Reaching the roof at your campsite...

Jay_and_Kat

Come this summer, we're going to be putting our moonshade up and a small TV antenna (magnetic) on the roof for some TV.  We've got a small 2-step step stool which I am 99% certain is NOT going to get me high enough to put the suction cups on the roof.

I'm looking at possibly a 3-step step stool, but that might not get me as high as I'd like, which means my next option would be to pack along our 6ft step ladder, which seems to be a bit much.  The final option, and this might not work on some campsites, would be to get the camper in place, then back the truck up next to the camper and stand in the bed.

So, if you attach things like awnings or such to the roof, what do you use?

Tabaz

I bought this ladder thinking I would need it for some reason:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PNMMOC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is compact, but heavy.  Something for your consideration.

Tabaz

Just weighted mine - 16 lbs.

Sharon_is_SAM

Check out telescopic aluminum ladders.

Tabaz

The telescopic ladders must be laid against the plastic roof trim. I thought the folding ladder would prevent any damage to the trim.

rfuss928

I use something similar to this:


Folds flat for storage.

https://www.amazon.com/KAIRAY-Portable-Mounted-Climber-Capacity/dp/B0B2W2R9XC/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2VBRC3PGBTZLZ&keywords=suv+tire+step&qid=1674614795&sprefix=suv+tire+ste,aps,260&sr=8-3-spons&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSlA1WFBRUlIzNUJQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzg3OTYyMldER09MWDVGRDhFRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA4NzUxM05XSU5KQjdHNjY1UiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

johnfconway

A 4' fiberglass stepladder should fit in the back of the Gladiator's 5' bed. Many items can be held in place by putting them between rungs in truck bed. I am 6' and combined with ladder's safe step height, can reach what's needed on T@B 400.

AnOldUR

Our challenge is getting stuff off the roof of our (slightly) lifted Wrangler. Currently using a two-step ladder picked up cheap at Harbor Freight. My wife always gives me a hard time for standing on the top handle that meant to carry it. I'm thinking that a 3-step might be enough.

Cheaper models out there, but I like this one.

techietab

Jay_and_Kat said:

Come this summer, we're going to be putting our moonshade up and a small TV antenna (magnetic) on the roof for some TV. 

FYI, you're probably going to be disappointed if you try to mount an antenna with a magnet without any additional mods. The roof is made of aluminum (not magnetic). You'd need to surface mount a magnetic plate first.

gulfarea

I mounted this permately on the roof, works well! Did a post in this somewhere here! Art

Jay_and_Kat

@techietab yeah, I knew that much.  

I'm debating between either getting a small square of ferrous metal and some heavy duty tape (the sort of stuff automakers use to hold cars together in places,) for the antenna to attach to, or putting some velcro on the roof and the bottom of the antenna.  McMaster-Carr has industrial-grade hook-and-loop with adhesive backing, including some intended for outdoor use that's UV and water resistant.

Downside is, I'd have to buy a 5ft long spool...

For now, I'm endeavoring to avoid putting holes in the camper.

Denny16

johnfconway said:

A 4' fiberglass stepladder should fit in the back of the Gladiator's 5' bed. Many items can be held in place by putting them between rungs in truck bed. I am 6' and combined with ladder's safe step height, can reach what's needed on T@B 400.

That is what I do, I have a folding 4- foot fiberglass stepladder that fits side to side in the Gladiator’s bed.  This helps to organize the bed and keeps items packed in the bed, from sliding around.  I also have a 2x6 that fits in notches on the rear sides of the bed, to add an additional divider.
 Cheers 

Marceline

Jay_and_Kat said:

@techietab yeah, I knew that much.  

I'm debating between either getting a small square of ferrous metal and some heavy duty tape (the sort of stuff automakers use to hold cars together in places,) for the antenna to attach to, or putting some velcro on the roof and the bottom of the antenna.  McMaster-Carr has industrial-grade hook-and-loop with adhesive backing, including some intended for outdoor use that's UV and water resistant.

Downside is, I'd have to buy a 5ft long spool...

For now, I'm endeavoring to avoid putting holes in the camper.

I’m not a fan of holes, either. 

I’m not familiar with whatever it is that McMaster-Carr has, but I’ve used 3M Dual Lock to attach all sorts of things to boats and trailers.