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mtnphan
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2011
Posts: 46
Location: PNW
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 Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Envious wrote: |
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. |
Haven't heard anywhere of this happening but the roads I take up to the mountain have some serious potholes. If you hit one of these at 55 mph is there a chance it could jump off the top rail like suggested here? About to pull the trigger as I could really use this side ladder.
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'85 Wolfsburg Westfalia 2.2 Subie |
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Syncro Jael
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2013
Posts: 2204
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:29 am Post subject: |
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The only issue I have had was the ladder sliding back towards the tire.
We were on a trip and I could here a sound that seemed to come from above the drivers head. I thought it might be the pop top not sealed due to high crosswinds that we were having. I stopped and re-latched the top. Took off again and it was better. But as soon as a semi passed me on a two way road the sound came back. (I hate freakin new sounds) 
So I stopped again thinking it could be the skybox or something on the Yakima rack. I checked everything then noticed the base of the ladder had moved back and the lugs on the tire were just barely rubbing it. The vibration was sent up along the gutter and that's why I thought it was on top.
I ended up just sliding it clear for forward and no more issues.
I also used a thread locking bolt to make it a little more difficult for someone to borrow my ladder. Instead of just pulling a pin to remove it. I never have noticed any additional wind noise with it on.
I love the product! Thanks RMW!!
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat) |
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Envious
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2003
Posts: 1821
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:42 am Post subject: |
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| mtnphan wrote: |
| Haven't heard anywhere of this happening but the roads I take up to the mountain have some serious potholes. If you hit one of these at 55 mph is there a chance it could jump off the top rail like suggested here? About to pull the trigger as I could really use this side ladder. |
I don't know if it could come right off but mine definately raises. I ended up putting a bungie cord from the bottom rung down to the jacking point to keep preasure down. I sent an email to customer support at RMW and didn't get a response. Kinda sucks. Great product otherwise.
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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 |
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Syncro Jael
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2013
Posts: 2204
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:45 am Post subject: |
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I was planning on drilling the base rung and put a pin in it to stop movement and rotation.
I have driven it thousands of miles all over heck and never had it come loose.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat) |
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DeadSetMonkey
Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2010
Posts: 532
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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Would the ladder be compatible with Das Mule rock sliders?
http://www.dasmule.com/das-mule-vanagon-rock-sliders/
The Mule rock sliders insert into the stock jack points, but have a hi-lift compatible notch that is compatible with the stock jack... but at a slightly lower (1-2in, max) height?
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'90 Syncro Westy 2.5Subi Turbo, BFGs 215/75/15 Rheins |
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Envious
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2003
Posts: 1821
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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| DeadSetMonkey wrote: |
Would the ladder be compatible with Das Mule rock sliders?
http://www.dasmule.com/das-mule-vanagon-rock-sliders/
The Mule rock sliders insert into the stock jack points, but have a hi-lift compatible notch that is compatible with the stock jack... but at a slightly lower (1-2in, max) height? |
It wouldn't work out of the box but it would be really easy to modify the lower mount to work.
_________________
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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mtnphan
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2011
Posts: 46
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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| Syncro Jael wrote: |
I also used a thread locking bolt to make it a little more difficult for someone to borrow my ladder. Instead of just pulling a pin to remove it. I never have noticed any additional wind noise with it on.
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What size thread locking bolt do you need so I can be prepared when it comes. Great idea by the way and thanks for the info.
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'85 Wolfsburg Westfalia 2.2 Subie |
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furrylittleotter
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2008
Posts: 1506
Location: West Seattle
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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So... the process is; buy the product, open it, return it, open again, disassemble it, add loctite, mount it, bungee cord it, then remove sent hardware and install new hardware, then get out tools to remove it when jackport is needed. Contact supplier if needed, be told you should contact them first instead of posting online their failings, or contact them first and be ignored, all the while others cheer at how great supplier is.
Got it. 
Just my observations on postings on this thread. 
I think I will just stand on my rear wheel like I always have. 
Neil2 |
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Syncro Jael
Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2013
Posts: 2204
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 9:53 am Post subject: |
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| mtnphan wrote: |
| What size thread locking bolt do you need so I can be prepared when it comes. Great idea by the way and thanks for the info. |
I believe it was 3x1/4". But not sure.
It just needs to be long enough to span the jack mount.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat) |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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I'm having the same issue with my RMW ladder. I turn the rubber feet near the top of the ladder as hand tight as I reasonably can, then lock the nut down against the ladder… pins in the jack point… and I can still force the ladder up out of the rain gutter. Right now I don't trust it enough to drive with it on. I followed RMW's printed instructions. What am I doing wrong?
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:02 am Post subject: |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| I'm having the same issue with my RMW ladder. I turn the rubber feet near the top of the ladder as hand tight as I reasonably can, then lock the nut down against the ladder… pins in the jack point… and I can still force the ladder up out of the rain gutter. Right now I don't trust it enough to drive with it on. I followed RMW's printed instructions. What am I doing wrong? |
You are not doing anything wrong.
I do not know why the people are saying they are driving with it. This was not designed for a permanenet installation where your driving down the highway with it!
It comes apart for storage, that should be the first clue. Do you see anything on the ladder to lock it into place-NO, there are none.
If you leave it on while driving you risk hitting or being it by another car even in the parking lot.
It is crazy to do this. |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:10 am Post subject: |
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I hear ya. But, people in this thread claim to have driven thousands of miles with the ladder mounted with no problems. I'm not worried about being hit or hitting anyone. The ladder doesn't stick out even as far as my mirrors. I'll call RMW later today and see what they say. This is from their website:
"The top of this ladder fits perfectly into the rain gutter with a rubber strip while the lower section slides into any of the 4 jack points on either side of your van. This ladder moves away from the body for easy use and stows close to the body by sliding the lower section farther into the jack point and securing it with a pin. No need to remove the ladder while you are driving! With a beautiful sanded black powder coated finish, this surface with be able to handle lots of use on your adventures. These ladders are manufactured by us right here at Rocky Mountain Westy."
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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drossen
Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2014
Posts: 23
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:43 am Post subject: |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| I'm having the same issue with my RMW ladder. I turn the rubber feet near the top of the ladder as hand tight as I reasonably can, then lock the nut down against the ladder… pins in the jack point… and I can still force the ladder up out of the rain gutter. Right now I don't trust it enough to drive with it on. I followed RMW's printed instructions. What am I doing wrong? |
Did you file the metal tab that is in the jack stand mount? The one that keeps the jack stand from going too far under the van? Your rubber feet might be too far extended. I have mine as short as they will go.
If you file that down the ladder can go much farther into the hole and after I did that there was no way for it to be lifted off the rail.
I'm pretty sure the instructions said to do that, but it's been awhile since I read them.
If you are still having problems after that I'd use a bolt instead of the pins they supply.
Also I got mine with no missing parts, unassembled, works great. Only took about 15 minutes to screw stuff together. It locks into place just fine for me. When you put the ladder as far into the jack stand as it can go it is much more low profile. |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 11:56 am Post subject: |
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Yep, I filed it. I can put the ladder in both positions (use and driving). I only tried to wiggle the ladder off the rain gutter in "use position". I will try it again in "driving position". If it doesn't move on the rain gutter I'll be a happy camper. Btw... I put a call into Mark at RMW this morning but haven't heard back from him yet.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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I'll stand by what I said. If I'm going to make a mistake I'll be on the side of caution as opposed to mounting this as a piece of bling. It is a very functional tool.
Do what you want to do, it is not my problem. |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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Talked to Joe at RMW. Turns out there has been a modification to the ladder since I bought mine 6 months ago. It's an L bracket that clamps from below the rain gutter (not from only above like the older ladders). Joe is sending me the part gratis. Yet again, RMW comes shining through! Thanks Joe and RMW!
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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TequilaSunSet
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:21 pm Post subject: |
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^^always love awesome customer service, its a dying breed...
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Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| Talked to Joe at RMW. Turns out there has been a modification to the ladder since I bought mine 6 months ago. It's an L bracket that clamps from below the rain gutter (not from only above like the older ladders). Joe is sending me the part gratis. Yet again, RMW comes shining through! Thanks Joe and RMW! |
Then they responded to the problem of it not being suitable for permanent mount as originally sold and modified it. Cudos to RMW, but I still would not make it a permanent mount. That's just my opinion. |
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drossen
Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2014
Posts: 23
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Steve M. wrote: |
Then they responded to the problem of it not being suitable for permanent mount as originally sold and modified it. Cudos to RMW, but I still would not make it a permanent mount. That's just my opinion. |
Well you have repeated that over and over in this thread so it is obviously your opinion. The risks are obvious as well and I'm sure anyone who wants to keep it on will drive appropriately and realize the danger. I keep it on when I go on camping trips because I am too full on gear to put it inside. If I was driving around the city and parking in parking lots I would take it off. It's not about bling, it's about not having space to put it anywhere else, or the effort of on and off. |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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| drossen wrote: |
Well you have repeated that over and over in this thread so it is obviously your opinion. |
Yep, my opinion and I'd say it again if I felt like it. |
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