Ladder replacement

[kd2600RB]

2022 2600RB

Had some ladder damage over the winter (water leakage into the ladder then expansion upon freezing). Ladder tube frame split in a couple locations. Got a new ladder courtesy of Grand Design (apparently the new design has a hole or two pre-drilled into the bottom rung of the ladder to help prevent this from occurring).

My question is regarding installation. Is it as simple as unscrewing the old ladder off and screwing in the new one? I don't have my trailer in front of me. Is there also sealant that I'll need to remove and then reapply at the top mount on the roof?

Also, I've noticed that the bottom couple rungs of the ladder are below the last support point to the trailer. That lower part of the ladder is prone to bending because of this. Has any one added additional support to the lower rungs of the ladder. It looks like Grand Design did provide extra support brackets in the box (might be what this is for?) Any feedback on this would be appreciated as well.

Thanks.

[Country Campers]

Yes there will be sealant to remove and replace at the ladder mounts on the roof. I would also recommend putting some clear silicone on all of the screws that penetrate the RV, this will seal those holes as well.

I have not seen anyone add supports to the lower end of the ladder.

Brian

[kd2600RB]

Thanks for the feedback Brian. Any recommendations on the best way to remove the roof sealant that is covering the enter ladder roof mount backets? I've never has to remove any of this roof sealant before.

Thx.

[Country Campers]

Plastic scrapers, a little heat from a heat gun or hair dryer and lots of patience. It will take some time to get it cleaned off and your hands will probably be sore.

Brian

[kd2600RB]

Do I need to take ALL the old sealant off or can I take just enough off to get the ladder mount off and then put new sealant over top the old?

[Country Campers]

You want to get a nice clean area so there is good adhesion when applying the new sealant. If the old is well stuck then cleaning most off and using some mineral spirits to clean the roof area and apply new sealant should be good. The more of the old you get off the better you will be with the new.

Brian

[JBill9694]

You want to get a nice clean area so there is good adhesion when applying the new sealant. If the old is well stuck then cleaning most off and using some mineral spirits to clean the roof area and apply new sealant should be good. The more of the old you get off the better you will be with the new.

Brian

A caveat would be to make sure that the new sealant is compatible with the old. Best bet is to use the same sealant as original.

[kd2600RB]

Thank you Brian and John. Project complete. Sealant actually came off pretty good when heated up (thumb on the edge of a blister though).

I greatly appreciate your help. Made the project much more straight forward for me.

[Cate&Rob]

kd2600RB

Hi Ken,

I may be a little late to the party since you have the new ladder installed, but, how did you seal the fastening to the rear wall? GD typically installs the screws dry and then “seals” around the flange plate with silicone. It is very difficult to get new silicone to stick to old silicone . . . but, what you are trying to do is seal the screw holes to prevent wanted intrusion. This can be done by dipping each screw in silicone before installing it. If the screws are sealed, there is no need to seal around the flange plates.

Rob

[kd2600RB]

Hi Rob.

I decided to put silicone in each screw hole ahead of attaching the ladder. So effectively the same as dipping the screw in silicone.

Ken.