Brand X 4th Gen Ladder Finally Here
- Thread starter gaterose
- Start date
gaterose
Senior Member
Yeah there is a hump in the 05 or 06 spoiler so it isn't flat. There is a thread somewhere around here called "Gotta have that hump" where Jason Burtman was trying to get together a group buy for those types of spoilers; he has some comparison shots of the two different spoilers. I'm not sure this ladder would work with those spoilers or if there is another ladder for those.
It seems very sturdy so far, my friend and I (both ~200 lbs) have both climbed up to the roof a few times. My roommate's sister was kinda swinging around on it like monkey bars yesterday and it didn't shake or budge.
edit - it seems like it could be made to work with that spoiler with a couple of washers or spacers, but that would probably also make it less sturdy.
wrestler157
New member
anyone who is wondering about this ladder still. i received a email back from gobi saying that they just added the item to their line and the coast is $199.95 including FEDEX ground shipping. i replied asking about the larger hump spoiler if it would work and am waiting on word back
gaterose
Senior Member
If you don't hear back soon, I'd call. They're not the best about returning emails.
wrestler157
New member
yea i think i just realized that because i sent the email first when you recieved your ladder and they just replied. i figure if i dont hear nothing today ill just call them tomorrow.
Did you ever get an answer? I don't have a rear spoiler, so a ladder without the big hump would look more streamlined for me.
gaterose
Senior Member
Yeah I still have it, it's great. It does cause you to lose some gas mileage but I didn't notice a big increase in wind noise. I use it all the time for all large pieces of wood and other things all the time and haven't had any trouble yet from it. I've also stood up on the roof and walked around several times, so it's strong.
I might go with the whitson metalworks rack now due to how much cheaper it is. Can't say much for quality comparison since I haven't owned a WMW though.
There are 3 versions of the ladder, I have the original version for the flat spoiler. There are also versions with no hump and no spoiler altogether.
t4rman has the no spoiler version on his and zstampe had the hump version on his. If you search for their builds on here you should be able to get a good idea of how they look.
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gaterose
Senior Member
Yep, still got it. I think I'm going to have to replace the struts though.
I took it off for a while because it slows the struts but I put it back on several months ago. The struts will hold it up no problem, but getting it all the way open is slow if it happens. Push it all the way with your hand and it stays though. Some people with newer 4runners (i.e. newer struts) haven't had problems with it.
gaterose
Senior Member
I wouldn't imagine the ladder the causes any loss in MPG, if it did I didn't notice.
I would PM RiDE for info about the brand x, you can call or email them but they're very slow. RiDE is an authorized dealer and (from what I've heard) provides much better communication.
Another option is the Whitson Metalworks rack. It's similar to the brand x but built by a member here for a little more than half as much as the brand x. You'd still have to order the ladder from brand x if you want a ladder, but you're not going to get a huge break on the ladder for ordering the rack from brand x anyway.
Yes I have the brand x and yes I'm promoting another rack. I had a poor overall experience with brand x, primarily due to communication, and won't promote them.
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JayFlo0800
New member
Was there any drilling necessary? How involved is the installation?
-thanks
-thanks
gaterose
Senior Member
No drilling, the first post describes the installation. Pretty easy. Pictures are too large due to ImageShack's change in formatting since I uploaded them, but I believe the entire process is shown.
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