[Brian Nunn]

I used to install UPVC fascias many years ago and I have still got a 4.5m, 4m and a 3.5m extendable aluminium ladders which used to hook over the roof rack of my toyota hiace van but I do not have a van anymore.

I want to do my window cleaning from my ford focus and do not want the ladders sticking out either end or prevent me from opening the boot.

I have a ford roof rack and a ladder clamp and went looking in B&Q today.
They have a triple extening aluminium ladder that when closed is only 2m so I can open the boot and in wont stick out past the bonnet.
It weighs 23lb and is £89.99.  I like this ladder but I must remember it's a triple when coming down

Something else I saw today is a ladder that folds into 4 sections and is 2'11" long so fits into the boot of my car along with all my tools.
I played around with it and it opens out to 12' long so is long enough to reach below the window sill of the 1st floor.
It weighs 25lb so I can carry the bucket in one hand and the ladder in the other.  £60.

Anyone have experience of these 2 types of ladders.

I already have youngmans 3 way step ladder which I use often and extends to 10 foot.

[EVER CLEAN]

suppose they are ok if youre only doing one small job per week

[Rob.Hall]

I have a tripple ladder. Goes to 17 ish ft. Dont know the weight but I have no problems with it

Would fit on a car as the closed length is around 5ft 6".

It is sturdy and feels comfortable on the rungs on long jobs.

It was on a special but I think it was aroung £130 new.

[darragh windows]

any triple ladder ive ever had always hit the boot even on estate cars id rather put the rubber feet on my ladders rather than have it too far forward and unbalanced the rubber feet never done any damage to the boot

[Brian Nunn]

Rob that sounds similar, the closed length is 6ft 4" so the boot can be opened and the other end reaches about as ar as the wing mirror.
The extended length is 15ft 6".

[pjulk]

If you have ladders clamps you can slide the ladder forward more so you can open the boot.

Just remember if you do this undo the front clamp first and hold the ladder when you undo the rear so it does not tip forward.

But if you are going to use the ladder a lot i recommend you get an A frame or a professional open top ladder as they are a lot safer than the diy ladders from B & Q.

A freind of mine was up a cheap DIY ladder and it snapped luckily when he fell he was OK but it could have turned out worse.

[tacky]

like paul said .if u ar trad get a tidy set of ladders .them 3.5m u have ar a good size to use .id rather scratch the car than have a accident .ur safty is all that counts.