DIY Ladder Mod - Page 3

**daveb** · 07-15-2010, 02:41 PM

I wouldn't worry about trees that much Geoff as it's very sturdy but rocks are an issue as well as clearance. If you slide into something you might be in trouble. I have more tree issues with the upper rack which is what I need the ladder for in the first place.

Roonie · 07-15-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatO

Powdercoat is slippery when you are loading kayaks with wet feet.

Thats an easy fix by going to Lowes or HD and buying stick on traction tape (located in the paint section near there tape). A roll of 2" wide sandpaper with one side really sticky. I cut them with scissors to the length of my ladder bars and stuck them on. No more slippery at all! Also very cheap solution! Plus you can't see they are on there at all as it is black.

**daveb** · 07-15-2010, 08:29 PM

Same here but you got to admit his ladder looks cool!

Greggd · 07-17-2010, 07:52 PM

Be sure to get the exterior weather proof type tape such as the 3M Safety Step ,
the Abrasive material is fused into a weatherproof Polyvinyl tape and lasts for years .
Greggde

Legionnaire · 01-23-2017, 08:40 PM

I know this threas is pretty old but I was wondering if you would build one for me? I am up in Seattle and love what you created. If so please PM me a cost.

If you can't build it on the first page you were mentioning digitizing the template and sending it I would be super appreciative if you could do that and my friend with a welder can give it a whack!

Thanks for any help!!

Nrobert10 · 01-24-2017, 04:26 PM

Legionnair, I'm in Seattle and have an aluminess ladder that you can use to model one after. My ladder is currently not installed as I'm doing my 4wd conversion at the moment. I also have EMT benders collecting dust.

Legionnaire · 01-24-2017, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nrobert10

Legionnair, I'm in Seattle and have an aluminess ladder that you can use to model one after. My ladder is currently not installed as I'm doing my 4wd conversion at the moment. I also have EMT benders collecting dust.

Oh awesome! I have a friend down in Tucson right now throwing together a 8ft roof rack for me. I dropped the hint that maybe he should make a ladder too.

If it doesn't work out down south then when I head back up to Seattle I won't hesitate to hit you up. Thanks for the offer, my friend by Seward Park has a welder so he can probably help me piece together the parts.

LenS · 01-24-2017, 07:14 PM

Since this thread has been brought back to life. I used the 3M tread tape on the ladder I built in March of 2011 (almost 6 years ago now) and it has held up and stayed on fine. I also used 3/4" electrical conduit and that has held up fine under my 220 lbs of weight.

Legionnaire · 01-24-2017, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenS

Since this thread has been brought back to life. I used the 3M tread tape on the ladder I built in March of 2011 (almost 6 years ago now) and it has held up and stayed on fine. I also used 3/4" electrical conduit and that has held up fine under my 220 lbs of weight.

Do you have a basic schematic or measurements and points listed where you bent it and how many times. My friend is also really interested in what was used for mounting to the gutter rail. Thanks for the status report! Stoked to build one out.

LenS · 01-24-2017, 09:09 PM

I did study many ladder designs before building. See attached next 2-3 posts with pics.

Note that the Ford Econoline van in the third picture. It has a full quarter bend at both the top and the bottom. I am sure that is why you see so many of them broken. All the SMB commercial ones and the home made good ones only have a shallow bend at the top to effectively take the weight put on the ladder. The bottom full quarter bend then just has to keep the ladder spaced away from the van.