07-22-2019, 11:13 AM
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#76
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Posts: 762
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Posts: 762
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andrew4r
My cargo area holds my campsite, photography gear, clothes, and some misc. regularly needed things. My entire second row belongs to my dog. So I have 2 cases on the roof for things I don’t need as often: tools, misc. emergency stuff (ex: tire patch kit), camp shower, dirty clothes, day hiking pack. I will also use the roof as a photography platform in some cases.
But mostly the ladder will just look cool.
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Thanks for the info. I can definitely see it useful in your case for photography to get onto the rack and also for putting gear up there.
If i recall you also have the SSO rack. I believe that it could be good in the rare case that i need to put gear ip there as well, but when i have the tent on it pretty much takes up the whole rack. I was hoping that i could fit
Some rotopax up there but the tent is bigger than i thought. I may get the ladder as well just because as you said it looks cool and can be useful in certain cases. Will have to put some thought into it. For me the main use case would be rotopax
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07-22-2019, 04:02 PM
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#77
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdm-v35
Thanks for the reply! I have a smittybilt xl tent on my rack now and there is no room to walk up there or even to store anything really. There is basically no room for anything else, not even rotopax on the roof. I may consider the ladder simply for rotopax if anything. I thought there would be more room up there, but as it stands it seems it would nullify the usefulness of the ladder except for accessories.
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I will be doing some Rotopax for water for sure. I found this on Amazon, spout down on the Rotopax would make it super convenient to refill water bottles, wash your hands, etc. . Though it needs some sort of cover for all the dust back there (maybe just a ziplock with a rubber band)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RQ7DTP...v_ov_lig_dp_it
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2019 ORP, 6112/5160, Eibach load leveling springs #250, Cornfed 1/2 in front spacers, JBA UCA, RCI alum skids, TRD Pro skid, TRD Pro grill, TRD Pro valances, Baja S8 30”, 3x Baja LP4 and Baja fogs, Rays 10, Toyo AT3 185/55, Canvasback, tinted windows, clear mask, UpTop Alpha rack w/ custom fairing, Borla, AFE CAI, URD MAF, Switch Pros, Power Trays, single ARB, rod vault, iKamper X-Cover, 23Zero 270 awning, Baja scene lights, Baja S2 rear fog/camp lights, RSG KDSS skid and sliders, Coco Mats, Ellis shift knobs, C4 ladder, Kenwood DNX696S/iData link, Morimoto XB Gen2, Morimoto Tails, custom 80/20 platform with slider, RokBlokz XL, WeBoost, C4 Low Pro w/ high clearance, Warn VR10 with Factor55, etc
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07-28-2019, 03:58 PM
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#78
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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@c4_fabrication
I waited until after the issue was "resolved" before I placed my order (June 25th). The ladder arrived a few days later. I finally got around to installing it this afternoon.
I can definitely confirm the top plate I received does not sit perfectly flat. When you start the process it looks like it will, but by the time you've finished and everything is bolted down tight, it does not sit flat.
I would highly recommend using something along the edge of the cargo door that can protect the paint, regardless of the issue being fixed or not.
Update: I received a message from C4. The issue may be able to be resolved with some adjustments using this plate. The top plate I have should be a fixed one. I’ll try to make some adjustments and report back.
Update 2: Per C4's instructions, I made some tweaks to the bolts attaching the ladder to the top plate. This improved the situation slightly, but it doesn't sit flat yet. I'm going to reinstall in a couple weeks after I'm back from Colorado. If I still can't get it flat, I'll be driving by C4's shop in September, and I'll make a pit stop.
As mentioned, it doesn't really happen until you bolt everything down, so it wasn't until the process was completed that I noticed it. The paint is probably already scratched a little, though it's on the back edge of the door so you will never see it. I'm going to reach out to C4 about a replacement.
As far as the rest of the process goes, do a number of dry runs before removing the sticky tape. You will have to make adjustments. The instruction measurements were not perfect. Once you're absolutely sure that everything is aligned, then remove the sticky tape and bolt everything.
In order to get the top plate to sit flat (side-to-side), I had to position these bolts in extreme opposite ends of their respective slots.
The top plate will then rest flat at the 3" mark (per instructions) side-to-side on top of the vehicle.
This part of the process was very inaccurate for my 2018 TRD OR.
In order for the top plate to sit flat and the ladder to be perfectly level both horizontally and vertically, the correct measurement was 9".
Bolting the ladder to the bottom plate was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. To be honest, you can probably finesse it with 1 person, if you needed to. With 2 people, it was extremely easy.
Finished:
Other notes:
* Would be nice if the ladder came out a bit farther from the vehicle. Pretty difficult to use the ladder without your toes hitting the cargo door. Not a huge deal though, and not having to worry about backing into things is nice.
* The powder coating looks nice, but scratches quite easily. As soon as you bolt anything down, the powder coating in that spot will scratch right off. It's actually probably the aluminum itself that is scratching off.
* If you have the SSO rack, this ladder will allow you to completely open the cargo door without impacting the final 2" angled crossbar!!!!!
* The stock struts for the cargo door are ALMOST strong enough to lift the door with the ladder installed. It only takes a very weak nudge to give it the energy it needs. If you let go of the door, at worst it will stay in position. I'll be in Colorado next week without installing new struts yet and I'm not even mad.
Update: If you have the window down, the struts will struggle. The OEM struts will only hold the door all the way open if the window is up.
* Overall, I'm happy with the ladder. I just need an appropriate top plate. I fits my needs and the few accessories you can get for it are nice, too. Would be cool if you had to option of anodizing (or whatever) the hardware.
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@andyadventuring @samadventuring
'18 TRD Off-Road
Last edited by andrew4r; 08-04-2019 at 08:18 PM.
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07-30-2019, 03:39 PM
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#79
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
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fj cruiser ladder on 4r 5th gen
any try to mount a fj cruiser ladder to a 4runner?
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08-03-2019, 11:38 AM
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#80
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Update
I had the same issues with vertical alignment. More like 9 inches on the bottom. Absolutely test fit and align before pulling tape. There is adjustment on the top bracket and you can only reach one of two bolts after installing. (I would flip the bolts and nuts C4)
Nuts on bottom bracket have gouged my bumper. I am going to try and push it up if I can anymore. There is more room to had there, (enough room for airbag valves for example) so a slight change in the bracket hole locations would solve the issue. Bummer though
Nothing to do with C4 really, but the HD struts are acting strange to me. I live at 5,000 ft, I was at 12,000-8,400 ft last week and they couldn’t lift the tailgate at all. A sealed system, doesn’t make sense. Though this has been a mountain topic for years. Strange, working now back at home.
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2019 ORP, 6112/5160, Eibach load leveling springs #250, Cornfed 1/2 in front spacers, JBA UCA, RCI alum skids, TRD Pro skid, TRD Pro grill, TRD Pro valances, Baja S8 30”, 3x Baja LP4 and Baja fogs, Rays 10, Toyo AT3 185/55, Canvasback, tinted windows, clear mask, UpTop Alpha rack w/ custom fairing, Borla, AFE CAI, URD MAF, Switch Pros, Power Trays, single ARB, rod vault, iKamper X-Cover, 23Zero 270 awning, Baja scene lights, Baja S2 rear fog/camp lights, RSG KDSS skid and sliders, Coco Mats, Ellis shift knobs, C4 ladder, Kenwood DNX696S/iData link, Morimoto XB Gen2, Morimoto Tails, custom 80/20 platform with slider, RokBlokz XL, WeBoost, C4 Low Pro w/ high clearance, Warn VR10 with Factor55, etc
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08-04-2019, 05:46 PM
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#81
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnowYeti
Nothing to do with C4 really, but the HD struts are acting strange to me. I live at 5,000 ft, I was at 12,000-8,400 ft last week and they couldn’t lift the tailgate at all. A sealed system, doesn’t make sense. Though this has been a mountain topic for years. Strange, working now back at home.
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Did you have the window down the second time?
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@andyadventuring @samadventuring
'18 TRD Off-Road
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08-04-2019, 07:22 PM
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#82
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andrew4r
Did you have the window down the second time?
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Lol...maybe....
I just went outside and tested. I likely did have the window down several times, and yes it will not lift fully but makes a good effort, maybe not making that last 20%. But at altitude it had next to zero lift window up or down. No biggie, just not making sense. Glad it is working now back at home.
Several comments on the trip about how cool the C4 ladder is.
__________________
2019 ORP, 6112/5160, Eibach load leveling springs #250, Cornfed 1/2 in front spacers, JBA UCA, RCI alum skids, TRD Pro skid, TRD Pro grill, TRD Pro valances, Baja S8 30”, 3x Baja LP4 and Baja fogs, Rays 10, Toyo AT3 185/55, Canvasback, tinted windows, clear mask, UpTop Alpha rack w/ custom fairing, Borla, AFE CAI, URD MAF, Switch Pros, Power Trays, single ARB, rod vault, iKamper X-Cover, 23Zero 270 awning, Baja scene lights, Baja S2 rear fog/camp lights, RSG KDSS skid and sliders, Coco Mats, Ellis shift knobs, C4 ladder, Kenwood DNX696S/iData link, Morimoto XB Gen2, Morimoto Tails, custom 80/20 platform with slider, RokBlokz XL, WeBoost, C4 Low Pro w/ high clearance, Warn VR10 with Factor55, etc
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08-04-2019, 08:08 PM
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#83
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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 128
Real Name: Andrew
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnowYeti
Lol...maybe....
I just went outside and tested. I likely did have the window down several times, and yes it will not lift fully but makes a good effort, maybe not making that last 20%. But at altitude it had next to zero lift window up or down. No biggie, just not making sense. Glad it is working now back at home.
Several comments on the trip about how cool the C4 ladder is.
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I installed the C4 ladder recently. At first I thought the struts were weakening, but then I realized whenever I had the window down the struts would have a difficult time with all that weight out on the end.
With the window up, my gate will hold itself open at any position. I have to help it up a bit, but it can hold the weight.
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@andyadventuring @samadventuring
'18 TRD Off-Road
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10-17-2019, 11:01 AM
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#84
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Member
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Boston
Posts: 191
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Boston
Posts: 191
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Any updates on the C4 ladder? I ran this summer with a roof top tent, and was climbing up on the roof a lot to tie down the tent and ladder.
I like the looks of the Gobi too, different than the C4 but I love the C4 products. Currently running it as a skid plate and I've been quite tempted by their rear bumper.
Just wondering if that top plate issue has been resolved.
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2017 TRD PRO Barcelona Red,RCI Sliders,RCI Alum Skids +C4 Fuel Skid, 285 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, Icon Rebound 17x8, HID, SSO Slimline Front Bumper/Warn Zeon 10s Plat, SSO High Clearance Mod, ..King 2.5 Res, Total Chaos UCA & LCAs, ARB Fridge, Battle Born Second battery with RedArc& Solar, ARB Drawers..Frontrunner Full Rack and CVT Mt Ranier RTT, C4 Ladder, Sprint Booster
2021 Audi RS6-Tuned 820hp
2017 F12 Berlinetta
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02-09-2020, 06:21 PM
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#85
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Member
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Boston
Posts: 191
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Boston
Posts: 191
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Just Installed this myself today. Was incredibly easy. Put it together in my basement while watching the first XFL game and enjoying 2 brews from Treehouse.
Put it on the truck myself and was super easy. I know they recommend 2 people, but was very easy with just me even after 2- 8% brews.
Everything fit absolutely perfect. Its a much better looking ladder than I thought it would be. I had wanted the Gobi, but the whole order process was a PITA.
I ordered in Mid Jan and had the ladder 2 weeks later. Its dark here now in Boston area, so no great pics, but so far gotta say I really like it.
No Problem opening with my Frontrunner full rack. We will see with RTT..
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2017 TRD PRO Barcelona Red,RCI Sliders,RCI Alum Skids +C4 Fuel Skid, 285 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, Icon Rebound 17x8, HID, SSO Slimline Front Bumper/Warn Zeon 10s Plat, SSO High Clearance Mod, ..King 2.5 Res, Total Chaos UCA & LCAs, ARB Fridge, Battle Born Second battery with RedArc& Solar, ARB Drawers..Frontrunner Full Rack and CVT Mt Ranier RTT, C4 Ladder, Sprint Booster
2021 Audi RS6-Tuned 820hp
2017 F12 Berlinetta
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06-12-2020, 06:37 PM
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#86
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Member
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Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Lakewood
Posts: 102
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Lakewood
Posts: 102
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2020 June ladder install summary:
received my ladder last week (so i assume i have the most up to date of what's being shipped out)
just finished installing this ladder on my 2020 venture edition to gain easier access to the basket it comes with, and it was a pain in the dick! i followed the youtube instructions verbatim and triple checked my measurements. What i ended up having to do what just undo the carriage bolts and pinhead bolts holding the top step and top plate to the ladder. i installed the top plate first and put a few bricks to apply pressure to the adhesive for a hot minute.
(I noticed also without the ladder hanging off of it, the top plate wasn't sitting flat at the 3in. mark. I adjusted it side to side before sticking it down and it still just wouldn't sit flush and flat against the the roof, so i left it at 3in' per instructions)
I then attached the ladder to where the bottom hovered over the appropriate holes on the bottom bracket that wraps around to the inside of the hatch. I then installed the 4th top step and bolts back VERY loosely.. LOOSER than my high school ex. I then installed the carriage bolts to attach the bottom of the ladder to the bracket below and tightened it all up.
LASTLY, i pulled the ladder straight out back with some help then finally torqued down the top pair carriage bolts and 4 pinhead bolts up top. This part was a P A I N I N T H E D I C K, but at least the top plate sat "somewhat" flush to the roof. Way better than what the instructions told me to do. I stood on it and pulled/pushed and seemed it was secure.
I then took it to a local fireroad that's got quite a bump to it with whoops and doohickeys and hauled ass with the newly installed ladder no weight or extra accessories on it. I didn't hear any obvious ladder related rattling, but after I got out to see how the ladder was holding i was starting to see slight lift at the hooks despite me installing it "HELLA FLUSH" and DPing it with BBC level cardboards to show who is boss.
I tried to see if I could do any adjustments while on the field (Damn, I'm hardcore.) but just like women the ****in' ladder doesnt know what it wants to do.
Overall the ladder is killer and will leave it on, but **** me am I probably gonna get annoyed everytime I see that top bracket slowly clawing at the inside of my snat- i mean hatch door.
I DEMAND A FREE ROTOPAX L BRACKET AND AN ADDITIONAL STEP FOR MY EMOTIONAL HARDSHIPS WHILE INSTALLING THIS PRODUCT. DAMN YOU C4!!! *SHAKES FIST IN NO APPARENT DIRECTION*
j/k ily. product is p cool. i'll rock it.
PS: I'll post pics later.
Last edited by Bry n; 06-12-2020 at 06:44 PM.
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06-16-2020, 09:52 PM
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#87
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 136
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 136
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I am still a bit pissed too. It still scratches after they send me 2nd plate. Some tried to shave the edge of their plate.
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08-25-2020, 02:04 PM
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#88
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Morrison, CO
Posts: 5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Morrison, CO
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by young
I am still a bit pissed too. It still scratches after they send me 2nd plate. Some tried to shave the edge of their plate.
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Me too! Still scratches and I'm on the 2nd plate. Love the damn ladder but not how I've installed it twice and it's still scratching my paint off.
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08-25-2020, 11:13 PM
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#89
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 102
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 102
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I just installed mine and I have zero issues. No scratching, no alignment issues.
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2020 TRD Off-Road Premium w/KDSS | Nautical Blue | TRD Cold-Air Intake | MagnaFlow Exhaust | LASfit LED Lights | TRD Pro Grille | FNWheels Countersteer Type X | BFGoodrich K02 275/70 | Bilstein 6112/5160 w/Eibach 1" Springs | Dobinsons UCA | WeatherTech Window Deflectors | C4Fab Sliders | C4Fab Ladder | Sherpa Crestone | Ironman 4x4 Awning
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12-23-2020, 09:30 AM
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#90
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Member
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Join Date: May 2018
Location: Maryland
Posts: 124
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Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Maryland
Posts: 124
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anyone recently order this without issues?
i just had to return my victory ladder because it was causing the same issue and the only solution they had to was to return it or adjust the hatch out another inch to accommodate
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