Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Bunk Ladder Improvements... (Read 401 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Bunk Ladder Improvements...
When we moved from our '83 FL to an '04 FL, I was taken aback by the flimsier ladder LD provided for that model. While I don't think it could not handle enough weight, it flexed a lot and the rungs were narrow and uncomfortable. By contrast, the one in our '83 was far more rigid and had wide, carpeted rungs. I ended up extending the ladder from our '83 slightly as needed, and re-carpeted the rungs with an added layer of dense foam. Now at almost 73, I still find my modified ladder comfortable, even with a knee on the rung. Would have given up the bunk years ago if we had kept that original ladder.

Don't know if LD still provides the same sorry ladder in their more recent offerings, but if bunk access is a problem for some, I can highly recommend having a custom ladder made. That night-time or early morning descent no longer need be a painful experience.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #1
Photos, please. Thank you!
Blessed are the curious for they will have adventures!
2003 MB

Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #2
If I’m still sleeping in our cab over bunk at age 73 I’ll consider myself fortunate, however I get there!   Wishing you many more years of camping, Steve.

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL


Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #4
We don’t sleep in the bunk but I’ve gone up there on occasion and found that using the dinette bench in the MB makes it easier than a ladder. Then again, I haven’t tried it in the middle of the night!🥱
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #5
In a midbath, as HiLola said, the dinette bench is an easy path to the "upstairs bedroom," making a ladder unnecessary. But Steve's front lounge model doesn't make that possible. Many years ago I helped a friend add wider treads to the ladder that came with his twin/king. The project is explained on my website.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #6
Photos, please. Thank you!
The ladder is the original one from our '83FL, which was made from aluminum u-channel stock, with carpeted wood steps about 2.5" wide. I took the ladder when we got our '04FL, extended its length with oak feet so the steps would be level, then cut rubber workspace floor padding into strips to glue on top of the wood steps. I covered the steps then with Lazy Daze provided upholstery fabric to match the rig. Cushy enough I kneel on it descending.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

 
Re: Bunk Ladder Improvements...
Reply #7
Very nice, Steve! I especially like the padding idea.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"