11 Best Choices for a Telescoping Ladder in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST TELESCOPING LADDER?
You are in the right place because the 11 best telescoping ladders are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have done the research and testing to bring you the 17 best options, and they all have excellent reviews. We have also traveled in our RV since 2010 looking for the best destinations and products.
We have used many different telescoping ladders and we even have people who work with us who used to sell roofing where they used lots of different ladders, including telescoping ladders. The ladders we feature are going to be your best options.
Some brands of telescoping ladders are not great while others are safe and reliable. In this guide we discuss the best telescoping ladders that will keep you safe and store in small spaces like your RV or truck.
Best Telescoping Ladder
1. Xtend+Climb Telescoping Extension Ladder 15ft
Weight: 40 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Ladder Height: 15 ft
Our top pick is available in several series, each with a different maximum height and maximum weight capacity for various projects. This particular model, the P85+, is part of the Xtend + Climb Pro Series.
It’s an excellent option for most contractors, RVers, construction sites, painters, and roofers; with its 15.5-foot height, it is a tall ladder. It’s among the tallest telescoping ladders on our list.
With its true patented telescoping design, this collapsible ladder shrinks to 36.5 inches in its closed position for storage and transport. It’s equally lightweight, at only 40 pounds, and when retracted, it’s easy to move like a suitcase or can fit in your car’s trunk.
It doesn’t skimp on ruggedness. This extendable ladder is sturdy and feels safe at 15 ft unlike other ladders I have used. The aluminum alloy construction is also resistant to inclement weather and will serve you for several seasons.
The locking mechanism on this telescoping extension ladder is nice to use, and you can always verify it’s locked through the green circles. It works great, and it’s easy to feel safe and confident you won’t slip.
Pros
✔ ANSI & OSHA compliant
✔ Durable
✔ Compact size and design
Cons
❌ Can pinch your fingers during retraction
▶ SHOP XTEND + Climb 15 Foot Ladder
2. Xtend & Climb Telescoping Ladder, 12ft
Weight: 30 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Ladder Height: 12.5 ft
The 770p+ strikes the middle ground in the Xtend & Climb line of telescoping ladders. It’s an intuitive, nifty contraption that works well, and it’s easy to open & close.
It can extend up to 12.5 feet and makes the perfect option for serious DIYers and urban dwellers. The height also makes it ideal for most home projects.
When retracted, it compacts small enough (32″) to throw in your camper and leave space for more gear, and it will take up minimal space in your garage compared to your assortment of other ladders.
The 770p+ also feels sturdy and can hold up to 250 pounds without bending. It doesn’t flex under load when leaning against a wall or your camper’s awning. The double-over molded feet promote traction and ensure it stays in place, even on gravel.
It has many safety features, including a no-pinch closure system, non-slip end caps, and a heavy-duty closure strap.
Pros
✔ Wide application
✔ Generous weight capacity
✔ Durable
Cons
❌ Not flexible
▶ SHOP XTEND & Climb 12 Foot Ladder
3. Xtend & Climb Telescoping Ladder, 10ft
Weight: 23 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Ladder Height: 10.5 ft
The 760P+ is on the lower end of Extend & Climb Telescoping ladders. It’s part of the home series models and has a modest reach height of 10 feet. Therefore, it’s the ideal solution for simple, light-duty home projects.
It’s a compact ladder, and I recommend it to anyone needing an extendable ladder. It can shrink enough to be thrown into your car’s trunk. It’s also super light but feels much sturdier than the traditional ladders.
With proper care, it works well and descends in a controlled manner; not too quick and easy to regulate.
Pros
✔ Ideal for simple home projects
✔ Lightweight
✔ Easy to use
Cons
❌ Limited reach
▶ SHOP XTEND & Climb 10 Foot Ladder
4. Lippert On-the-Go 12’6″ Telescopic Ladder
Weight: 25 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 330lbs
Ladder Height: 12.5 ft
The Lippert On-The-Go Ladder is designed with RVers in mind. The telescoping RV ladder makes cleaning your RV roof much easier and more convenient. However, your RV must have a Lipper Ladder receiver.
It’s a true telescopic extension ladder that can extend up to 12.5 feet, perfect for most standard RVs. This RV telescoping ladder also shrinks to 33.5″ for easier stowing and handling. At 24 lbs, the ladder is ultra-light and easier to handle single-handedly.
The telescoping RV ladder is built with pragmatism in mind. For example, it has an angled extension for added stability and segmented pins to lock every rung in position. It’s also solid and will stand up to abuse.
Pros
✅ RV telescoping ladder
✅ Durable
✅ Stable
Cons
❌ RV must have a Lippert Ladder receiver
5. Wolec Telescoping Ladder 18.5FT
Weight: 47 lbs
Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
Ladder Height: 18.5 ft
The Wolec Telescoping Ladder is yet another 2-in-1 ladder. Depending on your project, you can use it as a telescoping A-frame ladder or switch it to a straight ladder.
Whatever configuration you choose, you’ll enjoy a good reach, including the guttering of most houses. And when folded up, it’s a bit hefty, but it won’t take up too much space in your cupboard.
The working mechanism of the Wolec Telescoping Ladder is also impressive. There’re independent locks for adjusting the height and indications to let you know whether it’s secured. Plus, the bottom bar sports two rollerblade-type wheels to help with easier dragging on concrete.
Pros
✔ 2-in-1
✔ Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
✔ Value for money
Cons
❌ Heavy
▶ SHOP Wolec Telescoping Ladder
6. Telescoping Ladder with Hooks
Weight: 26 lbs
Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
Ladder Height: 15.5 ft
This telescoping aluminum ladder with hooks is adjustable from 3.2 FT to 15.5 ft and is perfect for accessing high-reach areas such as the attic. It’s also super-compact and easy to carry without banging into stuff.
Meanwhile, it’s solid and doesn’t feel shaky even at full extended length. Plus, it can handle a load of 330 lbs, so it’s perfect for most applications, including commercial projects. The extension ladder also sports detachable hooks, perfect for different projects.
Deployment of this Telescoping ladder with hooks is super easy. It has a smooth action that brings the ladder down fast, but not too fast. Plus, the ladder can fit practically anywhere.
Pros
✔ Wide applications
✔ Solid
✔ It comes with detachable hooks
Cons
❌ It wobbles a bit, but not enough to feel unsafe
▶ SHOP Telescoping Ladder with Hooks
7. BEETRO 10.5 ft Aluminum Telescoping Ladder
Weight: 21.6 lbs
Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
Ladder Height: 10.5 ft
The Beetro Telescoping Ladder works well and is perfect for different applications. It has an extension and retraction design, and the side latches help easily adjust to your desired height. Just be mindful when retracting so you don’t smash your fingers.
It also feels sturdy and doesn’t wobble even at full extended length. The lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to handle the ladder while at the same time enhancing its load capacity.
The folding aluminum telescoping ladder design makes it easy to compact the aluminum extension ladder when not in use. It shrinks into a small size for easy storage.
Pros
✔ Sturdy
✔ Versatile
✔ Durable
Cons
❌ May pinch your fingers
▶ SHOP Beetro Telescoping Ladder
Telescoping Ladders for the Water
8. Whitecap Telescoping Stainless Steel 4-Step Pontoon Ladder
Weight: 12 lbs
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Ladder Height: 46.75″
If you need that to make boarding and disembarking your pontoon or boat less hassle, consider the Whitecap Telescoping Pontoon Ladder.
It’s specially designed for use on the water. The 16-ga 1.5″ high-quality aluminum alloy tubing can withstand harsh elements and won’t rust even when exposed to salty water. Meanwhile, the rungs are made of black nylon steps with treads to promote safety and prevent slipping.
As with all other ladders on the list, it boasts a telescoping design, so it’s retractable for convenience. Furthermore, it has a generous weight capacity of 400 lbs. and should be able to support you even with your load of fish.
Pros
✅ Built for pontoon users
✅ Generous weight capacity
✅ Built with durability in mind
Cons
❌ Shorter height reach
➡️ SHOP Whitecap Telescoping Ladder
9. Overton’s Swim Platform Telescopic Ladder
Weight: 19.95 lb
Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
Ladder Height: 53″
If you’re a water lover and love swimming, the Overton Telescoping Extension Ladder provides the perfect launching platform for your water activities.
It’s a telescopic and folding 4-step extendable ladder, which forms a complete kit to the transom of your boat. The classic telescopic design makes getting in and out of the water easier. Furthermore, the ladder has a stable and rough section at the top, which many swimmers use as a diving launch pad.
The 304-stainless steel is a smart choice for a water ladder because it doesn’t rust or wear when exposed to inclement weather. Overton is also retractable, so storing it is a breeze.
Pros
✅ Perfect launching pad for swimmers
✅ Doesn’t rust
✅ Stable
Cons
❌ Lower reach height
➡️ SHOP Overton Telescoping Ladder
10. Overton’s Slide-in 2-Step Telescopic Ladder
Weight: 23.15 lb
Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
Ladder Height: 24.25″
The Overton’s Slide-in 2-step is yet another fantastic offering from Overton. It’s a rung lower than the previous model because it only comes with two steps, so you must install it higher than the waterline. However, this doesn’t make accessibility more complicated or anything.
The ladder does exactly what it needs to. It works nicely and smoothly and is perfect when you need a platform to launch your water activities from a pontoon or boat.
It folds up nicely, and the operation is seamless. When in use, it extends up to 21.21″ below the water.
Pros
✅ Great for water activities
✅ Lightweight
✅ Generous weight capacity
Cons
❌ Only 2-rungs
➡️ SHOP Overton’s Telescopic Ladder
11. EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform with Two-Step Telescoping Ladder
Weight: 16.55 lbs
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Ladder Height: 24.25″
This ladder provides the best value for money; it’s a combo outboard transom platform/telescopic ladder. Therefore, it makes getting in and out of the water a breeze. It also has a rough pad at the top, which works well as a launching pad for divers.
It’s a telescopic ladder with 2-rungs, and many users can’t get enough of the convenience of retracting the ladder when not in use. The construction is also solid, and it doesn’t feel wobbly. Furthermore, the steel used on the ladder is hardened to withstand abuse.
The 275-pound weight capacity makes it an excellent option for most uses, while the 16.55 weight makes handling the ladder a breeze.
Pros
✅ 2-in-1
✅ Ultra-light
✅ Value for money
Cons
❌ No mounting hardware
➡️ SHOP EEZ-IN Outboard Platform with Steps
Factors When Deciding on a Telescoping Ladder
Telescoping ladders come in different forms, sizes, and designs. And so, choosing the best telescoping ladder for your needs can be a daunting task.
But in the section below, I’ll share the essential details to consider when selecting a ladder for needs. I’ll outline the important features to consider in your selection process.
Standard vs. Multi-Position
Telescoping ladders are available in two main designs; standard and multi-position.
Standard Telescoping Ladders: The standard retractable ladders are the simpler forms of telescoping ladders. They extend manually, pushing each rung upwards until it snaps into place.
And when retracted, they can transform into an ultra-lightweight and compact design, which is easier to handle.
Multi-Position Telescopic Ladders: As their name suggests, the multi-position telescopic ladders are more versatile and can transform into different ladder structures, including A-frames, wall-supported ladders, to self-supporting ladders.
The multi-position ladders have hinges that lock the retractable ladder in multiple configurations.
Weight Rating
The weight rating, or the load rating, refers to the total weight a telescopic ladder can hold without compromising its integrity.
Usually, the weight rating includes you and anything you may want to carry up the ladder. Generally, the higher the load rating, the more weight your retractable ladder can hold and the more substantial it is.
Height
The height of a telescopic ladder refers to the reach or how high a telescopic ladder is. Generally, the average height of telescopic ladders is 12 feet, though you also find some shorter and others longer.
You should remember that telescopic ladders are usually set at an angle, so the height or length of the ladders should exceed the height of your roof/project.
The other thing is your telescopic ladder should be at least 4 feet above your project to provide ample space or allow you to climb on top of something safely.
Aluminum vs. Fiberglass
The choice of material also plays an important role, especially in the ruggedness of your telescoping ladders.
Two of the primary materials used on telescoping ladders are aluminum and fiberglass.
Fiberglass is solid, and it’s ultra-light. It’s perfect if you need a solid yet ultra-light retractable ladder. Unfortunately, fiberglass telescopic ladders are expensive. Another concern with fiberglass is that it can deteriorate if exposed to the sun for long.
Aluminum telescopic ladders are what many homeowners choose. They’re not as light as fiberglass telescoping ladders but are still easy to maneuver. They’re also inexpensive, durable, and sturdy.
The biggest issue with aluminum telescopic ladders is that they’re good conductors; therefore, you MUST never use them near electricity.
Size When Shrunk Down
One of the greatest benefits of telescopic ladders is how easily they shrink when not in use. But how far?
The ideal telescoping step ladder should fit in a compact space, enough for you to haul or stow it easily.
Duty Ratings
The duty rating is an extension of the load capacity, and it refers to the amount of load telescoping extension ladders can hold without breaking down.
Usually, the telescoping ladders are categorized into different duty ratings, which are:
Type III: These ladders have the lowest weight rating of 200 lbs. They’re perfect for lightweight and easy household tasks.
Type II: These ladders are a step up from the previous design and have a weight capacity of 225 lbs. They’re basic and perfect for simple projects.
Type I: The type I telescoping ladders, with a load capacity of 250 pounds, is versatile and will handle most projects.
Type IA: These telescoping ladders are heavy-duty and designed for rugged performance. Their 300 lbs. capacity is perfect for professionals.
Type IAA: These telescoping ladders are at the apex of the duty rating performance. They’re tough, durable, and can handle any task you throw at them.
Tips for Using a Telescoping Ladder Safely
✔ Proper telescoping ladder placement is key: Your telescoping ladder should be placed on level ground. Also, avoid placing it on uneven and soft ground.
✔ Safety equipment: Wear slip-resistant shoes to avoid slipping. Also, have a safety harness if you’re working with a 20-foot telescoping ladder or 24 ft telescoping ladder.
✔ Use the telescoping ladder properly: Always face the ladder while climbing. Don’t lean sideways. Avoid carrying heavy weights. Keep your body centered.
✔ Use common sense: Always be careful when working on telescoping ladders, and take your time.
FAQ: Telescoping Ladder
Are telescoping ladders safe?
Yes, telescoping ladders are safe, especially those certified to EN131. The key to telescoping ladders’ safety is using them correctly.
Most telescoping accidents are usually related to human errors, so you must be keen when using one. For example, always ensure you set your telescoping step ladder on steady ground, beware of the weight limit, and choose the right ladder for the job.
How stable are telescopic ladders?
The stability of telescoping ladders is dependent on where you set them up. Ideally, the best location for maximum telescoping ladder stability is on a firm, level surface to avoid slippage or anything. Don’t set your ladder on mud puddles, mulch beds, or smooth surfaces like waxed floors.
Do telescoping ladders work?
Yes, telescoping ladders work, and they operate using a telescoping pole that each run sits on and locks into place.
The telescopic ladders can extend or retract, depending on your needs. Storage and handling get easier when you contract the telescoping ladders.
What size telescoping ladder do I need?
The appropriate size of your telescopic ladder will ultimately depend on the height of your project. Taller isn’t necessarily better because sometimes, it may not fit well in your work area.
I suggest you measure your project’s height, then add a couple of feet. Remember, ladders are usually set at an angle, so account for that. Plus, you need to have some extra feet above your project.
From experience, a good option is a 12 to 14-foot telescopic ladder because it will work well for most home improvement projects.
Conclusion: Telescoping Step Ladder
There are numerous benefits of a telescoping extension ladder. The ease of handling, portability, and functionality comes at the top of the list.
However, depending on the choice of a telescoping ladder, you’ll find that some work better than others. Fortunately, in the guide below, we’ve outlined everything you should know about telescoping ladders and even suggested some of the top choices in the market.
