Navigating the roof of your RV for maintenance or enjoying a rooftop view can be a challenge without a reliable and safe RV ladder. A sturdy RV ladder provides convenient access and peace of mind, but with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
This comprehensive review dives into the top 10 RV ladders available, considering key factors like durability, ease of use, weight capacity, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly ladder or a premium model with added features, this guide will help you find the perfect climbing companion for your RV adventures.
Contents
- Best RV Exterior Ladders
- Best RV Collapsible/Telescoping Ladders
- 5. Bowoshen Telescoping DIY RV Extension Folding Ladder
- 6. PEAYLI Telescoping Extension Ladder 16.5 FT
- 7. Generies Telescoping Collapsible RV Ladder
- 8. Augtarlion Multi-Purpose Collapsible Outdoor RV Ladders
- 9. SocTone Multi-Purpose Collapsible Ladder for RV or Outdoor Work
- 10. ALPURLAD Lightweight Aluminum Extension Ladder
- Different RV Ladder Types
Best RV Exterior Ladders
1. Stromberg Carlson 139.21 LA-401 Universal Exterior RV Ladder
At a glance:
| Brand | Stromberg Carlson |
| Product Dimensions | 15″W x 54″H |
| Item Weight | 10 Pounds |
| Load Capacity | 250 Pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Extendable |
Why we love it
After shopping around for the best RV ladder to use with our camper, we decided to give the Stromberg Carlson a try. Overall, we’ve been pretty satisfied with it. While the aluminum construction feels a little lightweight, it’s held up well for us over the last few months and gets the job done when we need access to the roof.
As a universal fit ladder, it was easy to install on our camper by joining it to the existing lower section. The modular design lets you configure it in different ways, which we appreciated since our setup was a bit unconventional. Mounting it directly to the roof does provide a sturdier base compared to free-standing ladders.
That said, we weren’t huge fans of the standard roof foot that only uses two screws. It didn’t feel very stable when in use. A few trips to the hardware store fixed that issue though, as we could beef it up with some metal plates for extra reinforcement.
Overall, while not the most heavy-duty ladder for the money, its universal fit and adjustable configuration make it a good ladder for camper.
Pros
- Universal design allows for flexible installations
- Modular parts can be configured for various setups
- Affordable option for basic roof access
Cons
- Lightweight aluminum construction feels flimsy
- Standard roof foot mounting is unstable
- May require reinforcement of certain parts
2. Surco 502L Universal Motorhome Straight Ladder
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | SURCO |
| Product Dimensions | 10″W x 190″H |
| Item Weight | 6.46 Pounds |
| Load Capacity | 200 Pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Can be cut down for a more accurate fit. |
Why we love it
We recently purchased the Surco 502L ladder to use on our RV, and after installing and using it for a few trips, we can say it’s one of the best RV ladder products available.
Made of sturdy aluminum, it feels tough enough to hold up to regular use. And as an adjustable universal ladder, it can be cut down to fit virtually any camper size and roofline. However, the instructions could have been more detailed, as figuring out some parts took a bit of trial and error.
Installation also requires some engineering know-how, as you need to find strong mounting points on your vehicle. An experienced RV technician would make the process smoother.
Once up, though, we felt very secure climbing this ladder, thanks to its wide non-slip steps. It holds up to heavier users without any flexing. The bright polished finish looks nice on our camper too.
Pros
- Adjustable design allows for custom fit
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Non-slip wide steps provide secure footing
- Polished finish looks nice on campers
Cons
- Instructions lack detail, some assembly required
- Installation expertise recommended for secure mounting
3. Universal Motorhome Straight Ladder Exterior RV
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | KUAFU |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Anti Slip |
| Item Weight | 14.05 pounds |
| Load Capacity | 75 pounds |
Why we love it
We recently purchased the Universal Motorhome Straight Ladder for our new RV, and have found it to be a worthwhile investment overall. As RV owners, having reliable access to the roof is important, and this best RV ladder has served us well so far.
The aluminum construction feels durable and has held up to frequent use over the last few months. Assembling it did require some care and trimming to fit our specific motorhome, but the instructions made the process straightforward.
While assembly took a bit of fine-tuning, setting it up only needed to be done once. On trips since, we’ve had an easy time accessing our roof for cleaning or repairs. It’s also come in handy for occasional stargazing at night.
That said, those with non-standard RV shapes may find more modification necessary than expected. Still, for ease and peace of mind, we feel the ladder is worth the effort.
Pros
- Durable aluminum construction
- Anti-slip treads for safety
- Fits variety of vehicle body styles
- Provides convenient roof access
Cons
- Some trimming/modifying may be needed for proper fit
- Time consuming assembly process
- Non-standard RV shapes more challenging to install
4. ECOTRIC Universal Exterior RV Motorhome Straight Ladder
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | ECOTRIC |
| Product Dimensions | 17.64″W x 117.17″H |
| Item Weight | 14.47 pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Durable |
Why we love it
The ECOTRIC ladder will be a reliable option for your needs if you’re looking for an exterior RV ladder.
Made of sturdy aluminum, it feels tough enough to last through years of use. We especially appreciate the oxidation treatment, which should help prevent rust even with frequent outdoor exposure.
Installation was a breeze thanks to the included instructions. We were able to reuse all the original mounting points after cutting the ladder to fit, just as the description stated. It bolted into place securely and hasn’t budged since. The anti-slip treads give us confidence climbing up and down.
For the affordable price and quality construction, we feel the ECOTRIC ladder is a worthwhile investment for any RV owner. It might not be a perfect fit for every vehicle, but it’ll serve you well.
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Rust-resistant oxidation treatment
- Easy installation with included hardware
- Fits range of RV sizes after trimming
- Anti-slip treads for safe use
Cons
- May require minor cutting for correct fitment
- Bolt-on installation requires tools
Best RV Collapsible/Telescoping Ladders
5. Bowoshen Telescoping DIY RV Extension Folding Ladder
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | Bowoshen |
| Product Dimensions | 19″W x 173″H |
| Item Weight | 26.5 Pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 Pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Durable,Portable |
Why we love it
Bowoshen telescoping ladder is without doubt – one of the best collapsible ladders for RV.
So, why do we rate it so highly? Well, for starters, it folds up incredibly small. You won’t believe something that extends to over 14 feet can compact down to just 3 feet. That means it easily fits in tight RV storage spaces like under beds or in closets. When expanded, each step locks securely into place so you can adjust the height step-by-step.
It also stays sturdy thanks to its wide aluminum construction and anti-slip feet. Now, we’ve found it does flex a bit under heavier weights. But overall the locking mechanisms work well and it feels safe for lighter individuals. Just be sure to securely affix the safety hooks when in use.
It’s definitely one of the best RV ladder options around for weekend warriors and reliable for occasional use. Just mind that flex and first step when climbing up!
Pros
- Compact folding design for easy storage
- Height adjustable with locking steps
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Wide platform provides stable footing
- Affordable price
Cons
- Flexes under heavy weight
- First step is high off the ground
- Might be unsuitable for users over 200 lbs
6. PEAYLI Telescoping Extension Ladder 16.5 FT
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | PEAYLI |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Telescoping ladder |
| Item Weight | 19.84 pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 pounds |
Why we love it
We’ve found the PEAYLI RV Extension Ladder to be a handy tool for our camping life. We’re always looking for a compact ladder for RV that can access hard-to-reach areas, and this ladder fits the bill.
At just under 20 inches wide when folded up, the ladder collapses down small enough to easily store out of the way. Yet it extends to a full 16.5 feet, allowing us to change lights and do basic maintenance outside the RV.
The independent locking mechanism works well for the most part, though some sections can be finicky and require a little extra effort to fully latch. Once extended, the ladder feels sturdy enough for light-duty work.
The rubber feet grip solidly on uneven surfaces like grass or gravel, giving us confidence to climb a few rungs high. There could be issues with the bottom steps slipping out, so we make sure another person holds onto the ladder for stability.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage in an RV
- Extends to 16.5 feet for good reach
- Rubber feet grip surfaces securely
Cons
- Locking mechanism can be finicky
- Bottom steps may slip out on uneven surfaces
7. Generies Telescoping Collapsible RV Ladder
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | Generies |
| Product Dimensions | 3″W x 150″H |
| Item Weight | 22.5 Pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Telescopic |
Why we love it
At just over 3 feet folded up, Generies telescoping ladder stores neatly out of the way but still extends a full 15 feet when you need it. That makes it perfect for checking out the roof of our rig or changing batteries in those hard-to-reach campsite security lights.
Despite having an aluminum construction, this RV telescoping ladder is heavy at 29 lbs. Also, it feels sturdy enough that I don’t worry about it tipping over. A big plus is that it doesn’t bow or bend even under my weight at the top.
I will say the rungs are a bit wider than I’d like, so short folks might have to be a little careful, but it hasn’t been an issue for me. It’ll hold up great over several seasons of regular use.
It’s not without some downsides. If you’re a professional roofing contractor you’ll probably want something more heavy-duty. And on really windy days I don’t feel totally comfortable working way up top. But for occasional use, this ladder checks all the right boxes as the best RV ladder.
Pros
- Folds up small but extends to 15 feet
- Strong aluminum construction
- Holds weight without bowing
Cons
- Rungs are widely spaced
- Not suitable for professional use
- Unstable in very windy conditions
8. Augtarlion Multi-Purpose Collapsible Outdoor RV Ladders
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | Hussar |
| Product Dimensions | 8.9″W x 148.4″H |
| Item Weight | 22.9 Pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 Pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Special Feature | Durable |
Why we love it
A compact yet durable folding RV ladder is essential for accessing campers, roof racks, and other elevated spots. We recently tried out the Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Ladder and found it checks all the right boxes.
Made from thick, air-craft grade aluminum alloy, this ladder is impressively sturdy yet lightweight. It easily supports up to 330 pounds, giving us confidence for any task. Best of all, it folds down to a quarter of its 10.5 foot length. This makes it a breeze to store in our RV without hogging space.
The telescoping design allows easy one-handed height adjustment from 2.6 to 10.5 feet. Locking indicators at each step assure a secure footing. While the buttons to collapse it back down take some thumb pressure, it’s still simple to use with care.
With its versatility and durability, this best RV ladder has become our go-to for campsite tasks.
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Folds down compact for storage/transport
- Adjustable height from 2.6 to 10.5 feet
- Integrated carry handle and strap for easy mobility
Cons
- Thumb pressure required to collapse steps
- Locks don’t always engage smoothly at full length
9. SocTone Multi-Purpose Collapsible Ladder for RV or Outdoor Work
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | Soctone |
| Product Dimensions | 19″W x 149.6″H |
| Item Weight | 8.91 pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 pounds |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Telescopic, Lightweight, Heavy Duty |
Why we love it
The ladder extends to over 12 feet, yet folds down smaller than any ladder we’ve owned. Best of all, it’s made of sturdy aluminum, so it’s lightweight enough to carry into the camper.
Setting it up was a breeze. Just pull the levers and watch it extend itself into a steady A-frame ladder. Once at full height, this thing doesn’t budge. We loaded it up with buckets of supplies and climbed up confidently to change bulbs and patch the roof.
The one downside is the accessory tray can struggle with heavy loads. And the assembly instructions could use some work, but otherwise it’s pretty foolproof.
Collapsing it back down is just as smooth. A few clicks of the levers and the whole thing gracefully lowers itself into a compact package. A strap secures it all neatly together for travel. It easily rolls into corners of the camper when not in use.
Pros
- Extends to over 12 feet while compact when folded
- Lightweight yet sturdy aluminum construction
- Steady and secure for climbing even with loads
- Easy to transport and store
Cons
- Accessory tray struggles with heavy loads
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
10. ALPURLAD Lightweight Aluminum Extension Ladder
At a glance:
| Material | Aluminum |
| Brand | ALPURLAD |
| Product Dimensions | 20″W x 43″H |
| Item Weight | 35.45 pounds |
| Load Capacity | 330 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Why we love it
ALPURLAD brings the best telescoping ladder for RV in the market. At only 21 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for one person to easily carry and store, yet sturdy enough to support heavy weight without any wavering. Fully extended, it reaches an impressive 12.5 feet tall which allows access to the roof of our motorhome.
The steps feel secure underfoot thanks to the anti-slip treatment, and we appreciate the warning step near the top. It collapses down to a compact size that fits in various storage areas of our RV.
It may feel a little flimsy when first extending the sections, but our weight causes it to tighten up nicely. The construction feels solid, and this best RV ladder outperforms ladders twice the price.
While the rungs could be a bit wider for big-footed folks, they haven’t given us any issues. The included tool bag is also a handy plus. Our only small complaint is the pins that hold the sections can be tricky to line up sometimes when unfolding.
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy construction
- Compact storage size fits all RV storage areas
- Reaches full 12.5ft height for roof access
- Tool bag included for handy storage
- Anti-slip steps for safer climbing
Cons
- Narrow rungs may pinch wide feet
- Sections can be tricky to line up
- Slight initial wiggle when fully extended
Different RV Ladder Types
When it comes to RVs, ladders are more than just a way to get up and down; they’re essential tools for maintenance, accessing storage, and even enjoying a better view.
But with different types of RV ladders available, it’s important to understand what each one offers before making a purchase.
RV bunk ladders
In the compact world of RVs, bunk beds are a popular way to maximize sleeping space. RV bunk ladders offer a safe and convenient way for kids and adults to climb up to those cozy top bunks. These ladders are designed specifically for RVs, meaning they’re compact, lightweight, and made of sturdy materials like aluminum or steel.
They usually feature anti-slip rungs for safety and are securely mounted to the bunk bed frame, often with additional hooks or straps for added stability.
Two popular and highly-rated options we would recommend include the Quick Products QP-LA-460B Bunk Ladder and the Stromberg Carlson LA-460B Bunk Ladder.
RV exterior ladders
Think of your RV’s roof as prime real estate—it’s home to air conditioners, satellite dishes, solar panels, and more.
Exterior RV ladders are your ticket to this important space. Unlike interior bunk ladders, these are built tough to withstand the elements and are typically mounted to the rear or side of your RV.
They provide access not only to the roof but also to elevated storage compartments, making it easier to load and unload gear. Made from durable, lightweight materials like aluminum, these ladders are designed for stability and feature non-slip rungs for safe climbing, even in wet conditions.
RV portable ladders (Telescoping)
Telescoping ladders are the multi-tool of the RV world. Their clever design allows them to collapse for easy storage and extend to various heights, making them incredibly versatile.
Whether you need to reach the roof for a quick fix, adjust your awning, or access an elevated storage compartment inside your RV, a telescoping ladder has you covered.
The adjustable height and lightweight yet durable construction (usually aluminum) make these ladders a popular choice for RVers who value flexibility and convenience.
