Steps, ladders... what do you use???

[TheTaylors]

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 

[RWS]

Somebody here was selling one last month, you could throw them a PM...http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=28194.msg438648#new

[Campa]

We use this one for our Customline. Its aluminium so its nice and light. Think it was around $130

[Kangaron]

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.

[GU Rich]

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

[nab]

I found an old style wooden ladder, 3 step A frame. Cost $5 at a garage sale and can be used anywhere.

[HEM19X]

We have a 3 step ladder like Kanga's, being vertically challenged, it can be used to put up lights in the annex etc.

[Raym]

Here is a previous thread.

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=20980.msg324484#msg324484

[krisandkev]

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

[noel_w]

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.

[KingBilly]

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

[DannyG]

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.

[Barry G]

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. 

[qlddsl]

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

[Jeepers Creepers]

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.

[KingBilly]

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

[GGV8Cruza]

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

GG

[Kangaron]

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   

[fishfinder]

i would get the other half to get on all fours and step on her back and jump into bed

[TheTaylors]

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. 

[nab]

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.

[hotboostgt]

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