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Envious Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2003 Posts: 1821 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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tarandusVDub Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2010 Posts: 1649 Location: Between Here and There
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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I've been struggling with solving storage problems by trailer or by rocket box so this is a helpful post.
A ladder for a RB seems like a must have, but I wasn't sure about weight and wind noise with a permanent ladder.... This seems to solve those issues, so I like it.
But none of the reviews talk about breaking it down and storing it...anyone tried that approach? How much space does it take up in the RB? _________________ 1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD. |
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Envious Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2003 Posts: 1821 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:08 pm Post subject: |
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tarandusVDub wrote: |
I wasn't sure about weight and wind noise with a permanent ladder.... |
Good point. I forgot to mention wind noise. _________________ 71 Type 1302 Custom
64 Type 151
63 Type 117 L469 Anthracite
64 Type 361 L575 Nutria
64 Porsche 356c
56 Type 113 L227 Strato Silver
52 BSA C11G
59 Heilite Single Wheel Camping Trailer
56 Allstate Single Wheel
84 Vanagon Westfalia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=388225 |
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MSmyth Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2008 Posts: 39 Location: Morgantown, WV
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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I bought a ladder, yakima racks, copperhead bike mounts, and their largest rocket box last summer... one of the best van investments to date. All our gear can now go on the roof (and I mean all), opening up the van interior for more comfortable and safer travel.
I can't report any wind noise, but then again running one of the most unaerodymanic vehicles ever made through the air makes a small addition like a ladder a noise afterthought.
I leave my ladder on the vehicle (driver's side, rear) during transport. The lower support uses your jack point as a mount, and has two depth possiblities controlled by a pin. The outermost setting allows for more space between the ladder rungs and the side of the van for easier climbing, and the innermost puts more tension on the mount to better hold in place while driving.
Overall, I am extremely pleased. I did a lot of research before making the purchase and still think this is the best way to access the van roof. _________________ Current driveway art:
1984 Westy / Bostig
2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in
1979 Land Rover Series III 109 Safari
2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Magnum
2004 Range Rover HSE (latest project... looking for a motor!) |
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Honuak Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2009 Posts: 521 Location: AK
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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After battling with a collapsible telescoping ladder for a couple of summers (rain water, sand and moving parts are not a good combo) I invested in the RMW ladder. I agree that being able to access the top of the van w/o putting body weight on the fiberglass top is key. The rear ladder is of limited use.
I did have to file the bottom rung/jack-point crossbar holes in the verticals while assembling the ladder and the stickies for the rungs didn't stick well at all.
Still. As usual, RMW puts out a great product. |
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tarandusVDub Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2010 Posts: 1649 Location: Between Here and There
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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Do you run it in place, or store it when in transit to camp spot?
I'm curious about how well it comes apart, re-assembles, and if it lies flat in the box or takes up a lot of room.... _________________ 1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD. |
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Honuak Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2009 Posts: 521 Location: AK
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject: |
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Its very easy to remove/attach. I plan to leave it on for camping trips and just take it off in one piece during the week (semi-daily driver). You could break it down to two pieces (If I recall its put together with wing/nuts and made to break down) but I don't see the point. It would easily fit in most car-top carriers...but then you have to get to it too use it. Like a previous poster stated it has two settings, one close to the van and one further out. |
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williamM Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2008 Posts: 4333 Location: southwest Arizona
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject: my first had something like it |
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Was actually a boat boarding ladder and fit perfect- but - had to drill holes and back up the bottom attach points. couldn't hear it but couldn't hear the radio or Private conversation either.[img][/img] _________________ some days I get up and just sit and think. Some days I just sit.
opinion untempered by fact is ignorance.
Don't step in any! |
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kbeefy Samba Member
Joined: March 10, 2006 Posts: 600 Location: Central Oregon
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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Honuak wrote: |
Its very easy to remove/attach. I plan to leave it on for camping trips and just take it off in one piece during the week (semi-daily driver). You could break it down to two pieces (If I recall its put together with wing/nuts and made to break down) but I don't see the point. It would easily fit in most car-top carriers...but then you have to get to it too use it. Like a previous poster stated it has two settings, one close to the van and one further out. |
Hey, I'm going to be in Anchorage for most of May, can I check out your ladder sometime?
Thanks _________________ 86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning
'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.
2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover
2006 Subbie OBXT
2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4
1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9
http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/ |
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Syncronicity Samba Member
Joined: March 09, 2009 Posts: 839 Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
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Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:22 pm Post subject: |
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I like the RMW ladder a lot. It is very light weight and sturdy. My weight fluctuates between 210 and 230 and have never had any issue with it collapsing Jump forward to about a 1:10 in this video. I show how the ladder is attached. Easy on, easy off.
Link
_________________ Tom, Juanita, Iggy & Abbey the Dirty Desert Dogs
2.1 L 87 Syncro
KD0ALU
________oo_oo
/ /__/___[_____\
I I======[]IIIII[]
()_)------()_)----)_) |
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Welchmaster Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 445 Location: Milwaukie, OR
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:04 pm Post subject: |
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I just got my ladder in the mail today. well after checking all the parts, i am missing parts, and have bad parts. the bottom 5/8" bar wont install into the side holes because they are not the correct size. one of my rungs is missing the connection point for the bolt.
The good news is RMW stepped up to the plate and took care of me by shipping out a new unit right away. i recommend these guys to anyone.
great customer service. _________________ ________________________
90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"
"Further up, further in!"
Last edited by Welchmaster on Fri Jul 26, 2013 1:45 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Rocky Mountain Westy Samba Member
Joined: April 17, 2008 Posts: 1031 Location: Fort Collins Colorado
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 10:00 am Post subject: |
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Welchmaster wrote: |
I just got my ladder in the mail today. the parts look good, but no one told me i had to assemble the whole thing. well after checking all the parts, i am missing parts, and have bad parts. the bottom 5/8" bar wont install into the side holes because they are not the correct size. one of my rungs is missing the connection point for the bolt. i do not have the tools, nor should I have to make modifications to a $250 ladder.
right now, im frustrated with RMW. after hearing so many good things, i thought i would have my ladder on the van to show you guys..... instead its back in the box.
i hope they fix this for me.... |
Hey Josh,
I got you email and replied. We will definitely get it handled and figure out what happened.
It will be on your van and ready for your trip. Stay tuned.
Mike _________________ Rocky Mountain Westy Inc.
www.rockymountainwesty.com
970-310-3441
[email protected]
The Splitzgauer build (when I have time to work on it and update the thread)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=497133 |
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Welchmaster Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 445 Location: Milwaukie, OR
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Mike! i appreciate the quick response! _________________ ________________________
90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"
"Further up, further in!" |
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Welchmaster Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 445 Location: Milwaukie, OR
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:08 pm Post subject: |
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To all
RMW stepped up to the plate. They shipped out a new ladder for me ASAP. Just got it in the mail today and looks great on the van. Very impressed with the level of customer service.
Pics to follow. _________________ ________________________
90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"
"Further up, further in!" |
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Wellington Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2004 Posts: 1889 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:42 am Post subject: |
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Welchmaster wrote: |
To all
RMW stepped up to the plate. They shipped out a new ladder for me ASAP. Just got it in the mail today and looks great on the van. Very impressed with the level of customer service.
Pics to follow. |
We all knew RMW would.
I really believe people should contact a vendor with any issue, and await a response, prior to even suggesting on a public forum that a vendor did even a small detail wrong.
Glad everyone is happy. |
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Jeff's Old Volks Home Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2011 Posts: 819 Location: Chester Basin, Nova Scotia
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Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:25 am Post subject: |
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I buy from RMW as a sub dealer- They're top notch men of their word shop to deal with. Everyone make a boo boo now and then- it's how it's handled that decides who stays in business...
Jeff |
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 12006 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:38 am Post subject: |
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Wellington wrote: |
I really believe people should contact a vendor with any issue, and await a response, prior to even suggesting on a public forum that a vendor did even a small detail wrong. |
X2
Painting a great vendor in a bad light without doing your part first is shortsighted. |
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Welchmaster Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 445 Location: Milwaukie, OR
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Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:16 pm Post subject: |
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As stated, very well made RMW
_________________ ________________________
90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"
"Further up, further in!" |
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HoustonPhotog Samba Member
Joined: February 20, 2013 Posts: 1514 Location: Houston, TX
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Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:50 am Post subject: |
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very nice Welchmaster ! |
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Envious Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2003 Posts: 1821 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:39 pm Post subject: |
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Got mine put installed over the weekend. Overall nice quality. It came pre-assembled but they didn't use thread locker so almost every joint was loose. Easy fix but worth noting.
Does anybody else have an issue with it staying in place at highway speeds? What keeps it from jumping off the rain gutter other than the bar into the jacking point? I checked it after driving a couple of hours and the back end of it had risen up and was no longer sitting flat in the gutter. _________________ 71 Type 1302 Custom
64 Type 151
63 Type 117 L469 Anthracite
64 Type 361 L575 Nutria
64 Porsche 356c
56 Type 113 L227 Strato Silver
52 BSA C11G
59 Heilite Single Wheel Camping Trailer
56 Allstate Single Wheel
84 Vanagon Westfalia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=388225 |
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