Best Size Ladder To Purchase?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Ford L8000, Sep 16, 2014.

  1. Ford L8000

    Ford L8000 Medium Load Member

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    I've been looking online and at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc., for a good sized ladder to take out on the road once I get hired at a company. My ultimate goal is to get into heavy haul, so have been considering a 13 ft ladder. I'm only 5'5", so I need all the help I can get lol I've looked at the Werner ladders, little giants, leaning towards the Werner ladder because it's quite a bit cheaper than the little giant.
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi Ford, I would think a standard step ladder would be plenty( obviously you're talking about flatbed hauling) A 13 foot ladder might be a little hard to carry around, as it's too wide to carry on the deck plate, and too tall to carry behind the cab. Remember, even a flatbed load can't exceed 13'6", and I've seen flatbed pullers with just a standard step ladder. Those "Little Giant" ladders look pretty cool, and if you can't trust Richard Karn, who can you trust, but a little pricey, as you say.
     
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  4. MrEd

    MrEd Road Train Member

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    I have been in flatbed a long time. I have never carried a ladder. But as I get older, it seems a better and better idea as time goes on. My thought is to buy a cheap folding ladder. Menard's sells those ones that fold up to about 4 feet long, and can be opened to either a 16 foot straight ladder or used as an eight foot step ladder. Get the cheapest one you can. It will be out in rain, salt, etc. And also will be subject to damage or possible theft. Don't want to spend too much for it. And remember to save the reciept. It should be a tax deduction.
     
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  5. KenworthGuyNH

    KenworthGuyNH Road Train Member

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    If you are hauling a flat or a step and have to do any amount of creative tarping a step ladder is not gonna cut it; not by a long shot. Get a Werner folding ladder ( or similar) All folded up you can stow it on top of a side box on the trailer, or on your cabguard......you'll find a place. I carry a 16' folding.......if you get a high load I like the top of the ladder to go PAST the top, not just lean against it.
     
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  6. Ford L8000

    Ford L8000 Medium Load Member

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    Thanks, I've found an 8 ft ladder step ladder for $89.00, was thinking it would work but not sure. Think I'll go with that size, after all, an 8 ft ladder plus my 5'5" inches of "height" would equal to over 13' anyhow!
     
  7. KenworthGuyNH

    KenworthGuyNH Road Train Member

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    I'm not knocking you.........or your thinking.....but how are you gonna get on TOP of a 13' high load if you need to??? I am just NOT a fan of step ladders......I dragged a flat the first 10 years exclusively, now mostly a step......and not too much tarping anymore either..........but I still have my ladder with me!!!
     
  8. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    That's exactly what I have and have it stowed on top of a side box
    I wouldn't be without it.
     
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  9. Ford L8000

    Ford L8000 Medium Load Member

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    If I can find an extendable one that expands to 13' like a little giant for a good price, I'll get one of those. I just want to make sure that the ladder I purchase won't be too large to fit on the headache rack.
     
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