Recommendations for telescopic ladder please

[peterc10]

I am looking for an aluminium lightweight extending ladder to use for getting up on the roof to clean the solar panels and roof. Plenty available on Amazon, fleabay, toolstation, screwfix etc but would prefer recommendations from users please. Important considerations is being lightweight (carrying it in the motorhome), easy to extend and collapse safely (no trapped fingers) and sturdy.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

 

[LesW]

Whilst perhaps not easy to carry in your moho, I have one of these, much more useful than extending ladders though.

 

[peterc10]

Whilst perhaps not easy to carry in your moho, I have one of these, much more useful than extending ladders though.
View attachment 576958

Thanks, but I had one of those, but much too heavy and bulky to handle or put in the motorhome. And I had to count my fingers after putting it up or taking it down!!

 

[rb62]

Having been through the same process some years ago and having had a good look round and found one at a good price I ended up with a Batavia,not the cheapest or the lightest but it is well made,has soft close and I feel secure when using it.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Most of the telescopic ladders are in practice fairly heavy. This is essential so they are reasonably rigid when used. Various extended lengths are available. Look though at the retracted size too. Some are more compact than others.

The original brand was called Telesteps. I don't know if they failed to secure a patent, or if they licence but plenty of alternatives are available. I regularly use for my job a Youngman telescopic ladder that extends to about 3.8m, bought through Wickes. Been absolutely fine used all times of year indoor and out.

Any of the telescopic ladders need common sense as to how to hold and grip whilst extending or retracting. Best ones will have a simple pin release on the bottom rung that disengages the upper rungs. Avoid the cheaper brands that need each rung engaged / disengaged individually.

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[Gellyneck]

And I had to count my fingers after putting it up or taking it down!!

and that isn't easy when some are missing!

 

[pappajohn]

Saw one in Aldi a couple of days ago.
Telescopic tube type....no folding.

 

[BusyBuilder]

I bought https://www.screwfix.com/p/xtend-cl...ium-proseries-s2-telescopic-ladder-3-8m/673jj

from Screwfix 3 or 4 years ago, don't use it much but been fine for cleaning the moho, gutters and getting on garage roof, the feet extend out for extra stability, but in my 50 years experience of ladders they slode out at the bottom more than going sideays so always secure the feet.
This is my second one as the first one jammed whilst extended, it was fun returning it to local Screwfix shop, poor wee girl behind the counter couldn' manage it on her own !!

 

[Tombola]

Thanks, but I had one of those, but much too heavy and bulky to handle or put in the motorhome. And I had to count my fingers after putting it up or taking it down!!

I know what you mean about the fingers, but I was told to lean it before allowing it to drop. Works well

Ive got this one, takes my weight (17 stone) and it weighs 10kg
Amazon product ASIN B07BLM3C8R

 

[Fontie]

I bought https://www.screwfix.com/p/xtend-cl...ium-proseries-s2-telescopic-ladder-3-8m/673jj

from Screwfix 3 or 4 years ago, don't use it much but been fine for cleaning the moho, gutters and getting on garage roof, the feet extend out for extra stability, but in my 50 years experience of ladders they slode out at the bottom more than going sideays so always secure the feet.
This is my second one as the first one jammed whilst extended, it was fun returning it to local Screwfix shop, poor wee girl behind the counter couldn' manage it on her own !!

Wow at that price I'll stick to climbing up my wife's back and standing on her shoulders to do the van roof. Mind you she does wobble a bit these days, might have to get a new wife, thinking about if a ladder would be cheaper lol

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[Brains]

We have one that we carry around to access the roof.
I think it this one
It came with a black carry bag
I think it cost about £200 at the time, but that would have been 10 years ago.

Telescopic ladders are not very light.
To get on top of a roof 3m off the ground you need at least a 5m ladder and ideally more like 6m
The price variance is huge, anything from £30 to £300, which means you carefully need to check quality.

You also need a method of securing it, (person on the bottom rung ?)

Also if you use it for washing the roof, the ladder fills with water, so you then need to put it, fully extended, upside down against a wall in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry out.

 

[Landy Andy]

Check the weight capacity before you purchase.

 

[cyberyacht]

I've got a 3.5m one weighs just under 8Kg. Bought from Amazon IIRC. Can't remember the make and not badged.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Bought a 2.6m one on ebay, think it was about £60. It's tall enough when on the scooter rack. Store it under the van.

 

[Simon Meadwell]

They were on sale in costco at the weekend no idea of cost didnt look. Maybe check their website if you are a member

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[jdk62]

Can you not get an inflatable one?

 

[GlennL]

I have some 3.0m Telesteps, good quality and don't bend in the
middle like some of the cheaper ones. They weigh 8.8kg

 

[Googlebot]

I have these, sturdy and light enough with soft close and just one button to close the lot.

Been well impressed with them and they easily get me on the roof.

Currently on offer.

Werner 2.9m Telescopic Ladder - Screwfix

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