Ladder people opinion

[swim.bike.run]

On the fence about a ladder.

Every vehicle I have always owned has had some sort of a roof rack and I have always either opened the door and stepped inside to reach or used the tire as a step.

I know they look awesome but do you actually use it?

 

[OKT4RCpl]

New Gobi owner bought my from the classified ads and I've used my ladder quite a bit and find it very useful. Even the wife uses it so I couldn't imagine having a rack and not having the ladder.

 

[MeefZah]

Disclaimer: Don't have a ladder, never used one

I also can't understand why a ladder is needed, unless you are actually scuttling up onto the roof, and even then, any quasi-physically fit individual should be able to get up there by standing on the tire and then pushing themselves up.

I personally dislike the appearance of the ladders I've seen. None appear to be actually used, but seem to be accessories to make the owner feel like more of a bad ass. I realize there's a lot of BA-appearing shit that we bolt on to our trucks but for some reason things like ladders irk me more than other stuff. Normally because I see them in tandem with cheap ass roof racks that you clearly can't stand on anyway so the pointless factor is high...

Plus it obstructs rear visibility, adds weight to an already heavy rear hatch, stresses components like hinges and struts... and who loads stuff onto a rack from the back, anyway? I've only ever accessed it from the sides since you invariably are securing objects side to side across the width of the rack.

The really awful ladders are the ones on the side of the truck.

Meh. Flame on.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

it's probably safe to say at least 75% of people with a ladder don't use them or use them often enough to justify the need for it.

 

[mcarey86]

I really cannot think of any time you'd need to use it.

Whenever anything goes on my roof, I always want to access it from the side.

I guess maybe if you have a ton of heavy small boxes or something, but outside of getting your body up there, I think they are useless.

ALL THAT SAID, I love the way they look.

 

[LOLSNOW]

It's one of those mods that when you need it you'll be happy when it's there. For me it's useful when collapsing the Roof tent. In the winter it'll be useful to get to my Thule roof box. Had Exp-One decided not to make a ladder then I'd be ok without it. As others have said, adding a ladder to the hatch will defiantly stress the struts. If you roll down the rear window open the hatch you'll notice how much stress the struts are under.

 

[perf0rmance]

Something to consider...

I was helping to remove the struts off the hatch of another T4R. They removed their ladder to sell it - took off the ladder first, then went for the struts. Without the struts, the hatch is DAMN HEAVY (again, no ladder attached). Just putting that out there.

 

[adio3x]

I had a gobi on for almost 5 years, only used my ladder a handful of times to actually go up on the rack. Now that I have a wedge tent an a full length prinsu, the ladder will get more use, no need to carry a separate ladder for the RTT.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

I don't have one and don't get the rear ladder.

I had a lifted Wrangler with a full roof rack for almost 9 years. Now I have a TRDORP. I used the same Thule 1200 Atlas on both. I never once had a need to get into the roof box from the rear. From the side ... oh heck yes. I often open the door and use the door sill as a step to get into the box.

Personally I don't see any need for a rear ladder. It doesn't help getting into anything on besides what is at the back of the roof.

 

[codyHTX]

let's not forget that you can bolt overland equipped ladder steps to the steps of your gobi ladder and then not use them as steps, but instead bolt on other attachments to them, such as quick fists for axes and shovels that also get a lot of use.. all the while using the rear tires to stand on for loading and securing things to the roof

ask me how i know.

 

[arehman11]

While I don't plan on getting a rack, my wife thinks it would be helpful for us to have one for our cargo box, kayaks, and bicycles. I may get one as they aren't crazy expensive and it might look cool.

 

[FrenchToasty]

I use my rack a decent amount, haha baby strollers, firewood, camping gear, lumber, all kinds of stuff. I've used the ladder zero times to load any of that stuff. Much easier loading from one foot on a slider and one on a wheel, or both feet on a wheel. If something is that akward and heavy, best to ask for help loading instead of tweaking your back trying to man handle something as you climb the dinky rungs. Like others have said I just put other stuff on the ladder.......

 

[Ohio_Steve]

Do I *need* a ladder? No. Do I use mine? Yes!

I'm 5'-7" tall, and 64 years old. I can only reach so far from the sliders, rear bumper, or standing on the tires. While loading the RoofBag for a cross-country trip this fall, I needed to roll down the rear side windows and stand on the window frame to be able to reach the straps. Same when strapping down kayaks.

Since adding the ladder, I'm able to get up top and strap things down more comfortably.

Plus, it makes a great place to use for photography. While in North Dakota, we pulled off the road to watch a small herd of bison. They came our way, and split, going either side of the truck. That made for some interesting photos!

Overall, I'm glad that I spent the $200 for the Gobi ladder/strut group buy.

 

[Antman]

As is typically the case, I do things differently- lol

My ladders greatest use? Try lifting 3/4" plywood or MDF onto the roof or anything long and heavy by yourself.
Lean it against the ladder and slide it right up there. Works AWESOME for this. In fact I've worn a lot of the powder coating off lately doing just that. For tying stuff up there standing on the tires is easier.

Seriously- I love my ladder for getting heavy stuff up there- I can slide my Hardigg Case up there FULL (close to 100#) by myself.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

While I don't plan on getting a rack, my wife thinks it would be helpful for us to have one for our cargo box, kayaks, and bicycles. I may get one as they aren't crazy expensive and it might look cool.

Keep in mind how you load things onto the roof rack. I've never loaded a bike from the rear of any vehicle. The same goes for the roof box.

Kayaks I could see using it and it may be helpful when strapping them down.

Keep in mind its still ladder. You'll only have one hand free most of the time. The rest of the time your other hand will be holding on to something to keep you from falling.

this is not as sexy but could actually help you accessing the roof box or loading bikes.


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Also you could add a hitch step to help with rear access.

 

[groomezYK]

Thanks for posts. I could actually see using one. We have a Tepui tent, and load skis and cargo up there when the tent is not up . The amount of times Ive almost slipped stepping inside the back seat or on the tire is numerous, moreso when its snowing or raining. For my shorter wife (Im 6'2") I think this ladder would make this much easier for setting up the windows on Tepui and for switching how we load the cargo box. I do think they look silly, but its also easier than carrying a step in the back, with two 80lbs dogs, and whatever else we need to be carrying. Think Ill give it a try. Any recommendations on brands? Gobi seems decent.

 

[Nomad74]

Get a ladder! If nothing else they look cool! Had Gobi on my 15 4R and used it quite a bit... will be putting one on my 20 4R

 

[JsinLegacy]

Get a ladder! If nothing else they look cool! Had Gobi on my 15 4R and used it quite a bit... will be putting one on my 20 4R

Been considering one myself. How difficult is it to remove and does it damage the paint in anyway?

 

[D1105]

I ordered a Gobi ladder during the BF sale and installed it a few weeks ago. If it's in your budget, go for it. I plan on using it when I use my RTT and also to hang a water port for camping. It doesn't block the view since it sits behind the rear passenger head rest.

 

[Dm3ga]

I recently acquired a super white 16 TRD Pro with a gobi ladder and full length front runner rack. I haven’t had a chance to use either yet. But they sure do look *****in haha. I do appreciate how offset the ladder is to the driver side, it really doesn’t block much of the rear view.