I didn't want to drill into the body for the OEM ladder so bought a $30 plastic folding step stool which I can throw in the back when I have my bike mounted on the roof. If you have 4 bikes or less, a hitch mount with swing away arm is the way to go (I have that also since we have 5 bikes).

 

I cant speak to additional wind noise, as I've never driven the truck without the ladder. That said, my roof rack is likely the primary culprit when it comes to wind noise over 70mph. As for obstructing rear-view, I have to strain very far to see it.

FYI - The piece you're drilling into is a very easily replaced sacrificial part.

 

I did think of that and if I ever get the ladder I will order that additional piece so that without the ladder I can simply swap it in.

 

I don't find it obstructs the view from the side mirror or creates any wind noise.

 

Do you know if Powerful UK has come out with anything to protect behind the ladder yet? I really like teh ladder but know that area behind will need protecting.

 

I pulled the trigger on the OEM ladder; truck is at the shop getting installed now. ‘Add on’s’ at the dealership seem to correspond to a ‘dealer book price’ for labor/assembly/installation. To determine a fair price range I had to call several dealership service centers (San Jose, San Francisco, Aliso Viejo) to price the service end of the transaction; each quoted a different price. Very frustrating.

I ended up buying the ladder (last in stock) and having installed for $300+ LESS than I was quoted by another service rep at the SAME dealership less than 24 hours earlier!

The first printed invoice had the ladder priced $130 HIGHER than what the parts department told me a day earlier. The price was adjusted. In the end I am getting what I want at a ‘fair’ (all things relative) price. And now I have a relationship with a REALLY good service advisor who cuts though the crap with me. But man, what a game 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

It's fairly easy to install a 3M PPF to that area, that's what I plan to do.

 

Hi, there. Would you mind sharing which Bay Area dealership ended up quoting you the lowest price? Thanks!

 

Everything I've purchased has been through the Landrover dealer in Newport Beach...

 

There’s also the Voyager ladder now. Wasn’t sure of the look at first, but t now it’s grown on me and I think I’ll get it since I already have the voyager rack. I have a particular distaste for all of the oem explorer package bits. They look plasticky and too futuristic to me. Much prefer the classic round bar look.