We have used a 8ft step ladder, a 14ft step ladder, 16ft extension ladder, and a 32ft extension ladder. All of these we purchased. We also have an extension wand. We have found that sometimes a ladder works better that the extension wand, it lets you get closer. But we also had a storage problem with the ladders. We no longer have this problem do to the fact that all of the afor mention ladders were stolen last November. This spring we will purchase the four section type aluminum folding ladders to put on each wash rig. By purchasing this type of ladder it is our hope to have the necessary combinations we usualy need all in one ladder. But I must advise you to use the utmost caution when handling a wand on any type of ladder, the higher you go the more likely you are to lose your balance.