Bunk ladder July 11, 2016, 12:20:01 pm When we moved from our '83 FL to our '04 FL, I retained the ladder from the older model, as it was far superior in comfort and construction to the newer model. As it matched the decor of the older model, I planned to redo it to match the '04, but only got around to it this weekend - 4 years later.The original construction used 1/2" plywood steps screwed to the aluminum crosspieces of the ladder, and covered with the same carpeting as our '83 . I removed the wooden steps, stripped off the old, matted carpeting, removing the thousands of staples, and cleaned and sanded the wood as needed. I then glued custom-cut pieces of 1/2" shop-floor foam cushion to the top of the step, and covered with spare upholstery cloth from the '04 we just happened to have, stapled underneath where the aluminum cross-piece would hide them. I then drilled out the existing #10 holes in the cross-pieces to accommodate larger #12 sheet-metal screws, and re-attached the steps using the same existing holes. The result is steps that are cushioning and supportive to knee and foot for accessing our bunk, and nicely matches the surroundings.Steve 2 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #1 – July 11, 2016, 01:02:17 pm Swell job, Steve! And a very welcome improvement, I know; my 2003 came with the foot killer ladder, the design of which was apparently inspired by a few of the more creative devices in the medieval torture museum!
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #2 – July 11, 2016, 01:28:52 pm Nice! Good solution to a problem the Mothership should have caught a long time ago. I left the ladder home and bought a nice 3 step folding stool by Cosco. The step onto the bed from the top platform is just right for me, but may be a bit far for some. It lays on the bed when not in use, and serves as an outdoor ladder just tall enough to reach the upper exterior sides, and as an outdoor table in a pinch. Not nearly as nice looking as yours though!
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #3 – July 12, 2016, 11:49:13 am I have a mid-bath and found the ladder to be in the way and unnecessary, so I leave it at home in my garage. It's way easier to just hop up on the bench from my dinette. I actually feel safer getting in and out of bed this way than using the ladder. 1 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #4 – August 19, 2016, 02:08:50 pm I'd love to see a video of how folks climb out of bed above cab. I realize I'm probably not as flexible as many of you, but getting myself unfolded & down the ladder in the middle of the night is a major challenge. I have thought about getting a step ladder with a hand rail but am not sure where I could store it since we have driver & passenger seats back as far as possible. Meanwhile, I've figured out how to arrange bench cushions so I can sleep diagonally & still have foot support.
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #5 – August 19, 2016, 02:38:02 pm Gave up on sleeping in the over cab bed LONG ago. That space is super awesome for bulky, not too heavy storage. We are quite happy with the king size bed and King travasack of pulling the couches together. It's just not that big of a deal taking it down and putting it up. If feeling lazy ( I AM in a Lazy Daze! ) I simply fold it over onto one side and push the other couch in for full walking ability through the whole rig for the day.I am the one who has to step over my mate in the night to get to the bathroom which is something of a pain. <sigh> midnight bathroom breaks weren't needed 12 years ago but now ........ 1 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #6 – August 19, 2016, 04:17:38 pm These are some wonderful tips. The remodel of the ladder was on my to-do list...until I attempted to sleep top-side ONE night. Now I sleep down below. On our last trip, we suspended the daily ritual of breaking down the beds each morning (a rather painless procedure). Instead, when converting the couch, we fold the backrests toward the walls, pull the couches partially out, and leave a pathway between them. We then place memory foam pads so part of the pad becomes the backrest of of each couch. This makes for some very comfy seating.Throw on some matching covers and some day pillows and we are set. Perfect for an afternoon nap or a good nights sleep.Prior to breaking camp, everything goes back to normal. Pads go top side folded and Velcro'ed together. And we're ready for the road.Can't wait to share this new travel tip with my daughter next week. That'll give her more time in the morning to make me a nice cup of coffee or maybe even breakfast. Kent 1 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #7 – August 19, 2016, 05:45:03 pm "I'd love to see a video of how folks climb out of bed above cab."SDEVER2000Even if I had an overhead bunk I very seriously doubt if you would care to see me in a video... due to the fact that I sleep buck-naked! 5 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #8 – August 19, 2016, 08:03:51 pm Sleeping in the "upstairs bedroom" is very much a personal matter. It works great for some, but is impractical or uncomfortable for others. At age 66 I wouldn't say I'm especially flexible, but I still prefer sleeping over the cab. However, there may come a time when I get creaky enough that I'll want to use the couch in back instead.I can't show you a movie, but here's how I get out of bed in my 2003 midbath. (I sleep with my head toward the right side of the coach. The following assumes that I start out lying on my back.)1. Roll to the left, reach over with right hand and grab the ceiling-mounted handle thoughtfully provided by Lazy Daze. (I have relocated this handle about eight inches toward the curb side to make it easier to grab.)2. Slide left foot over the side of the bed and place on padded back rail of forward dinette seat.3. Pivoting body to face outside wall, but retaining grip on handle, place right foot on dinette seat cushion. (Left arm remains on bed for stability.)4. Place left foot on floor.5. Place right foot on floor.6. Let go of handle; remove left arm from bed.The key is that I retain my right-handed grip on the ceiling-mounted grab handle throughout the procedure, as well as having my left arm on the bed most of the time.I do this in semi-darkness (I do use the LD nightlight by the sink) three or four times a night. Let's see... ten years times 365 nights... that's nearly 11,000 times I've climbed out of bed in this coach alone, and probably another thousand or more in my previous rig (a 1985 twin/king). I haven't slipped or fallen yet. And no, I don't carry a ladder. In a midbath you really don't need one.
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #9 – August 19, 2016, 08:06:05 pm Quote from: sdever2000 - August 19, 2016, 02:08:50 pmI'd love to see a video of how folks climb out of bed above cab. I realize I'm probably not as flexible as many of you, but getting myself unfolded & down the ladder in the middle of the night is a major challenge.I'm NOT submitting a video, but generally, we start inching over belly-down until we can lower a right knee onto the topmost step. Thus the mod for a well-padded step. Then swing on around and use our feet the rest of the way. Also can do it with just feet, but have to swing further out first, stepping first on next-to-top step.If we had to use the ladder that came with the '04, I would have built a new one from the get-go. I doubt if many folks who get the FL sleep anywhere but in the bunk.Steve
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #10 – August 19, 2016, 08:26:26 pm I have used the "Andy Approach ". But then I started carrying an aluminium step ladder. So now I use that. Nice big platform to mount and dismount from.
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #11 – August 19, 2016, 09:59:09 pm That's a fine looking ladder Paul! Where did you find it? It's similar to the one I have but much nicer.
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #12 – August 19, 2016, 10:16:57 pm If I recall, Walmart or Home Depot. It is a Cosco brand. I know the same ladder with steel legs is easy to find, but the Aluminium legs less easy. It gives me just enough height to reach to the top of the sides of the LD when I use it outside. Also makes a nice side table to hold my libation under the awning.
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #13 – August 19, 2016, 10:23:19 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - August 19, 2016, 05:45:03 pm"I'd love to see a video of how folks climb out of bed above cab."SDEVER2000Even if I had an overhead bunk I very seriously doubt if you would care to see me in a video... due to the fact that I sleep buck-naked! TMI lol 2 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #14 – August 28, 2016, 12:50:29 pm Well, I haven't seen my method yet, so will chime in, albeit a bit late. First, I encased those awful hard steps of the Factory ladder in pipe foam. Cut to the proper width, then slice lengthwise, wrap around the step and secure with black plastic tape. This has held up well for nine years. As for getting out of the overhead (this is a TK), I sleep with head towards the passenger side, rotate legs out so I'm facing the rear of the coach, grab the overhead handle that Andy mentioned, and then just walk down the ladder still facing the rear, all the while holding tight to the strap. Sounds awkward, but is quite natural and easy. It helps that I'm thin and still adequately flexible despite, ahem, advancing years. -- Jon 1 Likes
Re: Bunk ladder Reply #15 – August 28, 2016, 08:28:21 pm Jon said, "As for getting out of the overhead (this is a TK), I sleep with head towards the passenger side, rotate legs out so I'm facing the rear of the coach, grab the overhead handle that Andy mentioned, and then just walk down the ladder still facing the rear, all the while holding tight to the strap. Sounds awkward, but is quite natural and easy. It helps that I'm thin and still adequately flexible despite, ahem, advancing years."Though not at all thin, I am flexible enough to do Downward Dog & other yoga poses, but selected Ldy Lulubelle's TB configuration because I knew I couldn't do the LD Cabover Dismount without receiving negative points. Lynne 1 Likes
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