Folding wheel step

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 18:33

ThreadID: 132013 Views:2992 Replies:8 FollowUps:8

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Member - Outback Gazz

G'day All

Looking at getting a folding wheel step to make life a bit easier getting gear on and off the roof rack. They are ready available online but they only seem to come in one size - which I don't think will fit my 285/70/17 tyres safely.

They all seem to be 525mm in length which would make it sit quite high up on tyre and I would be concerned that it might slip off if someone stands on it.

Does anyone use one of these on 285/70/17 tyres and is it ok ?
Or does anyone know of a larger model available ?
Or do I just fabricate one up myself to suit my tyres ?

Cheers

Gazz

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Reply By: Jackolux - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:17

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:17

I have one they are a good thing but my tyres are only 245-70-16 .

Places like Super Cheap , Auto Barn and 4x4 shops sell them , just go and try it for fit .

AnswerID: 598146

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:45

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:45

Thanks Jackolux

Might do that next time I'm in the big smoke !!

Cheers

Gazz

FollowupID: 867266

Reply By: Member - Mark (Tamworth NSW) - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:25

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:25

Gazz
What's wrong with just standing on top of the tyre, I do it every time I wash my vehicle or I am lashing down something to the roof bars?
If your legs aren't long enough to do it in one step, just step from the running board?
Saves carrying some other useless piece of equipment in the rear of your vehicle

Mark

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AnswerID: 598148

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:43

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 19:43

G'day Mark

Yes - I've been doing that since I bought my first ute with tub and a canopy (2004) but with standing on the tyre - half the time you need one hand holding on to the rack - I'm guessing that with the step I can have both hands free and when it's folded doesn't take up much room ( I have a space cab )

I am no longer in what would be called the " young " years

Thanks for your reply

All the best

Gazz

FollowupID: 867265

Reply By: Frank P (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:23

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:23

I have a Rhinorack adjustable wheel step. I've used it on 285/70-16 and 275/70-17 with no problems. It's stable enough to put a box on it to stand on for extra height.
Cheers Frank

FrankP

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AnswerID: 598150

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:51

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:51

Thanks Frank

Not much difference between 275/70/17 and 285/70/17

Appreciate your reply - might do what Jackolux suggested and give it a try !

Cheers

Gazz

FollowupID: 867269

Reply By: Member - Roachie - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:44

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 20:44

I carry a small 3-step step ladder but also a milk crate. The milk crate has a piece of chequer-plate aluminium cut about 50mm wider than it, with corners shamfered at 45 degrees and with 4 rubber stoppers bolted on the smooth side. These rubber stopppers are in the correct position to make the plate sit in a firm/fixed position.

It is great for standing on and the plate doubles as a jacking plate (for use on sand etc.

Not sure whether that would be high enough, but it would be close to the same height as one of those wheel step thingos.

The crate is used to store stuff such as snatch strap etc.

Roachie....Don't follow me....I'm lost!

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AnswerID: 598153

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 21:10

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 21:10

Thanks Roachie

I have a little 2-stepper I use for work but a bit too big and bulky to always have on board. And when I'm away I always have a milk crate that is home to my gas bottle ( 9kg fits in well )

Like the idea of the chequer plate on the crate but I'm just looking for something simple I can just pull out whether at work or play - I don't have the crate while at work.

As I have a space cab with a roof rack on the canopy - I reckon I can make something up that can hold the folded step up to the roof rack support bars inside the canopy which will be out of the way and up high and always be easily accessible

Appreciate your suggestions

Cheers

Gazz

FollowupID: 867272

Reply By: Rick (S.A.) - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 21:57

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 21:57

Gazz,

I bought a single step, foldable unit from Bunnings to do this sort of task. When folded it takes up bugger-all room.

It is unbelievably handy because its way more portable than a tyre mounted step.

Another major use is to reach into the canopy to get something in the middle of the tub; another prime use is to whizz around any part of the ute to get to items on the roof rack.

Yes, I still stand on the tye when needed, but as you say it is difficult to have two hands free when executing that position.

I have used milk crates, but I find this less bulky and easier to use.

Go on, shout ourself one !

Cheers

AnswerID: 598157

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 06:23

Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 06:23

Thanks Rick

Will look at steps when I'm next in Bunnings - but still leaning towards the wheels step. Probably will end up shouting myself one.

Cheers

Gazz

FollowupID: 867281

Reply By: Jackolux - Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 22:20

Sunday, Apr 03, 2016 at 22:20

Gazza believe me a wheel step is really handy , despite some saying its useless
They are very stable and safe to use , you don't have to worry about uneven or soft ground , it doubles as a quick seat , takes up bugger all room .

I was the first to get one years ago , when my mates saw it , grabbed it and used it when we were away , they all bought one first chance they got .

Standing on the tyre sux and like you say the older ya get the more it sux ,

AnswerID: 598159

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 06:26

Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 06:26

Thanks Jackolux

Will look at one and try it over my wheels - if it fits ok then I will grab one !

All the best

Gazz

FollowupID: 867282

Follow Up By: Member - Blue M - Wednesday, Apr 06, 2016 at 15:55

Wednesday, Apr 06, 2016 at 15:55

I will second the wheel step.
I am vertically challenged, and use it most times just to reach more than a "foot" past the side of my tray.
Great for a little seat, and I have one of those foam kneeling pads tucked nicely in the step part. Good for 120kg
Is no hassle and for me easy to carry.
I am over the acrobatic feats like trying to balancing on tyres etc.
I break to easy nowadays.

FollowupID: 867446

Reply By: Member - Keith C (NSW) - Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 08:28

Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 08:28

Gazz, I have had a wheel step for years,a very handy thing, it fits well on my 285/75/16s and will be ok on yours I think, the step height is adjustable although not as high as the top of your tyre, but a lot safer,at full height it's big step up,It's great when using the boat loader.size app 550x360 x80 folded, easy to carry and doesn't need level ground. Regards Keith

AnswerID: 598167

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 18:27

Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 18:27

Thanks Keith

285/75/16 is just about the same as 285/70/17 so that's good to know it fits well.

All the best

Gazz

FollowupID: 867321

Reply By: Member - Outback Gazz - Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 18:34

Monday, Apr 04, 2016 at 18:34

Thanks to all who replied !

I appreciate your advice and experience - just ordered one online and it will be delivered to my front door Thursday or Friday. Was never a lover of buying stuff online ( for a number of reasons ) but I sure have changed my mind after many many purchases with absolutely no dramas whatsoever - well so far !!

Happy and safe travelling

Gazz

AnswerID: 598189