Black Streaks
Q: I am trying to find a good product to deal with the problem of cleaning the black streaks that come down the exterior of the RV. Do you have a recommendation?
Adam Radzik, F335007
South Orange, New Jersey
A: There are numerous cleaning products available that will remove black streaks from the sides of motorhomes. Check your local RV dealer or camping supply store. Follow the recommended instructions when using these or any other types of cleaning products on the exterior of your motorhome.
Ladder Assist
Q: I have been trying to find a product that I call a ladder assist. I had one on my old motorhome that I bought at Camping World in 1988, but they do not carry the item now. I have tried many places and nobody seems to have it. It was made by Guardian Products in Tahoe City, California. They must have moved or gone out of business, because I can’t find them.
The ladder assist was two brackets that attached to the top of the ladder on the rear of the motorhome. Housed inside the brackets was a pole that could be slid up about 3 feet and locked in place with a pin. When I had to go up on the roof, I had a balance pole to hold on to. It worked fine, but I now have a newer motorhome and would like to have one of these poles for it. Can you help?
Roger Clark, F106016
Irvine, California
A: I remember the ladder assist device you mention, but I have not seen it at FMCA conventions or advertised in RV publications in years. Coincidentally, I am very seriously thinking along the same line right now for our motorhome, as there is nothing to grab on to when I reach the top of the ladder. As you know, it’s tricky.
One of our previous motorhomes came with a short (4 to 6 inches high) tubular railing or rack around the back end of the roof. It curved around both rear corners and then came forward 4 or 5 feet on each side. It was very strong and well secured to the roof. It provided me with good support going up on the roof and back down. If your motorhome has a flat roof, this might be a possibility.
Topline Manufacturing Inc. produces the Universal RV Roof Rack, which will fit any make, model, or year of RV. The rack adjusts from 90 inches to 94 inches wide, extends 5 feet forward on each side, and stands 6 inches high. For more information about this roof rack and where it can be purchased, call (800) 653-0605 or visit www.toplinemfg.com.
I would be remiss if I didn’t include a word of caution. Climbing onto the roof of a motorhome is extremely dangerous and should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do need to get on the roof, use extreme caution climbing up and down the ladder and while you are on the roof. Do not go on the roof when it is wet (after rain, in the early morning) or in windy conditions. Try to keep three contact points (knees, feet, hands) on the roof at all times, and avoid making quick and sudden movements. And never go up on the roof without having someone on the ground nearby who knows you are up there and can assist if you have trouble.
“” R.H.