side mounted ladder on a L300

[BproofOG]

Hi All,

I am looking at getting a ladder made for the side of my L300. Any thougths on placement?
attached are two photos:
1. is a photo of a side mounted ladder off a Ford Van (I think) and I really like the look of it
2. is a photo of a van like mine with the same spolier and rear ladder.

that brings me to the reason for looking into a side ladder.... the spoiler. I am going to keep it so I need a ladder that will be functional asit stands right now I find the spoiler in the way for accessing the top of the van and a side mounted one should provide better access to a wide area of the top. I have a Friend who has one on her L300 that Enviro Imports made for her and she raves about it.

The rear ladder will of course no longer be need so if anyone is looking for one let me know.

[FredVenne]

I have been thinking of a side ladder as well. The only thing I can see is more drag, therefore, less fuel efficient.

Fred

[jessef]

This may be of interest to you guys. Noel built it back in '10

http://www.delica.ca/forum/new-rack-wha ... -7931.html

[BproofOG]

That is my friends van.... and she love the rack and side ladder – made very well and nice and light. Any other photos or link for side ladders? Any thoughts on anchor points, other than the rain gutter up top?

I do agree with you Fred about the increased wind resistance concern, but I am 5’5” and I need a ladder that will allow me to access the most amount of roof area – that's not accomplished (for me) by having a ladder on the rear of the van.

still on the hunt
still looking to get ride of the rear ladder.

Dave

[jessef]

Have you considered a removable ladder or a collapsible one that is stored inside and then extended when you need it?

A permanent ladder is eye candy for thieves, especially if you have gear/valuables up top.

[BproofOG]

Absolutely! (Good minds think alike eH)

I really like the idea of a removable ladder – I have seen some collapsible ladders, but I have not been impressed with them. I am still looking at a custom fabrication that would include some sort of mounting brackets for the inside of the van to store the ladder while not. In addition a type rail system (built into the rack most likely) would be ideal for when the ladder is in use. This would also allow better access to the roof rack from both sides!

[nxski]

The simple way is to get a rope ladder and hang it from your roof rack. I'm sure Noel could think of something to fab too.

[RichD]

Why did you paste the photos into a Word doc?

pic2.jpg (93.51 KiB) Viewed 4778 times

pic1.jpg (24.09 KiB) Viewed 4778 times

[rezdiver]

if you are going to do a removable ladder, instead of having to remove it and store it inside the vehicle, make a set of sliders with a pivot on the ladder going width wise across underneath your rack above the sliding door. this way when you open your sliding door, you can step up reach a handle on the ladder and slide it out until it hits a set of stops and then pivots down to the vertical position.