I took a look at 5 different RV bunk bed ladders and determined that the QP-LA-460B model from Quick Products was the best option.
When I first purchased a camper with a bunkhouse, I was surprised to find that it didn’t come with a bunk bed ladder. I would have assumed that this would be a standard feature. Without one, it can be difficult to clamber into the top bunk, which is why I decided to seek out the best model out there.
As it turns out, I was happy to have the opportunity to choose my own bunk bed ladder. This made it easier to select a sturdy model that would suit the specific needs of my RV—and the people inside it. The list below includes the most reliable units I could find.
1. Quick Products QP-LA-460B RV Bunk Ladder -Best Overall
2. Stromberg Carlson LA-460 -Best For Barefoot Campers
3. ECOTRIC 60” RV Bunk Ladder -Best Lightweight Option
4. Top Line (BL200-03) -Best For Cab-Over Bunks
5. RecPro RV Bunk Ladder -Best For Smaller Rigs
Our decision to put the Quick Products ladder at number one was based on several factors. First of all, it’s easy to assemble, even if you’ve never set up a bunk bed ladder before. As far as colors go, you can choose between black and silver, so the unit should mesh well with your RV’s decor. And it has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so it’s suitable for campers of all ages.
Read on to learn even more about the Quick Products QP-LA-460B RV Bunk Ladder.
Best 5 RV Bunk Bed Ladder On The Market: Product Reviews
1. Quick Products QP-LA-460B RV Bunk Ladder—Best Overall
Quick Products offers this model in 60″ and 66″ inch sizes, making it easy for you to select a unit that fits your camper. In some cases, you might have to trim the bottom to shorten it before replacing the rubber “feet” that keep the ladder from slipping, but that can happen no matter which model you choose.
Speaking of rubber, the rungs on this ladder are well padded, so it offers comfort in addition to convenience. Be forewarned that while the 250-pound weight limit appears to be accurate, heavier adults might have a hard time making their way to the top bunk with this model.
2. Stromberg Carlson LA-460—Best For Barefoot Campers
The 11-inch rubber-coating rungs are the best reason to select this model from Stromberg Carlson, a company devoted to making quality RV products. Like the previous model, it comes in both black and silver, with a choice between 60″ or 66″ models.
Stromberg Carlson offers hooks and extrusions for easy mounting, and the unit measures 13 inches wide, giving it a sturdy feel. The weight limit is listed at 250 pounds, but we’ve determined that this model is better for children than for adults.
3. ECOTRIC 60” RV Bunk Ladder—Best Lightweight Option
If you’re looking specifically for a lightweight, portable bunk bed ladder, the ECOTRIC 60″ model has you covered. It’s made of heavy-duty aluminum, but it weighs in at just over 7 pounds, with a low-profile construction that won’t take up a ton of space in your travel trailer.
Rubber pads on the rungs help to ensure safety, and the included hooks and extrusions provide added security. The instructions are very easy to follow, provided all the necessary hardware is included. Unfortunately, a few shipping issues have been reported, but as long as everything arrives as it should, this is a top-notch product.
4. Top Line (BL200-03)—Best For Cab-Over Bunks
The narrow design and angled installation make this the ideal fit for bunks that are located over the cab of the travel trailer. The rungs feature comfortable padding, and the ladder can accommodate up to 300 pounds, so it’s suitable for most body types.
Overall, the Top Line product is high-quality, but the plastic hooks leave something to be desired. You also might spend a bit more for this model than you would on the competition.
5. RecPro RV Bunk Ladder—Best For Smaller Rigs
When it comes to RVing, space is often at a premium. Bunk bed areas can feel extra-cramped, especially if it’s loaded to capacity. The RecPro bunk bed ladder may be able to alleviate these issues.
It’s easy to install and remove this unit, meaning you don’t have to leave it in place while you move about the camper. Just put it in place when bedtime approaches, then remove it after everyone gets up. Since it weighs just 3 pounds, removal and storage should be a snap.
Buyer’s Guide
What To Look For In An RV Bunk Ladder
Size
Before you start shopping, the first thing you should do is measure the space where you plan to install the ladder.
You’ll find that most RV bunk ladders measure 60 or 66 inches, and some models are offered in both sizes. However, if your rig has different needs, all is not lost. It’s usually easy to cut the legs down to size to ensure the correct height.
Weight Capacity
The majority of bunk bed ladders for RV use have a weight capacity of 250 pounds. That should be sufficient if the bunk bed set is used primarily by young children.
However, if adults will be climbing the ladder on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to look for a unit that can accommodate at least 300 pounds. The Top Line and RecPro ladders that we’ve listed both fit this criteria.
Price
A good bunk bed ladder shouldn’t be cheap, but you don’t want to invest an arm and a leg, either. Most of the units on our list fall within the $50-$75 range, which is what you should expect to pay for a quality model.
Ease of Installation
Installation should take just a few minutes, unless you need to cut the legs down to size beforehand. Even if that’s the case, though, the process is relatively simple.
There are two basic installation methods for RV bunk bed ladders. In both cases, you should be able to take the ladder off the bunk when you’re not using it.
If there are small hooks and extrusions included in the kit, you’ll need to drill into the face board of the bunk in order to fasten the extrusions securely. The small hooks are then deposited into the extrusions.
When the kit includes large hooks that fit over the face board, you won’t need to do any drilling. However, we’ve found that this method is less secure than the hook-and-extrusion model.
In general, installation is complicated only if there are essential pieces of hardware missing from the kit. Try to make a purchase from a company that has a good reputation for shipping, as well as overall quality.
Portability
Lightweight ladders are ideal for families who plan to take them down when they’re not in use. It also helps if the unit is relatively compact, since this will make storage that much easier.
Materials
RV bunk ladders should be made of heavy-duty aluminum, stainless steel, or a combination. Aluminum is preferable, as it’s both durable and lightweight. It’s also corrosion-resistant, which is less critical when it comes to interior ladders, but a useful feature nonetheless.
Wooden and plastic frames can come in handy, as they’ll prevent you from getting your clothes caught on the rungs and edges. As a bonus, these materials will be warmer to the touch—an important concern if you frequently camp in cold weather.
Treads
While we’re on the subject of materials: It’s best if the rungs are equipped with rubber or nylon treads. In addition to being more comfortable on bare feet, these treads will help prevent slippage. There should also be rubber “stoppers” for the legs, so that the unit will remain firmly in place when it’s in use.
Step Spacing
How much space is there between each rung? This is a detail that’s easy to overlook, but if the bunk bed is primarily used by young children, you don’t want the rungs to be too far apart. Otherwise, they won’t be able to climb in and out of bed comfortably. Ladders designed for adult use, meanwhile, can have a greater distance between the steps.
In Conclusion
The Quick Products QP-LA-460B model is our favorite due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of installation. While you might have issues with the length depending on your measurements, it’s simple enough to hack a few inches off the ends before installing the unit.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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