Crowd Sourcing a Ladder Table

[Otter]

I want to use my project time at welding class to build something for the van. One thing I’d like to make is a collapsible table that hooks onto the Aluminess ladder. I’d like to make it big enough to hold my cook stove, so I’m envisioning a flat plate with stable hooks on top and bottom to hold it up and away from the ladder. Though, I suppose it could lean against the ladder, too.

This would likely be better done with aluminum but I haven’t got my TIG skills yet. So figured I could practice on some lightweight metal. I’m wondering if the thing could even be done with just nuts and bolts but I’m sure I can find something to weld for it, dontcha think? Maybe a piece of angle iron underneath to attach the hooks to.

I thought I would tap the knowledge and experience of this great group. So, if you have ideas for this, let em roll. In my illustration, #1 is the table, #2 is the bottom set of hooks/holders, and #3 is the top set.

I did a quick google search and didn’t see this anywhere, but if you have, please point me in that direction.


.

[BroncoHauler]

What about making #3 a strap of nylon webbing and bring it to the leading edge of the platform?


Easier to make, easier to store, though it may not have the stability of metal supports.





Herb

[Otter]

Herb, I like the straps idea. Now that I look at the ladder rung placement, maybe I could actually just cinch up the rear edge to that second rung up and only have to worry about stabilizing it from the bottom with some kind of arm/arms (#2).


Maybe a couple of these instead of straps?

https://www.quickfist.com/quick-fist-clamps.html

.

[Otter]

I could get rid of #3 altogether if I weld a channel piece underneath to rest on the rung. Then another short channel piece on the drop down #2’s. I could rely more on #2 for stability.

Still thinkin... anybody got more ideas?

[Marcel Huijser]

I like the idea.

Some thoughts:
1. integrated storage on the outside (on ladder?)
2. Long or wide enough for a coleman 2 burner stove with small propane bottle attached.

Maybe secure the channels with a strap to the ladder?
You don't want the table, stove and boiling water accidentally crashing down

[BroncoHauler]

See JoeH's post in this thread.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...r-17334-2.html


and see this entire thread
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...-up-12397.html


Herb

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Marcel Huijser

I like the idea.

Some thoughts:
1. integrated storage on the outside (on ladder?)
2. Long or wide enough for a coleman 2 burner stove with small propane bottle attached.

Maybe secure the channels with a strap to the ladder?
You don't want the table, stove and boiling water accidentally crashing down

All good ideas, thanks Marcel. And definitely long/wide enough for a Coleman 2 burner.

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

See JoeH's post in this thread.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...r-17334-2.html

and see this entire thread
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...-up-12397.html
Herb

Thank you for those threads. Interesting ideas here. I like the hooks. I’ve pm’d JoeH for more info on his setup.

[gahamby]

If you want something you can bolt up, use Unistrut, Kindorf or Super Strut. They make it in Aluminum, stainless, galvanized, fiberglass, and steel. Once you get it how you like it, you can weld it up.

[Oly11]

Came across these pictures a few days ago. The table is larger than your project but thought it was a cool idea. Interested to see what you come up with as we currently use a tire table for our stove but it gets a bit cluttered so would be great to fee up some space.

[unreng]

two ideas (images are for visual reference only...to show general configuration):

1. what about welding hooks to a flat plate, and then locking hinges that secure to a lower rung with a half-moon piece?

hooks = https://www.mcmaster.com/1730a91
plate = https://www.mcmaster.com/9759k77
supports = https://www.mcmaster.com/11615a12
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-...183JWM00EB17ZG


2. welding hooks to a flat plate that drops into place with interference fit and gravity...sorta like the following image
imagine the area beneath the boot heels is the flat plate. the hooks might need to be on hinges to make this work?? https://www.amazon.com/Qual-Craft-24...8865581&psc=1: