Roof Rack Step

[EOD Guy]

Initially I didn't think I'd be using the roof rack for anything and actually considered removing it. My daughter convinced me "It completes the look of an "LC" so I left it on. I decided to mount my WeBoost antenna to the inner frame as it was very solid. The antenna has a locking folding feature that allows it to be stored when running through a car wash and or when parking in areas where you don't need unwanted interest in the vehicle. All very well except when you're not very tall and old and climbing up on a tire isn't as quick as it used to be.......... so I saw a solution on Amazon, but it was made of steel (which will rust over time) and I wasn't going to pay $100+ for something I didn't really like. I decided to make my own version out of extruded aluminum that would fold flat, easily stored and double as a small table when rested on the bumper vs the tire.

Here is my result.... It's 22" wide, heavy duty and has enough room on the platform, unlike a small ladder, that I can easily turn around, reach almost to the front of the rack, weatherproof and easily stored in the cargo area. It'll get either powder coated or painted in the near future.

 

[handy]

Better than my metal one..lol. I added a hitch step I use to reach the back.

 

[brianz]

That’s a nice addition. I was looking at those kinds of ladders as well. I ended up getting a door step - I was really tight on space. We did a 7 week car camping trip starting on the 2nd day of ownership, so not a lot of time to get everything together. That ladder looks well thought out.

 

[Alpha Puppy]

That’s a nice addition. I was looking at those kinds of ladders as well. I ended up getting a door step - I was really tight on space. We did a 7 week car camping trip starting on the 2nd day of ownership, so not a lot of time to get everything together. That ladder looks well thought out.

I considered this but was worried it would dent/damage the door frame as the metal here feels thin and flimsy... Have you used it regularly and without damaging the frame?

 

[Alpha Puppy]

Initially I didn't think I'd be using the roof rack for anything and actually considered removing it. My daughter convinced me "It completes the look of an "LC" so I left it on. I decided to mount my WeBoost antenna to the inner frame as it was very solid. The antenna has a locking folding feature that allows it to be stored when running through a car wash and or when parking in areas where you don't need unwanted interest in the vehicle. All very well except when you're not very tall and old and climbing up on a tire isn't as quick as it used to be.......... so I saw a solution on Amazon, but it was made of steel (which will rust over time) and I wasn't going to pay $100+ for something I didn't really like. I decided to make my own version out of extruded aluminum that would fold flat, easily stored and double as a small table when rested on the bumper vs the tire.

Here is my result.... It's 22" wide, heavy duty and has enough room on the platform, unlike a small ladder, that I can easily turn around, reach almost to the front of the rack, weatherproof and easily stored in the cargo area. It'll get either powder coated or painted in the near future.

Could you put together a rough parts list pretty please with sugar in top? Did you get the materials from McMaster or some such?

 

[EOD Guy]

Could you put together a rough parts list pretty please with sugar in top? Did you get the materials from McMaster or some such?

Most of the alum I had on hand from various other projects, but it was all purchased from Amazon at one point.

I made mine 22" wide as I wanted a larger platform, it could be any width you'd like. The legs that lay on top of the tire were cut to fit. I used a mixture of alum, but you can use one size if you'd like.

 

[Alpha Puppy]

Most of the alum I had on hand from various other projects, but it was all purchased from Amazon at one point.

I made mine 22" wide as I wanted a larger platform, it could be any width you'd like. The legs that lay on top of the tire were cut to fit. I used a mixture of alum, but you can use one size if you'd like.

Awesome thx

 

[brianz]

Have you used it regularly and without damaging the frame?

Sorry OP - it wasn't my intention to hijack this thread! I have used it a fair amount. I've slept 45 nights in the roof tent so far - I use it for both setup/take down. It's small enough to stow in the door. I would make sure to get one with good rubber - otherwise it will scratch the paint as it will rotate a bit when it's being used.