Vertically challenged: reaching the roof box contents!

[GreyDawg]

HELP!

My van has a stock Ford roof, and a Yakima rack. I plan to put my Thule Evolution box on the Yakima rack, on the passenger side. An Evolution box is hinged on the side, not at the rear, so access to all the contents is easy...if you can reach the box!

A ladder on the rear door or the rear side won't do much good, unless the roof is strong enough to walk on (is it?). And even then it would be awkward.

I could carry a three-step stepladder, which would solve the problem of reaching the roof box, but then I'd have to store the stepladder.

I could put a ladder on the rear door, and then use that as a rack to carry the stepladder that I use to reach the roof box, but that seems inelegant -- in fact, downright silly.

Any other ideas? I've seen roof boxes in a few of the galley photos -- how do you reach them?

Thanks,

[saline]

I have a side Aluminess ladder and I use it all the time. I actually don't have to walk on the roof to access the cargo box from the ladder. The edge of the Ford roof line is strong enough to stand on without deflection.

[Ford_6L_E350]

When the top is down, I walk on the Penthouse roof. To clean it, to install the solar, mainainance, etc.

190#

Mike

[saabman]

I use a telescopic ladder that reaches about 3 meters high... I take care to use bits of foam to protect the sides of my van... I think it is good and not too bulky to transport... I can snap a pic if you want?

[GreyDawg]

Originally Posted by saabman

I use a telescopic ladder that reaches about 3 meters high... I take care to use bits of foam to protect the sides of my van... I think it is good and not too bulky to transport... I can snap a pic if you want?

No worries, Saabman -- many thanks for offering to take the picture, but no need. I've settled on a three-step folding stepstool which collapses to 48" tall and quite flat, for transport, but gives me 27" extra height for getting into the roof box. Fits easily inside the rear door.

Now I need a kayak to add to the other side, to justify carrying the stepstool...

Cheers!

[tomesd]

That's why I added this...