Difficulty Cleaning Front Of Caravan

[otherclive]

After reading the thread on detailing I thought I might give the caravan a clean down, as its not seen shampoo since we bought it in January. Unlike my previous caravans which had ABS front and rear panels this Swift Sprite Musketeer has a grp front panel. It has lost its shine so I used Autoglym which bought it up okay. However, as the caravan is higher than any I have previously owned, and the curved front panel goes back a long way until it meet the roofline there was a large area that I couldn't access to polish, although I had no problem washing it with the extending brush. Even standing on the A frame I wasn't able to access the central part of the front panel. And I am 6ft 4 inch tall.

I am thinking that I may have to buy a combination ladder that converts to a horizontal platform which could then span the A-frame. But even then I am not certain I could reach the upper centre areas completely. How do other owners of this generation of Swift group caravans access the front panels upper central areas? Any recommendations for combination ladders or alternatives most welcome. I rule out the local scaffolding contractor!

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

I don't have a Swift, but do have a combination ladder/platform to clean the van with. From it (in platform mode) I can reach a third of the roof from each side and all the front.

 

[Anseo]

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Youngman-Professional-5-Way-Combi-Ladder Deck/p/170008
I have had one of these for many many years, I have had so much use out of it on many and varied tasks.

Worth shopping around perhaps, I know that Costco does something similar, can't comment on it though.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

This model is cheaper, same outlet.

 

[Dustydog]

The problem with the ladders mentioned is their instability when used sideways on with us guys reaching over the roof.
They do work but may I suggest a modification to avoid toppling.
Steady legs. Easy to make at home
I use a 9 step ladder .Not that good but I can reach the centre of the roof .But no leaning sideways!.Even at 6foot it isn't easy and sadly as we get older the broken bones take longer to fix
Be safe whatever you use

 

[Martin24]

Forget all the gear Clive. I'll rent out Mrs B for a large fee payable in Bombay Saphire.

 

[otherclive]

Martin
that is the best suggestion so far. Two bottles and the garden would get sorted as well

 

[Bwlch]

Scaffolding idea is good but impractical if you don't already have one (I have) but a couple of the adjustable height metal builders trestles with scaffold boards should let you get where you need to be safely. Better than leaning a ladder against the van to reach the roof and no worries stretching. Multiple uses round the home too, anywhere you need a platform. Not very expensive around £30 each (cheaper second hand), local scaffold companies usually have boards for sale that you can cut to size to suit your needs.

 

[Raywood]

We have one of the long handled brushes which will reach all of the front end but you still need a step ladder to get at the roof. The roof is the bigger problem for me and the platform would work better but transporting it to the storage site and erecting it there might be more of a problem.

 

[otherclive]

I had no problem accessing the front or roof with my long handled brush, but with the front being grp it has lost its shine, and my difficulty is in reaching the top central area of the very curved front panel so that I can polish it. Were it ABS it wouldn't be a problem as it retains its shine beer than grp. A trestle or multi function ladder seems the best bet.

 

[Martin24]

Just noticed the new car has a step built into the front bumper for reaching the top of the screen. At least there will be no excuse for Mrs B missing a bit when cleaning