I've been away for a while focusing on my pajero and getting it ready for some adventures, so I haven't had much to share caravan related of late.
As the Paj is pretty much done, I'm moving some of my attention back to the van so should have some more stuff to share soon.
In particular I have a dc-dc charger I'll be wiring up to support my solar set up.
In the mean time though, I'd been checking out the TXP squeezebox ladders for some time. Having ducks disease with my bum close to the ground, I sometimes run into issues reaching my awning.
Especially if on uneven ground where the awning side it higher up and because of my lift.
Til now I've been happy with the old milk crate but sometimes it just isnt enough.
When this one came up on gumtree for $60, I jumped at it.
In the 3 step format, it weighs in at just under 5kg and if you struggle lifting weight, this is definitely worthy of consideration.
Since I didn't want to go wit a regular step ladder, as I was keen on keeping the storage requirement to a miniumum, I also looked at those telescopic models but figured they need to be leaned against something to be useful, to trying to reach on top of the awning or under in the middle of it, they would be of no use.
From the limited info that is out there on these, they seem to get pretty good wraps, so I was willing to take a chance and try one out.
to that end, here's a vid of the ladder itself
cheers Brett
Long Weekend said
11:30 PM Jul 29, 2018
At the last NSW State Rally the person next to me had one of these ladders that he carried inside the pole carrier pipe on the front 'A' frame.
At the time I was using an Aldi step ladder which was a bit awkward to carry, but was light and allowed me to reach to the top of the van and awning.
So, two months ago I bought one of the 'squeeze box' ladders and it does everything the Aldi one did - plus it comes in a carry bag and is easier to carry, being simply tied to the 'A' frame.
I bought the larger 5 step one thinking it would also be handy in the house, but on reflection a 4 step one would be sufficient for most people.
Murray
-- Edited by Long Weekend on Sunday 29th of July 2018 11:33:28 PM
Blues Man said
06:31 AM Jul 30, 2018
That looks like a great piece of kit.Thanks for sharing.
mezza56 said
08:33 AM Jul 30, 2018
Thats first time I've seen them , in the vid he said it's rated at 150 kg and on the info 120kg , slip o the tongue, I've got a little giant ladder thats rated at around the same but looks way stronger than that ?
Possum3 said
08:44 AM Jul 30, 2018
I have used the telescopic ladder very light to carry - chain and padlock to A Frame (they are very desirable) www.kogan.com/au/buy/certa-38m-telescopic-ladder/ They are certainly priced right at Kogan.
-- Edited by Possum3 on Monday 30th of July 2018 08:44:54 AM
denmonkey said
11:19 AM Jul 30, 2018
LW, I do like the idea of storing it ouside the van in a pole carrier but mine is currently chocka block. I've consdiered getting another to stick on the back so I can throw it in there. Space is a premium for larger items under the bed as I don't have any 'basement' type storage. If I'm going up 5 steps, I think I'd probably prefer a conventional ladder for that extra rigidity though. Are you confident getting up that high on yours ?
Welcome BM, I only stumbled on them myself, so thought others might not know about them and thus worth the share.
Mezza, No, I got it right. There is a sticker on the side of mine that states 150kg. The site shows 120kg. I made a note of it on screen as I found it odd myself. I am a little curious what caused the change or if the design had been altered to reduce the load weight. Either way, I'm not sure why the difference.
Possum, I tried to snag one of those on gumtree a while back but missed out on it. I wasnt happy about it. I think I like the free standing one over those so I can set it up to reach things where leaning it up against a support inst possible. I would still like one of those though.
cheers Brett
Long Weekend said
12:29 PM Jul 30, 2018
Hi Brett,
I have actually stood on the top fifth step to do a bit of work along the top of the van. That said the ladder has to be on very firm and level ground to do any work - I wouldn't attempt to do any painting or such where you have to lean over.
At home it would be perfectly safe to change a light bulb and such. Mostly you wouldn't have to go any higher than four steps.
I did find that the Aldi ladder is light and very stable and cost only $50 when they come on sale every couple of months. However, as mentioned they are a bit awkward to carry - they certainly won't fit under a bed or in a boot!
That is where the 'Squeeze Box' ladder comes in handy. Actually, my next trip will be on 9 August and I'll simply strap the squeeze box onto the front A frame. Generally, I only have to put the anti-flap clamps on and screens and the ladder should be adequate for that.
Murray
denmonkey said
01:17 PM Jul 30, 2018
that's exactly what I needed this one for. Just adding the additionals to the awning when they're needed.
Most of the time though, I'm just happy to throw it up with only the middle support and leave it at that.
I do need to try my annexe out through since having the new awning put on, so it will come in handy for that.
Like you, I find you need to make sure the feet are all level and set out properly more so than a standard ladder. I'm sure I'll get more confidence with it as I use it more.
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:54 PM Jul 30, 2018
When we had the Eagle, I had a short 1m ladder on the rear of the A frame but my wife said "it was mine for cleaning the top of the fridge" at home (even after we bought the ladder for our previous camper trailer).
Just before we sold the Eagle, I bought one of these ladders (fitted in some 6" sewer pipe). On buying the Discovery, I fitted the ladder (in its bag) into the front boot. Buying the 6' (5 step)ladder has proven to be a wise move, especially after we discovered a roof top leak recently. I recall paying $65 for it.
denmonkey said
02:34 PM Jul 31, 2018
65 bucks for a 5 stepper is a bargain.
If a 5 stepper or even a 4 had popper up I probably still would have jumped on it.
I have found the 3 step fits nicely under the bed down one side but I'll probably grab another tube for outside and stick it in that. A lockable one of course :)
Although you have me thinking I could probably rig something up in the front boot on the 'ceiling' . That would make use of the wasted space uptop and it would be safe and secure.
When you say fitted W&P, do you mean mounted in some way or just thrown in? If you mounted it, any chance of a pic ?
Hi guys,
I've been away for a while focusing on my pajero and getting it ready for some adventures, so I haven't had much to share caravan related of late.
As the Paj is pretty much done, I'm moving some of my attention back to the van so should have some more stuff to share soon.
In particular I have a dc-dc charger I'll be wiring up to support my solar set up.
In the mean time though, I'd been checking out the TXP squeezebox ladders for some time. Having ducks disease with my bum close to the ground, I sometimes run into issues reaching my awning.
Especially if on uneven ground where the awning side it higher up and because of my lift.
Til now I've been happy with the old milk crate but sometimes it just isnt enough.
When this one came up on gumtree for $60, I jumped at it.
In the 3 step format, it weighs in at just under 5kg and if you struggle lifting weight, this is definitely worthy of consideration.
Since I didn't want to go wit a regular step ladder, as I was keen on keeping the storage requirement to a miniumum, I also looked at those telescopic models but figured they need to be leaned against something to be useful, to trying to reach on top of the awning or under in the middle of it, they would be of no use.
From the limited info that is out there on these, they seem to get pretty good wraps, so I was willing to take a chance and try one out.
to that end, here's a vid of the ladder itself
cheers Brett
At the last NSW State Rally the person next to me had one of these ladders that he carried inside the pole carrier pipe on the front 'A' frame.
At the time I was using an Aldi step ladder which was a bit awkward to carry, but was light and allowed me to reach to the top of the van and awning.
So, two months ago I bought one of the 'squeeze box' ladders and it does everything the Aldi one did - plus it comes in a carry bag and is easier to carry, being simply tied to the 'A' frame.
I bought the larger 5 step one thinking it would also be handy in the house, but on reflection a 4 step one would be sufficient for most people.
Murray
-- Edited by Long Weekend on Sunday 29th of July 2018 11:33:28 PM
That looks like a great piece of kit.Thanks for sharing.
Thats first time I've seen them , in the vid he said it's rated at 150 kg and on the info 120kg , slip o the tongue, I've got a little giant ladder thats rated at around the same but looks way stronger than that ?
I have used the telescopic ladder very light to carry - chain and padlock to A Frame (they are very desirable) www.kogan.com/au/buy/certa-38m-telescopic-ladder/
They are certainly priced right at Kogan.
-- Edited by Possum3 on Monday 30th of July 2018 08:44:54 AM
LW, I do like the idea of storing it ouside the van in a pole carrier but mine is currently chocka block.
I've consdiered getting another to stick on the back so I can throw it in there.
Space is a premium for larger items under the bed as I don't have any 'basement' type storage.
If I'm going up 5 steps, I think I'd probably prefer a conventional ladder for that extra rigidity though.
Are you confident getting up that high on yours ?
Welcome BM, I only stumbled on them myself, so thought others might not know about them and thus worth the share.
Mezza, No, I got it right. There is a sticker on the side of mine that states 150kg. The site shows 120kg. I made a note of it on screen as I found it odd myself. I am a little curious what caused the change or if the design had been altered to reduce the load weight.
Either way, I'm not sure why the difference.
Possum, I tried to snag one of those on gumtree a while back but missed out on it. I wasnt happy about it. I think I like the free standing one over those so I can set it up to reach things where leaning it up against a support inst possible. I would still like one of those though.
cheers Brett
Hi Brett,
I have actually stood on the top fifth step to do a bit of work along the top of the van. That said the ladder has to be on very firm and level ground to do any work - I wouldn't attempt to do any painting or such where you have to lean over.
At home it would be perfectly safe to change a light bulb and such. Mostly you wouldn't have to go any higher than four steps.
I did find that the Aldi ladder is light and very stable and cost only $50 when they come on sale every couple of months. However, as mentioned they are a bit awkward to carry - they certainly won't fit under a bed or in a boot!
That is where the 'Squeeze Box' ladder comes in handy. Actually, my next trip will be on 9 August and I'll simply strap the squeeze box onto the front A frame. Generally, I only have to put the anti-flap clamps on and screens and the ladder should be adequate for that.
Murray
Most of the time though, I'm just happy to throw it up with only the middle support and leave it at that.
I do need to try my annexe out through since having the new awning put on, so it will come in handy for that.
Like you, I find you need to make sure the feet are all level and set out properly more so than a standard ladder. I'm sure I'll get more confidence with it as I use it more.
Just before we sold the Eagle, I bought one of these ladders (fitted in some 6" sewer pipe). On buying the Discovery, I fitted the ladder (in its bag) into the front boot. Buying the 6' (5 step)ladder has proven to be a wise move, especially after we discovered a roof top leak recently. I recall paying $65 for it.
If a 5 stepper or even a 4 had popper up I probably still would have jumped on it.
I have found the 3 step fits nicely under the bed down one side but I'll probably grab another tube for outside and stick it in that. A lockable one of course :)
Although you have me thinking I could probably rig something up in the front boot on the 'ceiling' . That would make use of the wasted space uptop and it would be safe and secure.
When you say fitted W&P, do you mean mounted in some way or just thrown in? If you mounted it, any chance of a pic ?