ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Fiberglass ladders on roof rack

I don't know if that Werner link shows parts but you can buy steps and other things that might break on your ladders. I carry a 12 foot step all the time and it seems vibration rattles rivets loose on the straps from the rails to the steps. I just count on buying a new one every 5 or 6 years.

I just turned in my 24' extension ladder to the shop.

After 4 years on the roof of the truck the rivets where loose and some where missing, just as Walrus mentioned.

I really do not use the ladder very often

OK, George, I can't help it.

How long ago?!

I know not everyone has this luxury but several years ago I opened up the end of my garage and installed a new 8' high rollup door and operator. Now I can keep the entire truck and ladders inside when not on the road. You can imagine how great that is during the ice and snow of winter and the garage is heated!

Not only does this keep the ladders in better shape but the truck as well. I figure that what I spent on the carpentry and door is more than covered by not having to purchase new ladders and a truck as often.

-Hal

Hal



Why would you want to avoid this much fun?




I am jealous of you garage guys.

Bob

Don't be jealous, Bob. You get to play basketball between jobs!

quote"I know not everyone has this luxury but several years ago I opened up the end of my garage and installed a new 8' high rollup door and operator."

I did the same, I have 2 side by side 9' garage doors that follow up a sloping cieling. Vans with ladders fit really nice inside.

I have a 10metre (30ft-extended)wooden ladder, a 21ft fibreglass/aluminium extension ladder and a 7ft fibreglass step/extension ladder on my Faults truck.
Both of the extension ladders have out of factory white paint on them at the top so that you can see where the top is when setting them against a pole in poor light.
The base used in Oil-based paints will attack fibreglass and I would recommend that if any painting was to be done, use water based paint.
George,
Mate, That was one of the first lessons I learned as an Apprentice Line Mechanic.
"Here's your tools for today son, a paint brush and a can of linseed oil and 28 extension ladders".
Oh well, at least I got paid for it.

Mine don't do that:-)
I take mine off in the morning and put em back on at night time...

You just have to work and actually use em:-)

Try Penetrol from the Flood Co. you can find it in any paint aisle, they claim it will restore faded fiberglass