I really hate loading ladders up onto my ladder rack. (I don't have a dedicatad truck with the ladders always on it.) I also worry about my ladders being stolen in the big city (it happens). So I was looking at Telesteps telescoping ladders. Are these things any good, or just gimmicky. They are 1A rated, so they can support my weight. I'm just wondering who's tried them, and if I should look into more or not.
I have a F250 crew cab for a sign truck 6.5' bed. So if I want to take the big ladders I've got to haul the trailer with. This is if were going over 16'. Otherwise I have a couple of the ladders that fold up into a four foot lenght and fold out to 16' or a 8' step ladder. They work great and are available at Menards or Home depot. I also have a smaller one that folds into a inverted u shape to use with a saw and you can break it into too pcs and put a plank between them. All of them support my fat butt 274lbs and the 4x8 I'm lugging up them These ladders are almost the same construction as a solid ladder.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
2 words scooter,
Little Giant!
I have one from 1987 that still shows up for work everyday. Worth every penny
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Love my Little Giant
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Ditto what Bob said. I've never made a better equipment purchase. little giant Posted by Bill Lynch (Member # 3815) on :
I haven't seen those but do have a little giant.
Posted by Gary Boros (Member # 8487) on :
I've never used a telestep ladder but I did see them for sale at Costco and they caught my attention. It seemed like a fairly sturdy design worthy of its rating.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
I have a Werner "Little Giant" knockoff.... it's built solid as can be, very secure and sturdy, and a reasonable price.
It isn't the lightest ladder - but that's probably a good thing. Got it at Lowes.
Home Depot has Gorilla ladders, which are very similar to the Little Giant, at about 60% the price. I read up on them and they seem to be every bit as sturdy. The Little Giant models look somewhat more finished with their plastic caps but I usually destroy the cosmetics within the first couple of uses.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
i got a little giant clone for 99 bucks,,
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
I dont think so, if its not a werner and doesnt weigh a ton I aint getting on it. there is no way i would get on a ladder this tall knowing it has the capability of turnin it self into somehitng 2' tall with my ass on it, NOPE!
Posted by Jake Lyman (Member # 3280) on :
I bought one little giant type werner ladder worked so well I bought a larget one and than a smaller one for home. I use them on every install that needs a ladder.
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
I have the Gorilla but use the Little Giants and the Werners at work.....All three are identical in specs and performance. The only difference to me was $99-$400.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I have two Gorilla ladders that I use all the time. Aside from being on the heavy side, which is a good thing, they're very strong. I think those are the ones Dick was referring to. You can take them apart and make a walk-board out of them.
I don't know, Scooter, those ladders may be fine, but I've come to believe the more complicated something is, the more places there are for it to fail. Lots of joints on those ladders.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
I've got one, Scooter. I never did like it. Even when it worked -- it didn't feel safe. The rungs are too small as you go up. Mine got stuck between positions and I haven't been able get it to work.
It's on my list to do to get it working again, and when I do, it will go to my home as a roof access ladder in my attic. It will replace a nailed together 2x4 ladder that we've used in our home for years.
In other words ... don't bother.
I think I would take other's recommendation and take a look at one of those Little Giants.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
I have a Little Giant and a Werner telescoping ladders. They're much more solid/stable than any stepladder I've used. They're a little on the heavy side but well worth it.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
thanks everybody -- i think i'll investigate the Little Giants.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
I have the small one like Dick B. has. It holds a lot of weight and is very balanced. I put the piece of metal scaffold plank on the top and use it. Wow is it light weight and extremely well engineered. I trusted it enough to letter a big truck and that's after I've had a back injury 2 years ago, so that's saying a lot to trust that. It's a real gem!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Scooter, Head across the bridge to Nall Ladder Co in SF. They have about anything you could dream of to try and could give you the skinny on 'em. Al and Pat Nall. Good folks to get ladders from.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
Thanks Rick, I bought my last two ladders, and some scaffolding, from Nall. I just wanted to do some research before I went over there.
Posted by Kevin Mann (Member # 7161) on :
I bought a Little Giant ladder last year, about 20' step ladder when extended. It works well but I wouldn't want to wrestle with it alone. I am looking at Sams Clubs 19' product (that's the extension size) step height is around 9' I think. It's selling for $115 which is the best price I have found around town. My only complaint is standing on them for extended periods. I did buy their step/paint tray adapter which helps.
