Wayne (NSW) replied:

Mike,
I have been thinking the same thing about a ladder on the Troopie.

My plan was to make a ladder that would slide between the under side of the roof rack and the roof of the vehicle. The idea would be to slide it out when needed, more likley at the back, hook the top of the ladder to the roof rack and let the bottom of the ladder rest on the rear step. When not in use the ladder sits under the roof rack and is locked in postion so that it can't slide out when traveling.

Wayne

Willem replied:

Yeah roof racks are a bugger especially if you are short at one end :o)

I would consider making a detachable ladder(if you can find place to store it).

Had a ladder on the side of a Tojo once and wiped it out in the bush. Quite mess, not to mention the ancilliary damage.

On the rear door is a better option as long as you make sure that where you drill the holes you have strengthened the fasteners with plates or very large washers.

Rod W replied:

I have a ladder bolted to the small rear barn door (its Aluminium and made by a mob called Endee Metals here in Perth, cost about $180 4 years or so ago), its non obtruisve. There is just one thing you don't do and that is the initial grab and pull yourself up by the ladder as there is over time the ability to pull the top of the door away from the body thus not sealing well. Ya need to grab the gutter etc... could be a problem with short-arse's.

agsmky replied:

We (my SES Unit) currently have a removable ladder that slides under the seats when not in use. I believe they may have been made for TJM or similar several years ago. They essentially clip over the top of the back of the roof rack and the bottom "rests" on the bumper area. Very secure and will not come off when climbing :-) It is made of aluminium and is very light yet sturdy.

Another setup we had was a ladder customised onto the rear door wheel and was "pinned" onto the roof rack. Was good, however you had to remember to remove pins if you want to open the door. Cheap to make from around 3/4" tubed aluminium. I personally didn't like the idea of another object swinging on the door :-(

I can post some photos if you are interested in going this way.

Andrew

Jolly replied:

Hi Troopy Loopy,

Have a ladder on mine which runs from the rack just behind the passenger side door down to the Chassis..
Will try to attach photo, If doesn't work give me your email add and i will emaul pic..

Jolly

Didn't work...

Member - Willie , Epping .Syd. replied:

Hi Mick ,
Does a Troopy already have a swing out rear wheel ? If not ...........................
What about installing a swing out spare wheel like I did . Now I just step onto the rear bumber and then step onto the wheel - great ladder and if a 55 year old can do it , anyone can !
Cheers ,
Willie .

Wizard1 replied:

Probably not much help, but TJM in Darwin sell a ladder that bolts onto the spare wheel carrier on troopies. You could always give them a call and see where they get them from or order one from them. I haven't been able to find them any where else.

The good thing about them is you can take them off without leaving holes in the body of the vehicle.

Wizard
Prado TD

GO_OFFROAD replied:

http://www.the-shed.net/images/IMGA1367.JPG

http://www.the-shed.net/images/IMGA1368.JPG

http://www.the-shed.net/images/IMGA1365.JPG

This is the toyota wheel carrier ladder, which will fit 180 deg from the pics if required, and the spare Shelf, which allows you to use a ratchet rope to get the spare wheel up onto the car, carry an arm load of wood, a rubbish bag, has a light bracket, and fits a 31" to a 36" tyre.

darrenm@bigpond.net.au if you have any queries.

warthog replied:

I have not considered a ladder for my Gu as I open the small left hand rear door place left foot inside and step onto spare on other door with right foot whilst holding the back of the roof rack. From the tyre I step onto the roof rack. I just tried it on the work troopy and it is for me as easy as using the small ladder mounted on the Left hand door. It may depend on your height and flexibility I guess. I am 6ft tall which is not overly tall and I dont think I am overly flexible. Just a thought anyway.

Troopy Loopy replied:

Well Guys n Gals, Thanks for the great response and interesting ideas. I recon the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) allways works the best. Ile ponder over your inputs, scribble some pictures onto paper and try to post some pictures of the result.

As a little footnote. I live at the southern end of the Borefeild Road (Roxby Downs) and will be going to the sunshine state via Maree and Birdsville. My Dad once said that you have not lived untill you have taken on "Big Red" and rewarded yourself with a coldy in the Birdsville Pub. Here goes nothin! :-)