Got the rack but how do I get up there?
Submitted: Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:39
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Troopy Loopy
Hi folks! Hope I am not re-inventing the wheel here but I will try to keep it short.
I have a 75 series "Troopy" and I am getting it geared up for a month in Sunny QLD (i hope). The plan it to leave the camper at
home and sleep in the back so I have made light full length roof rack (ARB Copy ish?). But now I have a little problem and that is "where/how to install the ladder".
After some time on the net grazing on pages full of fodder I have found that there seems to be 2 different styles of ladder used on troop carriers.
1 is the side ladder that travels from the rack to the underbody behind the rear wheel.
2 is the one that is bolted to the barn door requiring 2 holes to be drilled.
Surely there is a way to have a ladder securely installed (without drilling holes in the body), on the rear of the car (not the side), not need to loose space inside and have it removable when the rack is not in use or removed. I plan to completely remove the rack when not out and about.
Sure I am being a little fussy with it but I just want to do it right the first time so all ideas will be thought of heavily.
Cheers
Mick
Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:51
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:51
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
AnswerID:
105032
Follow Up By: Troopy Loopy - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:59
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:59
Hmm sounds interesting and functional even but it might be a little difficult to prevent it from rattling. Hate rattle noise with a passion. Thanks for the brain food!
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Follow Up By: Well 55 - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:00
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:00
I done just that on a Troopy, welded some angle iron under the rack and the ladder slid in with a wing nut to hold it in place.
When pulled out it rested on the rear bumper.
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Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:04
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:04
I think it would be fairly easy to stop the ladder rattling with some strategically placed wedges.
:o) Melissa
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Follow Up By: Well 55 - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:25
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:25
At the front all is needed is a bit of strap welded to act as a ramp that the ladder slides up and is jamed in place.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Willem - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:52
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 08:52
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.
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:58
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:58
some are short at both ends willem...and need an extension ladder
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 22:30
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 22:30
I have no problem getting to my roof rack. LOL
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Follow Up By: Willem - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 11:05
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 11:05
You mean two stubbies short of a six pack, Nudie?
Hahahahah
John Very funny indeed. You could probably reach up to an OKA roofrack
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 12:06
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 12:06
john got legs like a giraffe?
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 12:16
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 12:16
OKA OKA, I thought something even higher. LOL
Nudie yeah you guessed it, I am 6' 6" tall so legs like a giraffe.
I suppose your only jealous. LOL.
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Reply By: Rod W - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:34
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 09:34
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.
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Reply By: agsmky - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:09
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 10:09
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
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Reply By: Jolly - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:04
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:04
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...
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Reply By: Member - Willie , Epping .Syd. - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:12
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:12
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 .
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Reply By: Wizard1 - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:35
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 11:35
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
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Reply By: GO_OFFROAD - Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 22:05
Monday, Apr 04, 2005 at 22:05
http://www.the-shed.net/images/IMGA1367.JPGhttp://www.the-shed.net/images/IMGA1368.JPGhttp://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.
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 07:41
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 07:41
break a leg or two if you fell off at that hieght
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Reply By: warthog - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 01:06
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 01:06
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.
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Reply By: Troopy Loopy - Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 07:50
Tuesday, Apr 05, 2005 at 07:50
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! :-)
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