6.5' Collapsible ladder for accessing roof top storage box

[markcm2]

I thought I'd share this. We bought a 6.5' Collapsible ladder to access our roof top cargo box. I also built a little riser to slide the ladder under so we can still stack camping or other supplies on top.

I got this from Amazon for $75 prime and it is worth every penny and then some.

Yi Hai 6.5ft Portable Aluminium Telescoping Ladder Extension Multi Purpose Lightweight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196DL3YI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7mhszbH0V2Z94

[sdunn35]

Nice solution - much more elegant than my aluminum step stool, which, because it only fits on the roof rack next to the Thule box, I have to stand on the rear tire to un-velcro it before I can get it down and then use it to access the Thule box. This is more civilized
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99 EVC
ex-03 Weekender

[jjvincent]

I actually bought that same one a month ago and just used it for our camping trip. I didn't know how it would work because it just sat in the box until I left last week.

[Zeitgeist 13]

Thanks for posting this. We're strongly considering one of these prior to our Summer road trips
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[markcm2]

We have been finding the simple wood riser just as valuable as the ladder. It really minimizes the space and makes it so easy to access. I made it out of some scrap wood that was laying around.

The ladder is light and sturdy, love it!

[jjvincent]

I want a heavy rickety ladder instead. One with splinters is even better.

[IdeaNerd]

[rcowan]

Thanks to Mark's advice, I just bought one of these ladders. I like it a lot! We have been using it to load bikes on the roof. Not the easiest task to begin with but it works quite well. The link above didn't work for me but I bought the one linked below and I believe it's the same ladder. Thanks again Mark!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0196DL3YI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[markcm2]

Glad to hear it is working well for you too. This ladder is still one of the most appreciated accessories. This past weekend we had a full spacebox and a paddle board on top the van which made the top too heavy to self support. In a pinch, I used the ladder to prop up the top to ensure it wouldn't collapse on us overnight.

Also, a new storage location for our ladder has been constructed, integrated into our new pull-out drawer:

[Zeitgeist 13]

When you found the top was too heavy, did it want to drop back down straight or cant over to one side or the other? I recently replaced the top struts as a pair, but prior to that I always got nervous when putting stuff up top and then lifting the top. I couldn't help but feel that it was going to wrack itself and twist the rear hinges.

We also love that collapsing ladder.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[markcm2]

[Zeitgeist 13]

I haven't tried pushing up on the top with a load since I replaced the struts. We usually carry a paddle board (25lbs) and a kayak (50lbs) and the weight disparity was what caused the wracking. I'm hoping the new struts, which were very difficult to compress enough to install, will fix this issue.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[saintjobe]

I also just got the ladder, similar one from Go Westy. I do love it, but I access my box from the same side that my awning is on, so if the awning is out it's a little odd to get into the box from the back. Guess that's my fault though.

As far a roof weight. I have a box and a medium road shower on my racks. I also have the go westy locking roof struts which I think are key since my kids sleep in the top. I have found that I can lift my roof, although it takes my wife and I together, when there is a bit of stuff in the box. I try to pack mine with lite stuff like sleeping bags, pillows, kites, my shower enclosure, etc... I will say that when the road shower is full (about 75 lbs) I do not like the way the roof goes up, especially since it is mounted all the way to one side. If I completely empty the box it can be done though, carefully.