Vehicle ladders useless?

[Oncorhynchus]

Can someone explain why some 4Runners and Defenders have a ladder attached to them? I just step up on the tires or the bumper of my Wrangler when I need to access the cargo hardware on top. Those SUV roof ladders seem useless and also undersized. I can understand why a conversion van or taller vehicle might need one (and the if they have one they usually look rather beefy).

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[The Last Cowboy]

They aren’t to climb up, they just allow a better reach up there. But I agree, they look silly. Like all the people I see driving around with cheap wire baskets on their roof. Especially Subarus. I guess they think it looks rugged, like having some poorly made yellow Timberland boots.

 

[Beachcomber72]

I’ve always thought it’s specifically for looks. I see different multiple TRD clubs and crews every weekend here at San Luis Pass and watched them for years and never once have I seen someone on their mini ladder. They always get up top for getting gear by stepping up on the tires.

Same concept of 90% of the wrangler community who put hi-lift jacks on their hoods or spare tire carriers or side mounts that will never ever be utilized. Once again it’s for a look. Which by all fairness is not a bad thing if you like a particular “look” go for it but personally I only run with accessories or gear that get used weekly.

 

[Cycle11111]

Ok the contrary opinion. I have a built up Wrangler 2 door and have the Maximus ladder. I use the ladder all the time and often wish I had one for both sides. I offroad my jeep a lot but it also carriers skis, kayaks, SUPs etc and I climb up the ladder a lot as it makes access easier and faster. So sorry it is not just for show in my case.

 

[Beachcomber72]

Hmm… just found this lol

 

[Reinen]

And Jeeps...

• Additional rack support (never hurts).
• Sturdy mounting point for extra fuel
• Sturdy handhold when standing on tires
• Easy route to get on the rack to reconfigure gear mounts
  (very helpful once you've been around a half century)
• Easily accessible high vantage point to assess questionable terrain
• Rear window protection when off camber
• Camp trash and water bag hanging point
• Temporary location to lean skis without damaging paint
• Standing on the rack is an excellent location for after-excursion power washing
• Never underestimate the benefits of being able to use your Jeep as a jungle gym.

Bottom line, I use my ladders in one way or another every single excursion.

I’ve always thought it’s specifically for looks. I see different multiple TRD clubs and crews every weekend here at San Luis Pass and watched them for years and never once have I seen someone on their mini ladder. They always get up top for getting gear by stepping up on the tires.

That's because you're much more likely to climb up a ladder before and after your excursion instead of during. You go up there to configure your rack and you do it in a way that as much gear as possible is accessible standing on tire or bumper. Afterwards you go up there to clean up.

 

[jaardappel]

Can someone explain why some 4Runners and Defenders have a ladder attached to them? I just step up on the tires or the bumper of my Wrangler when I need to access the cargo hardware on top. Those SUV roof ladders seem useless and also undersized. I can understand why a conversion van or taller vehicle might need one (and the if they have one they usually look rather beefy).

I don't have one for my JLR, but i do have a ladder for my '21 4Runner Venture. I put the Gobi ladder on the back. I've used it quite a bit to put firewood, gear, bags, folding table and camp chairs, etc. up top in the Yakima basket that the Venture model comes with. Before that I was standing on the tire on each side or using a small step-ladder to put all the stuff up there. So for me it's functional. The biggest draw for me was not damaging my paint when I wanted to put camping stuff up top, and the ladder helped me get above the basket to place it inside. Also helps me with the mf'ing Yakima bungee net (which is a SERIOUS pain in the @ss, but extremely useful). I'm also 5'5", so I have to obviously get some height in order to access the basket. We use it probably at least once a month to go camping. It was pretty handy last year for putting snowboards up top too.

 

[Oncorhynchus]

And Jeeps...

• Additional rack support (never hurts).
• Sturdy mounting point for extra fuel
• Sturdy handhold when standing on tires
• Easy route to get on the rack to reconfigure gear mounts
  (very helpful once you've been around a half century)
• Easily accessible high vantage point to assess questionable terrain
• Rear window protection when off camber
• Camp trash and water bag hanging point
• Temporary location to lean skis without damaging paint
• Standing on the rack is an excellent location for after-excursion power washing
• Never underestimate the benefits of being able to use your Jeep as a jungle gym.

Bottom line, I use my ladders in one way or another every single excursion.


That's because you're much more likely to climb up a ladder before and after your excursion instead of during. You go up there to configure your rack and you do it in a way that as much gear as possible is accessible standing on tire or bumper. Afterwards you go up there to clean up.

On Jeopardy the proper response to this post would be:

“When is a ladder not a ladder?”

 

[Oncorhynchus]

I don't have one for my JLR, but i do have a ladder for my '21 4Runner Venture. I put the Gobi ladder on the back. I've used it quite a bit to put firewood, gear, bags, folding table and camp chairs, etc. up top in the Yakima basket that the Venture model comes with. Before that I was standing on the tire on each side or using a small step-ladder to put all the stuff up there. So for me it's functional. The biggest draw for me was not damaging my paint when I wanted to put camping stuff up top, and the ladder helped me get above the basket to place it inside. Also helps me with the mf'ing Yakima bungee net (which is a SERIOUS pain in the @ss, but extremely useful). I'm also 5'5", so I have to obviously get some height in order to access the basket. We use it probably at least once a month to go camping. It was pretty handy last year for putting snowboards up top too.

Since the location of the ladder is off-center and at the back of the 4Runner, do you find that it influences the location of where you place certain types of cargo on the roof?

 

[Reinen]

On Jeopardy the proper response to this post would be:

“When is a ladder not a ladder?”

Just about everything on a 2dr Jeep is a multi-purpose item.

 

[Industrialwrench]

I’m tall so there’s no need for a ladder. I see them for shorter people. Crazy enough I go for my hi-lift before my winch most of the time. I’d rather lift a side and stuff a rock than drag up and over something.

 

[JLR_AEV]

Ok the contrary opinion. I have a built up Wrangler 2 door and have the Maximus ladder. I use the ladder all the time and often wish I had one for both sides. I offroad my jeep a lot but it also carriers skis, kayaks, SUPs etc and I climb up the ladder a lot as it makes access easier and faster. So sorry it is not just for show in my case.

Same. I actually added the ladder to both sides. I am average height and it makes it so much easier for me vs standing on the tire.
I think Maximus killed it with their set up

 

[jaardappel]

Since the location of the ladder is off-center and at the back of the 4Runner, do you find that it influences the location of where you place certain types of cargo on the roof?

A bit. Yes. Easier to load light stuff up front as you can't access that area well from the ladder on the corner. Heavier stuff goes in the back. Firewood always in the back since I have a sun roof and don't want bark or wood chips in my car. I went without it for about 8 months (as Gobi was building it) and a step-ladder does the same thing. But once at the camp site it's so much easier to get to stuff with a ladder.

 

[jaardappel]

Same. I actually added the ladder to both sides. I am average height and it makes it so much easier for me vs standing on the tire.
I think Maximus killed it with their set up

That's a great idea. You can access it from both sides. Never thought about that. Awesome.

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