Ladders

Let's talk about ladders. I just got a full roof rack on my 4runner. I'm loving it but I need a ladder for access to get things I put on my roof rack. Let me here some recommendations and experiences with those ladders.

 

Ladders on cargo lids look cool, but they’re pretty flimsy at best. If you only need to get up there to move skis, sleeping bags and fishing rods around, I’m sure they’re fine. A lot of guys like the overland look and I get that. But up here in Canada, where some of the far northern roads require a second spare, you need a method of getting a pretty heavy spare up there. I haven’t done it yet, but I’m leaning towards the Front Runner ladder that rests on the ground, not on a couple of sheet metal screws on my 22 gauge sheet metal cargo hatch.

 

Also posted in another thread...


Here’s what I’ve been using to get junk on and off the roof rack and also washing the roof. Foldable and height adjustable step that hugs the tire and is easily storable inside the rig or on the rook rack somewhere.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00291AXUU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I also have this too...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JMTVP9N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I got a Gobi ladder. I like the look of it and its great for getting to the roof rack. It installs pretty easy. The only thing I dont like about it is the bolts on top are just exposed and out there. That and it took about 4 months to get.

 

I have the Bajarack ladder. I had it installed briefly and decided to remove it until I replace my roof rack and get new struts for the hatch.

It hooks around the top of the hatch, so it's not dependent on any screws. It seems plenty sturdy. My only criticism would be that it sits close to the hatch, so you can't really get it much past your toes.

@Oldtoyotaguy has a good point about lugging a spare tire up there. I think I would probably try to slide the tire up there from the side and then climb up and strap it down.

 

I'll have to check this out

 

The reviews on Amazon do not make it sound that great.

 

I'll check those out. I do like the overland ladder. I just like to hear different kind of input before make a decision.