C4 Ladder fitment off, gouged out area behind tabs

J

Jebsmith2112

New member
I have a 19 4runner pro and I installed the C4 Fab tonight. Followed the instructions online, and then watched the video. Once installed, I test opened the hatch and it dug deep into the paint on both tabs. No amount of adjustment on the top or the bottom would fix the issue. I then attempted to grind the tabs down slightly to add some clearance. No luck. I am beyond frustrated that my brand new truck now some deep gouges in it.

Anyone run into this issue, or am I all alone?


<a href="https://imgur.com/jXOzpRL"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jXOzpRL.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/5Ez2iOM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/5Ez2iOM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/mZUOrDp"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/mZUOrDp.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/ApfVZ9B"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ApfVZ9B.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
 
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I received my ladder last night and tried to install as well. It's a pain in the dick to get lined up properly. Unfortunately, I nicked up my paint in a few spots as well. Couldn't get the ladder fitment correct (top plate would not sit flat on the paint), going to give it another whirl on Thursday.
 
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aelarson said:
I received my ladder last night and tried to install as well. It's a pain in the dick to get lined up properly. Unfortunately, I nicked up my paint when I accidentally slid the top plate across the hatch...totally my fault, but frustrating never the less. Couldn't get the ladder fitment correct (top plate would not sit flat on the paint), going to give it another whirl on Thursday.
Click to expand...

The is my exact problem. The top plate refuses to sit flat. Uploading pics now. I wonder if this most recent batch of ladders is off on some measurement. I am beyond mad at this. 2 month lead time, and I am shorted 8 screws and it doesn't fit.
 
Jebsmith2112 said:
The is my exact problem. The top plate refuses to sit flat. Uploading pics now. I wonder if this most recent batch of ladders is off on some measurement. I am beyond mad at this. 2 month lead time, and I am shorted 8 screws and it doesn't fit.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Did you use cardboard to wedge in between the hatch and the wrap around tab on the top plate? I used a cardboard piece, which helped, but wouldn't keep the plate flat. My dad and I were installing it and couldn't get it for the life of us. It is almost like the uprights are too short, so when you bolt the uprights to the bottom plate, it pulls down on the top plate forcing the leading edge upwards.
 
aelarson said:
Interesting. Did you use cardboard to wedge in between the hatch and the wrap around tab on the top plate? I used a cardboard piece, which helped, but wouldn't keep the plate flat. My dad and I were installing it and couldn't get it for the life of us. It is almost like the uprights are too short, so when you bolt the uprights to the bottom plate, it pulls down on the top plate forcing the leading edge upwards.
Click to expand...

Dude.... you are pulling the words out of my mouth. That is the exact problem. Check my google drive link and you will see exactly what you described.
 
Jebsmith2112 said:
Dude.... you are pulling the words out of my mouth. That is the exact problem. Check my google drive link and you will see exactly what you described.
Click to expand...

Just checked out your pictures. Same exact issue, like you said. I didn't stick it down because I knew the tape wouldn't hold that edge down.

Hopefully someone who has installed can provide some insight!
 
halflife78 said:
Nevermind, see the pics above.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir, pictures added.

and here is my buddies ladder, from a previous batch... same exact truck..

<a href="https://imgur.com/VqrZh4H"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VqrZh4H.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/QSVAG1u"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QSVAG1u.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
 
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aelarson said:
Just checked out your pictures. Same exact issue, like you said. I didn't stick it down because I knew the tape wouldn't hold that edge down.

Hopefully someone who has installed can provide some insight!
Click to expand...

I have a friend around the corner with the same ladder, went and took pictures of his today... it's perfect. previous batch though. Something is off with their most recent batch. You need to contact c4 now and complain.
 
Jebsmith2112 said:
I have a friend around the corner with the same ladder, went and took pictures of his today... it's perfect. previous batch though. Something is off with their most recent batch. You need to contact c4 now and complain.
Click to expand...

I was just speaking with a friend of mine as well, he struggled with the same issue, but I believe his was the last batch.

There is a lot of adjustability with these, so I am not going to go point fingers. These have been put on a lot of trucks now without a hitch, so I feel like we're missing something.
 
aelarson said:
I was just speaking with a friend of mine as well, he struggled with the same issue, but I believe his was the last batch.

There is a lot of adjustability with these, so I am not going to go point fingers. These have been put on a lot of trucks now without a hitch, so I feel like we're missing something.
Click to expand...

There is no adjustability up and down. Side to side, but no up and down.
 
Hmm

Walked out to look at my C4 ladder this morning... the top plate sits flat end-to-end. Even after use it has not budged (as far as I can tell). Bought/installed mine a few months ago... back on February? This could very well be a bad batch.

This is very concerning, though.

During installation, I left all attachment bolts somewhat loose, then tightened them at the end. Also used the cardboard as instructed.
 
aelarson said:
While that's true, the holes are large and some of the holes are tapered. The top bolts have a lot of play and I think that is the key section to get dialed in.
Click to expand...

Are you talking about where the top plate mounts to the actually ladder? because I went full front and full aft and it was the same.
 
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