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
Photos, please. Thank you!
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
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.
Seconded! Found it non trivial at 61 last summer!
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!🥱
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 (http://www.andybaird.com/travels/ladder/).
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
Very nice, Steve! I especially like the padding idea.