DIY Hidden Ladder Under My Roof Rack? (1 Viewer)

[67cruiser]

Hey all,

I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a ladder solution that I can hide away when I'm not using it.

I have a Baja Rack full length roof rack.... and I managed to mount a 100 watt solar panel underneath the middle two gutter mounts... totally out of the way and serves it's intended purpose...

Then it struck me..... why can't I do the same thing with a ladder??? Mount it between the 3rd and 4th row gutter mounts.... attach it in such a way that I don't even know it's there until I need it...

I'm curious if anyone here has tried this, and what the outcomes were..... I tried an internet search, but came up with a big fat nothingburger.....

 

[bhsdriller]

A ladder for what. Was always confused why people have them

 

[67cruiser]

A ladder for what. Was always confused why people have them

When I need to go up top to secure a load, having a side ladder is quite valuable - I am trying to avoid taking up precious cargo space storing it tho.... I've tried the telescoping ladder - it's been decent, but it is sizeable - even when collapsed....

 

[Halfpint]

I don't see why you can't make a bracket for the underside of the rack that would fit like a Thule Tepui Van Ladder.

I envision padding (to minimize rattle) "L" brackets with a fifth one that secures and locks to keep it from sliding out...

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[67cruiser]

I don't see why you can't make a bracket for the underside of the rack that would fit like a Thule Tepui Van Ladder.

I envision padding (to minimize rattle) "L" brackets with a fifth one that secures and locks to keep it from sliding out...

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I truly like that idea.... and have considered it. I have the retracting ladder..... however, the ladder somehow got damaged and won't close all the way, and I'm a little reluctant to drop that kind of money on a collapsible ladder again... but definitely a good idea.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

Do you have a spare tire swing out on your rear bumper.

If you do than maybe consider one of these spare tire step straps. I think this is the best solution I have ever seen.

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/front-runner-spare-wheel-step.html

 

[Halfpint]

Or a wheel step, even..

 

[67cruiser]

Or a wheel step, even..
View attachment 2743313

seen this... still have to store it somewhere lol

 

[67cruiser]

Do you have a spare tire swing out on your rear bumper.

If you do than maybe consider one of these spare tire step straps. I think this is the best solution I have ever seen.

Spare Wheel Step - by Front Runner - https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/front-runner-spare-wheel-step.html

Also a good idea - I should add that I'm spending most of my ladder time loading and unloading kayaks on an 80 Series that's 7'3'' high lol

I need a side ladder to do this most effectively

Thank you for the ideas

 

[Shipwreck]

Did you say kayak?...

Other ideas here:
Ladder? Who needs one of those? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ladder-who-needs-one-of-those.1239357/

 

[clx16]

I have one of those door steps also and they are pretty compact. I would just say get 4 and find a way to store them near the doors so you don't just have one and have to move it all around when you are packing a bunch of stuff all over.

 

[67cruiser]

I have one of those door steps also and they are pretty compact. I would just say get 4 and find a way to store them near the doors so you don't just have one and have to move it all around when you are packing a bunch of stuff all over.

Might be the best way to go! Thank you guys!!