Fold-able Ladder that can fit in Sedan?

Question

Unfortunately I don't have a truck, but a sedan. On my appointments I would like to start looking on top of the roof. Do they manufacture fold-able ladders that are tall enough to get on top of the roof of your average 1 story home, yet compact enough to fit inside a sedan?

Patrick L. · Answer

I have a Telesteps brand one, it takes up almost no room.  I have a large SUV as my daily driver but don't want to keep a big ladder on the roof so I leave this in the trunk so I always have it.  I'm out inspecting properties for purchase almost daily so it's handy to have if I want to take a look at a roof.  I've never had a problem with the Telesteps one and it's always felt sturdy to me and I'm not a tiny guy.

Jerry W. · Answer

Yes I have several.  They fold in the middle and telescope on both ends.  They come in different lengths so you may have to shop around for the one you need.  They also make lighter versions as well, be careful though, the lighter the ladder and the farther you extend it the less weight it can hold.  The first one I bought was over 300$ but many are about half that price now.

Rob K. · Answer

I have one of the ladders that folds in half and then extends on both ends. I think it is around 12-13 feet fully extended. It's long enough to get up enough to inspect a one story roof, but it's not tall enough to get on top unless you start from the porch. If you have the room, a taller one would be better.

Steve Babiak · Answer

The telescoping ladders such as the one in the photo posted by @Joshua Dorkin can be purchased from Sherwin Williams and Home Depot (and maybe others too - but I have seen them in those two stores).  These might not extend to sufficient height to get onto a roof if it is more than a one story property.

I have a Little Giant.  It probably wouldn't fit into a sedan.  I have the largest model, and it is quite heavy (the video on how to use the Little Giant uses a much smaller model to make it look easier than it actually is with the bigger units).  And as for being long enough to reach a roof, that's again a maybe.  If the house is more than two stories, unlikely.

Adam Johnson · Answer

I have one of the fold-up ladders and use it a lot.  My truck is the only one that doesn't have a ladder rack because I pull a fifth wheel trailer with it.  My service people hate it because it is heavy when compared to similar step ladders.  However, the versatility more than makes up for it.  The do come in different sizes and are pretty common to find in hardware stores as well as big box stores.  I use this primarily when working alone to inspect properties to purchase or for simple repairs.

I would NOT recommend this ladder for heavy use!  If you are using it simply to access the roof to inspect it or to do simply, relatively light repairs, it will work fine.  If you are going to be carrying bundles of shingles up it, or other similar tasks, I would advise against it.  This is based on nothing more than climbing mine so many times and watching it "flex" at the folding point.  I weigh less than 200 pounds, and I think it is rated for around 250.  But if you throw a bundle of shingles on your shoulder, you can push the max pretty quick and I don't like to play around on ladders.

My ladder flares slightly at the end to help it be more stable when using it as a step ladder.  This can also make it a little awkward to mount/dismount the ladder when climbing onto a roof.  Not impossible, just a little awkward.

Another "bonus" to this type of ladder is versatility.  Because of how it operates, it can be set up on sloping areas such as stairs because you can extend one side longer than the other when using it as a step ladder.  You can also create 2 smaller ladders out of one and set up a walking scaffold between the two for doing higher up painting or drywall work that requires more frequent lateral movement too.

They are a very useful tool to have available, but have their limitations.

Jerry W. · Answer

@Bill Mitchell  you can get them in almost any hardware store or home supply department store.  I got mine in local hardware store in a town of only 3,000.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

Funny thing ... when I bought my last car, I specifically looked for one where I could fold the seats down to put ladders and other stuff like that in it.

Brian Stephens · Answer

As a caution, mentioned by Roy N., there are brands of telescoping ladders that have failed. Each has its own little trick for retracting as well and so practice with whichever model you get a bit first; watch your fingers!  This may sound silly, yet, a good set of binoculars might save you a trip up onto the roof in the first place.

For inside use, a limitation I have found with telescoping ladders is getting into the attic space. Using a step ladder first to open the attic hatch, I then use the telescoping ladder to get up and into the attic for insulation, structure and furnace inspections. This is mostly for 10'-12' ceilings.

Reading BP, I have picked up some great information, so this bit of insight is to give back a little.  Good investing all...

Roy N. · Answer

Just a caution on the telescoping ladders.  Research the particular brand and model thoroughly before purchasing.   There are cases of the locking system on certain models failing and the ladder retracting under load.

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

Here's one:

Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type I Professional Series, 15.5-Foot

Fold-able Ladder that can fit in Sedan?

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