DIY Ladder Mod

[LenS]

Thanks for the reply.

Could you post some close up photos of the upper and lower attachment points when you get the time? I am sure you see these ladders all along the west coast. I have only seen overall photos on the SMB web site. I am sure I could figure out my own ends but why do that when it has already been done.

Thanks,

Len S

[northleftcoast]

I'd never seen one of the pro-built ladders either, so I don't know that mine is how others have done it previously, but it's pretty basic.

The bottom two beams are welded to a piece of 2"x1/8" flat stock. It is through bolted to the bottom seam of the van. The upper bracket parts can be seen here:



It's basically a J shape made out of various scraps of 1/8" in steel. The inner clamp is thinner, maybe 3/32", steel that is bolted to the gutter hook and keeps the upper pieces from shifting.

I was up and down it several times yesterday loading boats, and it is rock solid. You wouldn't think the emt would be as sturdy, but it seems totally up to the task.

I'll try to post a couple more clamp pics tomorrow. You might be able to get some old Thule, or Yak "Q" type clips and mod those for attachments too.

Cheers,
Sam

[LenS]

Thanks Sam,

Pics are clear.

[Joanna]

Sigh.
I can construct anything with a sewing machine.
I'm so envious of the skills you guys have with tools.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Joanna

Sigh.
I can construct anything with a sewing machine.
I'm so envious of the skills you guys have with tools.

Sounds like an opportunity to barter, Joanna!


Herb

[Aldercrest]

.

[kxkid715]

Nice work man! I am in the same exact position you were in before you started the build. I really want the aluminess ladder but cant afford it. Looks like I will be undertaking this project soon. Thanks for the great thread! Any more pics of the ladder close up?

[PatO]

Powdercoat is slippery when you are loading kayaks with wet feet. Here is my Aluminess after a Line-X spray job. I also had the kick area sprayed with color to match Baja Tan.

[TwinStick]

That looks great !!!

[geoffff]

I'd love one of these, but the way I drive I'm afraid it'd get ripped off on tree branches. I wonder if some kind of spring-loaded attachment could be designed, kind of like my side mirrors. Pondering...

-- Geoff