Anyone try a car door step with the Defender? I have a 90, with a front runner roof rack. I’m not ready to entertain the idea of a proper roof ladder yet, but I need a way to get higher.

I did buy a collapsible step stool, but on sand or rough ground I expect trouble.

I just ran across the idea of the door latch step yesterday, and I see several designs out there. I am leaning towards this one:


anyone try a door latch step on a 90?

 

This is the one I purchased, looks similar to the one you referenced. Same mindset, I occasionally need to get to the roof, both for cleaning and access to tie gear down. They both have the same load rating of 400 lbs. I’m happy with it, it’s compact, lightweight and negates the need for ladders and step stools. Just one word of caution. Although the weight rating is twice my weight, I always keep one foot balanced on the door frame and never stand with both feet firmly planted on the step. In the real world, things do fail, and I can only imagine the hospital stay that would accompany a complete failure of the step and the fall that would follow.

 

Thanks Chuck.

Any side to side wiggling?

I’m thinking to get the one I linked to, because it has a finer angle adjustment with those 11 gear-like teeth. Most of the ones I looked at seem to have 2 angle “settings”. I’m a little worried about the small ratchet teeth on the one I am looking at, because that makes me think the whole weight is sitting on a little gear tooth. The reviews look good though.

 

Well I received the door step I linked to above, looks like it will work for me.

I also ordered the rear tow eye step from Powerful UK.

Hopefully these two steps will give me the reach I need on a 90 without a ladder or step stool.

 

I know it's been a while, but a car doorstep can be pretty handy, especially if you're always loading things onto the roof. It hooks right onto the car's door latch, giving you an excellent, steady step to reach higher. No more awkward stretching or balancing on the edge of the door frame! I know some people are worried about scratching the paint or putting too much weight on the latch, but most are designed with padding to prevent scratches and can hold a lot of weight. It’s an excellent alternative to a full-size step ladder if you only need that extra height occasionally.

 

I still use mine a bit. Especially when I don't have the ladder with me. I find it useful for what geologists call glassing. ie. getting up a bit higher to use binoculars. Frequently considered cheating, not plodding over and laying hands on the rocks. I am getting older, so I use more aids, like drones and Bino's and find the little step to be handy enough to keep available in the back of the car. I am no ballerina either, but short of being a star in "Fantasia." It has not impacted the sheet metal at all. I do tend to wipe off where the rubber sits, since I do tend to be dust bound a lot. I suppose if your friends referred to you as "Fat Tony." then it may not be a good accessory for you, if you could even get your leg up that high.

 

Be careful you don't inadvertently slam your door on the thing when it's on your door striker. Not pretty.

 

Is it safe to put so much load on door latch?

 

I use the powerbuilt heavy duty tire power step, very sturdy; from Amazon.

 

Every manufacturer’s build is different, the strength and structure of the area where the latch is attached. I had those same thoughts and tested it cautiously, looking for any flexing or deformation. The build of the Defender is very sturdy and everything is very solid. However, I never trust my entire weight on it without a hand grasping something as a backup. And considering physics, I keep my foot planted as close to the body as possible, as the further out on the step you put your foot, the greater the lever action and the more force is exerted. I’ve had no problems with mine.