I recently purchased a new travel trailer and needed a way to carry my 6-foot collapsible aluminum ladder (it folds down to 3½ x 4½ x 75 inches) without taking up space inside the trailer. At a local home-improvement center, I purchased an 8-foot-long section of vinyl fence post that’s slightly wider in circumference than the folded-down ladder, plus two matching end caps. I secured one cap to one end with two aluminum screws. On the other end, I mounted a small brass hinge onto the cap so it can fold down and provide access to the inside of the fence post. For security, a small brass latch was attached to the top of the post to accept a small lock. The three screws in the cap have double nuts and are glued.
The vinyl post rests across the trailer’s A-frame and is secured with two 16-inch cable ties (use black only). The post also works for holding fishing rods. By the way, the folding ladder can be purchased at Camping World.
Ray Breault | Manchester, New Jersey
