Has anyone found a good quality side deployed ladder? I really need one to access a roof box and load a kayak, the aftermarket ones are half the price of OEM, but it makes me a little leery of the strength. I would hate to tumble off the side with a fishing kayak on my shoulder. I am not opposed to getting the OEM ladder if that is the superior option. FYI - I have the crossbars, not a full rack, I kind of prefer the limited obstruction of the pano sunroof.

 

I installed the aftermarket, half-priced ladder. Locking clasp broke and I now use a zip-tie to hold it in the stowed position. OEM ladder is back on my wish list.

 

Good to know, this is exactly the kind of feedback I was seeking. I was/am already leaning towards the OEM, but the half priced aftermarket has a strong pull.

 

I have an amazon special that I bought for $300. I've used it since September almost every weekend. It came with a black predrilled trim piece which looks good on my black vehicle.
Install was pretty easy. I did have to get two shorter bolts for the top mount.
It's in the -10's to +10's here this week and the ladder still works as it should, and the lock hasn't froze.

Just another data point for you. For the price difference I could buy two of these to every one factory option. I'm not convinced the factory version is much better.

 

That is good info too, I could buy a spare for the cost of a OEM one 😂

I watched the PowerfulUK video of the ladder install and it did look a little rickety once closed up. Although I suppose they are all pretty similar.