Is anybody running a Rocky Mountain side ladder?

Envious

I'm considering buying one and I want to hear first hand experiences. How's the quality, durability, and fit?

http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/Rocky_Mountain_Westy_Vanagon_Ladder_p/rmw-ldr01.htm
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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

tarandusVDub · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:03 pm Post subject:

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?
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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

Envious · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:08 pm Post subject:

MSmyth · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:41 pm Post subject:

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.
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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!)

Honuak · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject:

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.

tarandusVDub · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:16 pm Post subject:

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....
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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

Honuak · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject:

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.

williamM · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject: my first had something like it

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]

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

[/img]
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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!

kbeefy · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:41 pm Post subject:

Syncronicity · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:22 pm Post subject:

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 Shocked

Jump forward to about a 1:10 in this video. I show how the ladder is attached. Easy on, easy off.

Link

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Tom, Juanita, Iggy & Abbey the Dirty Desert Dogs
2.1 L 87 Syncro
KD0ALU
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/ /__/___[_____\
I I======[]IIIII[]
()_)------()_)----)_)

Welchmaster · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:04 pm Post subject:

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.
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90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"

"Further up, further in!"

Rocky Mountain Westy · Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 10:00 am Post subject:

Welchmaster · Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 9:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike! i appreciate the quick response!
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90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"

"Further up, further in!"

Welchmaster · Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:08 pm Post subject:

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.
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90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"

"Further up, further in!"

Wellington · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:42 am Post subject:

Jeff's Old Volks Home · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:25 am Post subject:

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

syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:38 am Post subject:

Welchmaster · Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:16 pm Post subject:

As stated, very well made RMW

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90 2wd Orly Blue Multivan weekender. "Van-Duzer"

"Further up, further in!"

HoustonPhotog · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:50 am Post subject:

very nice Welchmaster !

Envious · Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:39 pm Post subject:

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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Is anybody running a Rocky Mountain side ladder?
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