Struts for Ecotechne Ladder
- Thread starter SidKo
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4Running303
New member
I have the Gobi ladder, but I know a lot of us on here went with the Lift Supports Depot PM1062N10 Gas Charged Liftgate Lift Support PM1062N10W to support the weight of any ladder.
FiReBReTHa
New member
I ordered up these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPPYGQ7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
arriving sat
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPPYGQ7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
arriving sat
SidKo
New member
I like the design of the Ecotechne as it matches the N-Fab roof rack (flat boxy design).
However I am interested to know if the Ecotechne had some functional inspirations behind its design. The bottle opener is pretty handy for tailgate parties. The toe guard at the bottom step is useful to prevent damage to the vehicles paint caused by footwear. I also like those notches/fingers/fins, I can see myself using them to quickly hold the dog leash or even hang garbage bags.
As for it damaging the vehicle's paint, it was a nightmare mounting this. I totally screwed up my 4Runner's paint, but luckily they are mostly in areas no one is going to see. I've already ordered filler and touch up paint and clear coat from Toyota. The light scratches on the eternal area was easy to remove, but annoying to have to do it (wet sanding, polishing, and waxing). If anyone is going to mount this ladder, here are a few tips:
- Grind, buff, and spray paint (matte black) the corners of the upper mount. The corners created giant gouges in my paint when closing and opening the liftgate. As stated earlier, luckily if was between these areas and out of sight, otherwise it would have been really annoying to look at it all the time.
- PlastiDip the any parts of the mounts that would make contact with the vehicles paint. This could help minimize those scratches.
- Use a plastic pry bar to help open the space between the hatch and vehicle body to squeeze the upper mount through. The bracket was designed just a tad too big. Stupid me, I gave it nudge (hammer fist) and scratched the paint. Like drinking, I should have not worked on the 4Runner while tired.
- Buy aluminum flat bar from your local hardware store. You will need extra shims for the lower mount as the one included was not enough to create a snug squeeze to prevent the mounts from shifting side to side.
Thanks to everyone with their input. I just wanted to confirm what works specifically with the Ecotechne ladder as it maybe heavier than the other ladder options.
However I am interested to know if the Ecotechne had some functional inspirations behind its design. The bottle opener is pretty handy for tailgate parties. The toe guard at the bottom step is useful to prevent damage to the vehicles paint caused by footwear. I also like those notches/fingers/fins, I can see myself using them to quickly hold the dog leash or even hang garbage bags.
As for it damaging the vehicle's paint, it was a nightmare mounting this. I totally screwed up my 4Runner's paint, but luckily they are mostly in areas no one is going to see. I've already ordered filler and touch up paint and clear coat from Toyota. The light scratches on the eternal area was easy to remove, but annoying to have to do it (wet sanding, polishing, and waxing). If anyone is going to mount this ladder, here are a few tips:
- Grind, buff, and spray paint (matte black) the corners of the upper mount. The corners created giant gouges in my paint when closing and opening the liftgate. As stated earlier, luckily if was between these areas and out of sight, otherwise it would have been really annoying to look at it all the time.
- PlastiDip the any parts of the mounts that would make contact with the vehicles paint. This could help minimize those scratches.
- Use a plastic pry bar to help open the space between the hatch and vehicle body to squeeze the upper mount through. The bracket was designed just a tad too big. Stupid me, I gave it nudge (hammer fist) and scratched the paint. Like drinking, I should have not worked on the 4Runner while tired.
- Buy aluminum flat bar from your local hardware store. You will need extra shims for the lower mount as the one included was not enough to create a snug squeeze to prevent the mounts from shifting side to side.
Thanks to everyone with their input. I just wanted to confirm what works specifically with the Ecotechne ladder as it maybe heavier than the other ladder options.
Last edited:
L-Force
New member
If you loosen the rear hatch mount bolts, you can make plenty of room to install the upper mount without scratching the paint. I advise having a helper and taking your time. Also never close and open the rear hatch without having the ladders top mount fully installed and torqued down, this keeps the mount from digging into your paint.
FiReBReTHa
New member
I scratched my paint on top because the ladder was "compressed" at one point so I needed to "pull" it out to get it to line up properly. but while doing so it was not properly aligned during trial 1 and scratched the top side.
now I need to figure out the paint situation. How much did it cost you to order up the stuff thru toyota? I need to get that done asap as I live in the rust belt
now I need to figure out the paint situation. How much did it cost you to order up the stuff thru toyota? I need to get that done asap as I live in the rust belt
SidKo
New member
I got the the magnetic gray and clear coat from Amazon. All Toyota products for about $12 each (give or take).
The issue I see right now is that it is a very small space to fill/paint. Not sure how I am going to this.
I may just spray paint the color and spray paint the clear coat. Figured I can mask off the area and let the spray reach those areas. As I said before, it is a hidden spot that no one is going to see, but like yourself, I want to protect it from any possible rust damage.
The issue I see right now is that it is a very small space to fill/paint. Not sure how I am going to this.
I may just spray paint the color and spray paint the clear coat. Figured I can mask off the area and let the spray reach those areas. As I said before, it is a hidden spot that no one is going to see, but like yourself, I want to protect it from any possible rust damage.
I scratched my paint on top because the ladder was "compressed" at one point so I needed to "pull" it out to get it to line up properly. but while doing so it was not properly aligned during trial 1 and scratched the top side.
now I need to figure out the paint situation. How much did it cost you to order up the stuff thru toyota? I need to get that done asap as I live in the rust belt
SidKo
New member
For those specifically with the Ecotechne ladder, I can confirm that this specific model works. Now my lift gate opens smoothly on its own.
