attic ladder advice

[PoorOwner]

My Kwiklift ramp happen to be right below the ladder.

Does anyone think it will be OK to use the ladder like this or must I just move the lift out of the way? What if some wedge pieces is cut to fill the void?

 

[rsanter]

I dont see why it would be a problem to use like that

bob

 

[Damon L.]

Take the end pieces (feet) off and shorten the legs to get rid of the gap. The way it sits, once you load the section of ladder above the gap, no load will transfer down the sides onto the floor, thereby stressing the framing above it.

 

[PoorOwner]

I kind of don't want to modify the ladder because the lift is movable but the ladder is permanent

Will the wedge idea work?

 

[Crusty Nut]

If it is a portable lift, then just move it. How often do you really get in the attic anyway. Otherwise shorten the legs. I think it will eventually break using it that way. You could throw a block of wood under the shorter legs when the lift isn't there.

 

[64merc]

It will work short term, but it will be better to trim the legs and then put a piece of wood under it if you ever use it with the ramp moved.

 

[yhprum]

It looks like the feet are removable. Can you make shorter ones or relocate the existing ones?
Steve

 

[nissan_crawler]

I dont see why it would be a problem to use like that

bob

I'm with him.

I don't understand what everybody else is saying about load transfer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the ladder doesn't lock at the hinged point even if it doesn't hit the ramp does it? Unless the two ladder halves lock together, then somehow press down on the floor to take pressure off the rafters, the rafters are more or less taking the whole load either way.

 

[mt05450]

read the label that is attached the insulated panel on the door. The man. states that no gaps are to be. Remove the feet of the ladder and trim the botton section of the last steps.

 

[mt05450]

Just looked at the photo again. Someone has removed the insulated panel. Sorry. I just installed this same ladder in my garage and had to trim the bottom section to remove the gaps. very easy with sawzall.

 

[Kevin54]

Yep...you have only two ways to go. Cut off the legs or move the lift. The top portion of the ladder is all the way down. the lift is holding up the bottom not allowing it to close. It has to close according to manufacturers specs.

 

[kbs2244]

Put a hoist in the attic to lift anything and then go on a diet so you don't overstress the ladder.
But I wouldn't climb any ladder with a bend in it.
It wasn't designed for that.

 

[PoorOwner]

do they sell bottom sections alone that I can mess around with the length? Or it looks like it's riveted from the factory right?


The lift is a bit painful to move out, I suppose I need to get a couple of mover dollies to make it easier.