Rooftop Access Ladder: Use it, or a waste of money?

[Steve]

I'm considering replacing my Thule crossbars and Yakima roof basket with a full-length roof rack. Currently, to access the basket, I stand on a door sill, rear bumper, tire, or occasionally the window frame of a rolled-down window. With a full length rack, I could access the entire area using a lift gate mounted ladder.

My question, for those who have a ladder, is do you really use it as you initially expected, getting on the roof to load/tie down/etc, or is it a purchase that you probably wouldn't have made if you were doing it again. With the 4Runner, I'd also need to add heavier duty struts for the lift gate.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[O.Dfj]

Im not a fan of the ladder on my FJ cruiser it's pretty useless. @Mirek has a gobi rack and ladder on his 4runner and it's actually nice to use, you can climb on the roof and move your stuff around.

 

[tom]

I've got a Safety Devices rack on my Land Rover D1 (Similar rack to Voyager or Baja Rack) and a ladder on the rear door. I'd say "Yes", I do use the ladder to gain access to the top of the rack. I have Pelican boxes and other car top containers that are too heavy when loaded that I access from on top. Some stuff I can access by standing on the rear bumper but to get on top (I'm 6'2" and "big boned" ;-) the rear ladder is key.

I'm also looking forward to sliders with a "nerf" extension to stand on for better reach from the sides... but that's a different story.... :-)

Good luck,

Tom

 

[ColoradoPacific]

sliders with a "nerf" extension

You mean kickouts? Or tree smashers? Haha!

My sliders are wide enough to double as steps/running boards for side access to my roof rack. I can also just climb up into the truck bed though...

 

[Jose]

I just ordered the stealth Gobie rack myself with a free ladder, free wind deflector, and a extra free ladder as a extra free accessory promotion that they are having this month. Should work just fine for when I send the boys up on the roof to organize stuff around. [emoji12]

 

[Steve]

Thanks guys!

At 5' 8", it is a long ways up to strap stuff down, get into the RoofBag, etc. I do have sliders with steps, but that only gets me so high. When I was strapping down the RoofBag prior to our last Seattle trip, I had to roll down the windows in the back doors and stand on the window sill to load the bag and thread the straps. That's probably not good for the door hinges or window trim...

I really appreciate the input! @O.Dfj @tom @ColoradoPacific @Jose

 

[TreXTerra]

I don't have a ladder, but I really want one. The problem is that I don't want it on the liftgate.

I have come up with an idea for a partial exo-cage/rack setup over the rear cargo area that would integrate with a body-mounted rack on the front part of the rig. The exo-cage would act as a ladder up each side of the rig.

I probably won't ever build it due to time constraints, but it's fun to think about.

 

[Jose]

@Steve I'm 6'2" and even with a stock jeep I can't get to anything on the roof with ease, and now that I'm getting a 2.5" Old Man Emu HD lift kit it won't make it any easier. Lol That's another reason why I opted for the second free ladder. I've also been keeping my eye on these door hinge steps by Kargo Masters that are made for the Jeep. So that should also help me out when the boys are helping me on the roof rack I can be standing one foot on the doors and the other foot on the rock guards to give them a hand on loading and unloading.

 

[TreXTerra]

Those look almost like dirtbike foot pegs.

 

[Jose]

Those look almost like dirtbike foot pegs.

I know right? But I've seen some YouTuber that have them and they really come in handy. Anything for this 43 yr old man not to bust my a$$ Ill take especially if it makes it easier to get stuff on and off the rack. Lol

 

[tom]

@Steve I'm 6'2" and even with a stock jeep I can't get to anything on the roof with ease, and now that I'm getting a 2.5" Old Man Emu HD lift kit it won't make it any easier. Lol That's another reason why I opted for the second free ladder. I've also been keeping my eye on these door hinge steps by Kargo Masters that are made for the Jeep. So that should also help me out when the boys are helping me on the roof rack I can be standing one foot on the doors a the other on rock guards to give them a hand on loading and unloading.

I met these guys at TepuiFest -Nice folks and quality gear. They have a ton of other accessories as well and seemed to be really well made.

 

[tom]

You mean kickouts? Or tree smashers? Haha!

My sliders are wide enough to double as steps/running boards for side access to my roof rack. I can also just climb up into the truck bed though...

"A rose by any other name..."
Yeah, those things ;-)

 

[Steve]

@Jose I've seen those pegs on other threads, and the look like a great idea! Your second ladder: Are they side mounted? I can't see a need for two on the rear of the vehicle.

 

[Jose]

@Jose I've seen those pegs on other threads, and the look like a great idea! Your second ladder: Are they side mounted? I can't see a need for two on the rear of the vehicle.

@Steve It gets mounted on the passenger rear side like the pic below. I also got it as free accessory and I know it's kind of funny but the boys 9 and 6 helped me pick the free ladder. Like my 6 yr Jacob said hey dad now I got a ladder to climb on the jeep and Nick has one, also we won't fight to see who goes up first. I just lost it laughing!!!

 

[NavigateOverland]

Have a full rack, frontrunner, as well. I'd say the ladder is a must to access the roof

 

[awolfnspirit]

I think the ladder is needed. I've got a Yakima roof rack on my Grand Cherokee WK and would like one. Trying to find one that would go over the back side windows or one that could swing up with the back hatch. Still searching...

 

[jerdog53]

Well I have the OEM roof rack and OEM ladder and use it every time I get on the roof. I also use it to hang the Trasharoo bag on....

 

[Bart]

Newbie from Ohio here on the site, #2894. Have a question about a rack for a Jeep JK 4 door. I have been wanting to purchase but I'm not sure between two brands which would be the better one. Gobi Stealth or the Front Runner Slim Line? Both seem popular with Jeeps, Both have there Pros and Cons. With a 3.5" lift and 35" tires and at 5'6"I definitely need a ladder. No kids in this camp to help pull items off the top. I like the Front Runner for it is Aluminum and has many attachments for secure mounting options plus a inch or two lower. One con is no ladder like the Gobi has it attached. But the Gobi has a long liking with the Overland crowd as being very strong and well suited for off road, plus it has a ladder. On the down side it is said to be noisier, weight is more, height is more by an inch. I have not decided on a RTT or purchasing a Trailer so not saying I will need a RTT on not, that will be the next request for input. Any thoughts that would help?

 

[utspoolup]

Old post but just seeing it. I use my ladder alot. I also like using the rock sliders as a step to walk around the side of the rig to strap stuff down. Dave says my gobi is an expensive tripod for a camera. HAHA.

I say get the ladder.

 

[Steve]

I say get the ladder.

Good timing! T4R.org had a Gobi group buy going, with the ladder, replacement hatch struts, and free shipping for $200. I just place my order an hour ago.

Thanks for the input, folks!
Steve