Image of Aluminess ladder on Sprinter w/ PH top

[JFlo]

Hey gang,

Gonna get a custom ladder made for my van. I'm looking for the best way to attach the ladder to the top of my Sprinter. Since I have a PH top, I can't attach it to a factory rail. I'd like to see how Aluminess does it. I've got the bottom attachment sorted out.

If anyone can provide some close-ups of the upper attachment point I would appreciate it. TIA.

[Fitz]

These should show you what you want:

[JFlo]

Perfect. Thank you Fitz.

I notice in your most recent post pics that your Aluminess ladder is no longer present. Did you get rid of it or figure out a way to attach the bottom to the VC rock sliders?

I have the sliders and saw a VC prototype ladder that captures bolts in the slider. I was waiting on VC to produce a ladder, but nothing yet compatible with a PH top, so I figured I'd design my own.

Cheers

[IMG][/IMG]

[Fitz]

JFlo,

Stay tuned and I should be able to show you the Van Compass ladder for our PH vans soon. I've been working with them on the ladder design all along, what you see on their van in the picture above is the prototype.

I never had an Aluminess ladder on the van, I've been holding out for the VC one because it will attach to their sliders and not protrude under the van. I installed the Aluminess Nerf Bars while we were waiting on VC to finalize the Slider design because we needed the step up into the van, now that we have the VC Sliders installed the Aluminess Nerf Bars are sitting next to my garage waiting for me to list them for sale.

I am working with Mark at VC to finalize a date to have the ladder and front Fox shocks (they are making modifications to the attachment mount) installed. VC is going to Overland Expo and then they are going to pack up the shop and move to Washington, thus we are working around those events to finalize an install date.

I will post pictures and comments as soon as the ladder is installed. I can't speak for VC as to their timing, but I know they plan to offer the ladder on a production basis. I will find out more when I am there next!

[JFlo]

Glad I asked. I'll leave it to the pros and stand by for your updates. Thanks!

[LenS]

Ladder in the pic looks awfully close to the van. Doesn't look like much foot room to the painted van body panels.

[JFlo]

Yeah, it's probably a trade off... tree catcher or low toe clearance.

[LenS]

Would not want to scratch up that beautiful red paint job with dirt and gravel stuck to the toes of my boots/shoes. Then also keeping the toes of my boots way from the paint I would not want to slip off of the ladder and bust my front teeth. Always a trade off.

[mkkbven]

Originally Posted by Fitz

...now that we have the VC Sliders installed the Aluminess Nerf Bars are sitting next to my garage waiting for me to list them for sale.

Fitz,

I have been binge reading your build and it looks great. I was planning on asking if you kept your nerf bars and just noticed your comment. We're looking to install some lift on our 2WD Sprinter this summer so these nerf bars could be just the ticket.

Please let me know if they are still available and maybe we can work out a deal.

thanks,
Mark

[Fitz]

Mark,

Available, send me a pm.

Fitz