[mrblah]

Install Guide for the Westcott Designs 4Runner Ladder - YouTube



Now some people will argue that this isn't a copy cat.... I don't know man...as someone already pointed out in the youtube comment section...it seems even their logo is placed at the same place where C4 normally places their logo....

Westcott Replica's has a nice ring to it.

[seatownhokie]

hey came across your post searching for the Westcott Designs ladder. I haven't seen the C4 ladder in person, but I think while they have similarities I wouldn't exactly call it a copy cat. The Westcott has an additional rung and the bottom one is an actual step where the C4 one looks it's just a support/attachment piece. To be it actually looks better and beefier.

Either way, I think having more options is great, and the quality of this build is amazing (albeit installation was not easy as others will attest to).

[gsla72]

Originally Posted by seatownhokie

hey came across your post searching for the Westcott Designs ladder. I haven't seen the C4 ladder in person, but I think while they have similarities I wouldn't exactly call it a copy cat. The Westcott has an additional rung and the bottom one is an actual step where the C4 one looks it's just a support/attachment piece. To be it actually looks better and beefier.

Either way, I think having more options is great, and the quality of this build is amazing (albeit installation was not easy as others will attest to).

Can confirm - the bottom plate isn't really a step on the C4 ladder. I guess you could use it as one, but I personally never have due to the thin metal in the area.

In looking at your other thread, it looks like the Westcott doesn't "taper" as much on the top portion of the hatch. The C4 on mine gets flatter along the roof just behind the spoiler and doesn't hit the rack.

How does the Westcott mount around the base of the hatch?

[PhillySilver]

Ooh - super close and tilts towards rip-off to me. I have the C4 and there are just too many similarities. Also, didn't watch the video super close but this one looks like it needs drilling to mount. C4 doesn't and I can attest to it being very stout.

[seatownhokie]

Originally Posted by PhillySilver

Ooh - super close and tilts towards rip-off to me. I have the C4 and there are just too many similarities. Also, didn't watch the video super close but this one looks like it needs drilling to mount. C4 doesn't and I can attest to it being very stout.

It comes with bolts to drill mount it, but others have said it's just as stout without drilling and using heavy duty double sided tape. I think the main similarities in the look are the mounting slots on the side are the same shape.

Originally Posted by gsla72

Can confirm - the bottom plate isn't really a step on the C4 ladder. I guess you could use it as one, but I personally never have due to the thin metal in the area.

In looking at your other thread, it looks like the Westcott doesn't "taper" as much on the top portion of the hatch. The C4 on mine gets flatter along the roof just behind the spoiler and doesn't hit the rack.

How does the Westcott mount around the base of the hatch?

Yeah, looking at the C4 one more closely (never seen it in person), the top looks like it would be more forgiving for roof rack spacing.

The base plate wraps under the bottom edge of the hatch and held in place very tightly by the ladder as it flexes it upwards. Then 2 optional bolts hold it in place ( which I opted to do), but I would have tried it without drilling first if I could do it over again.

I guess the good thing is I can use the C4 accessories for the Westcott ladder then

[MStudt]

There are more difference than similarities between the two, and they're are a lot of ways to make a ladder fit a 5th Gen. I can't understand why you would need a ladder on your hatch anyways? Do people actually climb the ladder to get on the roof?

Mike

[gsla72]

Originally Posted by MStudt

There are more difference than similarities between the two, and they're are a lot of ways to make a ladder fit a 5th Gen. I can't understand why you would need a ladder on your hatch anyways? Do people actually climb the ladder to get on the roof?

Mike

Strangely enough, I actually use mine all the time. I park under a 4-post lift and use it to climb up to access the top car on the lift when it's up (strange usage I know).

Otherwise, it makes rinsing off the roof of the truck much easier.

[nglayton]

Aren't all the ladders just copycat ideas from whoever made the first one?
Size, shape, width, number of steps, mount points - all in the eyes of the beholder.

Personally I found these to be the best ladder for my needs.

Portable, lightweight, fits multiple years/vehicles, doesn't block view out the rear. And yes....... you do have to install it for each use and remove it before shutting the door, but I think that's doable.

Probably the best part, it costs less than a tank of gas. It's probably still a bit overpriced for what it actually cost to make, but compared to $350-$450 it works pretty damn good.

[PhillySilver]

Originally Posted by MStudt

There are more difference than similarities between the two, and they're are a lot of ways to make a ladder fit a 5th Gen. I can't understand why you would need a ladder on your hatch anyways? Do people actually climb the ladder to get on the roof?

Mike

Strangely enough I use mine quite a bit and more than I thought I would. I was a bit skeptical of long-term use when I first got it though. Everything I use it for I could do some other way but it does make it easier.

Side benefit is that my wife's SUP no longer fits through the back window with it on so now she HAS to put up top. This means no more choosing between wiping it down or having lake water in my truck.

[seatownhokie]

Originally Posted by MStudt

There are more difference than similarities between the two, and they're are a lot of ways to make a ladder fit a 5th Gen. I can't understand why you would need a ladder on your hatch anyways? Do people actually climb the ladder to get on the roof?

Mike

To be 100 it was mainly for the look - which I love - but i have been using it a lot because it is so solid. And I am a big guy 220lbs. It gives me some mounting options as well. Def not a necessity! Just very nice to have. And a reason for strangers to climb on?

Originally Posted by gsla72

Strangely enough, I actually use mine all the time. I park under a 4-post lift and use it to climb up to access the top car on the lift when it's up (strange usage I know).

Otherwise, it makes rinsing off the roof of the truck much easier.

Originally Posted by nglayton

Aren't all the ladders just copycat ideas from whoever made the first one?
Size, shape, width, number of steps, mount points - all in the eyes of the beholder.

Personally I found these to be the best ladder for my needs.

Portable, lightweight, fits multiple years/vehicles, doesn't block view out the rear. And yes....... you do have to install it for each use and remove it before shutting the door, but I think that's doable.

Probably the best part, it costs less than a tank of gas. It's probably still a bit overpriced for what it actually cost to make, but compared to $350-$450 it works pretty damn good.

Good point! Everything is just a copy cat - whatever company you wanna support really!

That's a great little tool! Thanks for sharing - probably a good one to have anyway when accessing the side of the rack.

Originally Posted by PhillySilver

Strangely enough I use mine quite a bit and more than I thought I would. I was a bit skeptical of long-term use when I first got it though. Everything I use it for I could do some other way but it does make it easier.

Side benefit is that my wife's SUP no longer fits through the back window with it on so now she HAS to put up top. This means no more choosing between wiping it down or having lake water in my truck.