest) of your rig once a month or so can be a major help when it comes to RV maintenance. Clean your roof with care, and if you plan on using any products, make sure they are designed for your roof’s material specifically. Not all RV roofs are created equal!

Washing your RV’s roof may not be necessary if it is stored under a cover, but it’s smart to give it a rinse before you hit the road. Should you have any roof leaks or weak sealant, a good wash should reveal this potential. Should you have a leak, it’s better to discover and reseal it before you hit the road, don’t you think?

Check Your Roof’s Sealant

Sealants are what keeps your RV dry inside, and depending on your rig, you may have quite a few seams. Your roof may have more seams than you think, as well as overall rubber or other material coatings. 

Keeping an eye out for wear and tear along the seams of your trailer is a good idea, especially before inclement weather. Plus, if your roof is coated, that coating should be replaced every so often, depending on what material it is made out of. Make sure to check the product description for when your roof’s coating needs to be reapplied!

Clean Your Skylights and AC

A ladder comes in handy for those tricky-to-clean spots too! Your RV’s skylights and AC unit need cleaning too, and it’s difficult to access these spots without a ladder. Make sure you maintain a clean skylight and AC unit to ensure that your RV works well for years to come!

Conclusion

Having a ladder in conjunction with your RV is a no-brainer, whether you’re full timing or just taking the rig out for a weekend. You never know when it might come in handy, and your RV’s roof will thank you for having one. Make sure you measure the height of your rig properly and have a friend around as a safety spotter. Happy climbing!