Aluminess ladder - Econoline Rain Gutter Clamp Photos

[motovan_mn]

Any chance anybody on this forum has some detailed photos of the rain gutter clamps on the Ford Econoline Aluminess ladders?

Aluminess instructions don't show detailed photos/diagrams, and detailed photos are surprisingly difficult to find online.

For context, I'm looking for inspiration on how to design my own rain gutter clamps when I build my own custom ladder. Yes, I know it will end up costing more and taking way longer than just buying a pre-made one. No, you won't convince me that this is a bad idea.

[Twoxentrix]

I just happen to have a set I pulled out a couple days ago (for a Project I'm deciding whether or not to continue with):

[motovan_mn]

Amazing, thank you! So do the two screws w/o nuts just dig into the sealant in the rain gutter?

[Twoxentrix]

That's what it looks like - not sure if Sportsmobile did anything 'extra' prior to screwing them down - I inspect my roof about 2x yearly for any signs of rust developing, and always look closely at the gutter around the two brackets (because of the screws) and no issue.

[doublevan2]

Hey Twoxentrix -

Great timing for me too ! Any chance for a photo of the attachment point at the rain gutter ? What size drill bit and bolts to use ? So you're saying that the 2 top screws go/attach without ny-lock ? Just gravity holding ladder top ?

[Twoxentrix]

Just went out to take a look - the two screws that hold the bracket to the rain gutter have nothing showing on the top, and I'm unable to see anything when i attempt to look underneath - so I would assume there is nothing holding them with any friction (unless they used something which would help bond the threads at the point they go through the aluminum brace).
It does look like a thin piece of rubber is sandwiched between the bracket and the side of the van to keep that contact point from gouging through the paint.
No drilling required Russ, just place the bracket over the drip rail and tighten down the screws.

[arctictraveller]

Here are my home made clamps, they are super sturdy. They are simply a piece of angle iron with a spacer (a nut) between the angle and a piece of flat bar. The rust is due to my grinding some additional clearance while on a trip and failing to paint immediately.