DeWalt 28 ft Fiberglass Extension Ladder

Why I chose this ladder

I needed a reliable 28-foot extension ladder for exterior work: second-story gutter repair, fascia painting, and a few tree-trimming tasks. I wanted fiberglass for the electrical safety margin and added stiffness, and a Type 1A rating so I could climb confidently with a tool belt and materials. After several weeks of mixed use—on concrete, pavers, and soil—the DeWalt 28-foot fiberglass extension ladder has proven to be a trustworthy, well-thought-out option with a couple of caveats.

Setup and first impressions

The ladder arrives as a two-section fiberglass unit with a 300 lb Type 1A rating. At just over 59 lb, it’s not light. Carrying it solo is doable for short distances, but if you’re navigating around landscaping or up a sloped driveway, plan your route and consider a second set of hands. The 14-foot storage length is typical for a 28-footer; it demands a truck rack or a long van.

Hardware out of the box feels robust. The outside slide guides keep the sections aligned without binding, and the rope-and-pulley system runs smoothly. The quick-latch RungLock engages with a positive snap that’s easy to confirm by feel and sight before you climb. Rung end caps are a small but appreciated touch—they quiet the ladder in transit and protect surfaces when you lean it indoors.

Extension, locks, and handling

Raising the fly section is straightforward. The nylon rope is thick enough to grip with gloves, and the pulley action is smooth—even after dust and sawdust found their way into the track during my siding work. I didn’t experience any stickiness or sudden drops when lowering; the descent was easy to control.

The quick-latch mechanism deserves special mention. Some locks can chatter or bounce when you’re adjusting height; here, the locks set cleanly into the serrated rungs with minimal fuss. When fully extended near maximum working length, there’s the expected amount of fiberglass flex but nothing that felt spongy or unsettling. Lateral movement stayed in check thanks to the ladder’s overall stance and stiff rails.

Stability and footing

Footing is a standout. The heavy-duty metal boots and steel swivel safety shoes pivot between a rubber tread-down position and spikes. On smooth concrete and pavers, the rubber tread held firm without scuffing. On grass and compacted soil, flipping to spikes added a level of security I wouldn’t want to be without—particularly when I needed a shallow angle to reach a gable vent. The changeover is fast and doesn’t require tools.

Rungs are D-shaped and fully serrated. The profile is comfortable under boots, distributing weight well and offering reliable traction, even after a light drizzle. The 12-inch rise is standard, and the 1.5-inch rung depth felt stable enough for extended periods while painting and hanging downspouts.

Working at height

With a 28-foot maximum extension, the ladder comfortably handles second-story eaves and most two-and-a-half-story gable access when set at the correct angle. The real-world working height—accounting for section overlap and the 4:1 angle rule—lands where it should for this size. I had no trouble clearing a 20–24-foot gutter line with enough ladder above the roof edge for a safe handhold.

The top is V-shaped, non-marring, and has integrated tool slots. That V-top is more than a gimmick. It sits securely on outside corners, round columns, and poles, and the rubberized tread keeps it from wandering. The tool slots are handy for staging a hammer, caulk gun, or impact driver while you move fasteners; they saved me several trips up and down during a gutter hang.

Comfort and usability details

• The outside slide guides reduce the chance of the fly section rubbing the rails and keeps the action smooth.
• Rung end caps cut down on transport clatter and protect interior walls when moving through tight spaces.
• The rope length is generous; a quick wrap around the rung keeps it from flapping in the wind once you’re set up.
• Fiberglass rails don’t transmit the cold like aluminum, which I appreciated during an early-morning start.

I’d still recommend using stabilizers or stand-offs when working near windows or delicate siding, but for many tasks, the V-top provided enough stability and protection.

Transport and storage

At 14 feet stored and roughly 59 pounds, this is a commitment. It’s not the ladder you toss in a compact SUV. Maneuvering it solo around obstacles takes some practice. The upside of the weight is stability on the wall and underfoot; the downside is fatigue if you’re moving it repeatedly throughout the day. If you’re used to aluminum models, expect a step up in heft in exchange for the fiberglass advantages.

Noise during transport is minimal compared to some ladders I’ve owned, thanks to the rung caps and snug fit between sections. I still recommend a pair of proper ladder straps and a front tie to stop any vibration at highway speeds.

Durability and maintenance

After weeks of use, the rails show normal scuffing but no splintering or gel coat flaking. The hardware resists corrosion, and the pulley remains smooth. Maintenance is simple: rinse off grit, check the shoes for embedded debris, keep the rope clean and untangled, and give the lock pawls a quick inspection. Fiberglass benefits from an occasional wipe-down to keep it clean and reduce grime buildup.

The ladder carries ANSI, CSA, and OSHA compliance, and the 1-year limited warranty is standard for this category.

Where it shines

• Reliable footing: The swivel shoes with rubber tread and spikes make a meaningful difference across surfaces.
• Secure extension: The rope/pulley and quick-latch locks inspire confidence, even near full height.
• Useful top: The V-shaped, non-marring cap with tool slots adds functionality on corners, poles, and columns.
• Work comfort: D-shaped, fully serrated rungs are easy to stand on for long tasks.

What could be better

• Weight: At around 59 pounds, repeated solo moves will wear you down. That’s the tradeoff for fiberglass and a 1A rating, but it’s worth noting.
• No built-in levelers: On uneven terrain, you’ll want accessory leg levelers or pads. The spikes help, but they don’t replace adjustable legs.
• Storage demands: The 14-foot stored length limits where you can keep it and what you can haul it in.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re practical realities to consider based on your workflow and vehicle.

Who it’s for

• Pros and serious DIYers who routinely work on two-story exteriors, tall interior spaces, or columns/poles.
• Anyone who values fiberglass for electrical safety around service drops and outdoor lighting.
• Users who prefer stout, predictable footing and locking mechanisms over the lightest possible carry weight.

If your work rarely exceeds single-story tasks, this is more ladder than you need. A 20–24-foot model will be easier to transport and store. But for regular second-story access, this size hits the sweet spot between reach, stability, and control.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 28-foot fiberglass extension ladder for users who need dependable reach and stability on a variety of surfaces. It’s sturdy underfoot, locks securely, and the V-top is genuinely helpful for corner and pole work. The tradeoff is weight and storage length, but those are standard for a fiberglass 1A ladder in this class. If you have the vehicle to carry it and the occasional help to move it on job sites, this ladder will pay you back with confidence at height and thoughtful, job-ready features.