OEM Ladder Broken after 2.5 years
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 459
From: USA
Whoever designed the ladder did a great job as it fits the Defender nicely, and in my opinion it looks much better than the rear mounted ladder. However, this ladder is a dangerous ladder and does not withstand the toughness of the Defender. It should be for looks only and have a warning on it that it will break with repeated usage.
4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 18
From: Napa, CA
It will be interesting to see if and when Land Rover responds to the safety issue. For me, the break was hardly a scary event. It's just an inch or so away from the tire so I didn't go far and I was holding on with both hands. It's mostly a confidence issue in climbing it. Simon's stainless steel solution won't be cheap, but it will provide a lot of confidence.
The ladder design is brilliant and worthy of preservation. Like you've stated it looks great, fits the vehicle perfectly and much better than the rear one for many reasons. Since it sits out a bit it's much easier to climb and makes a great footstool from the RTT. Just a few design flaws that didn't turn up right away. Like the cover, those retainer clips break way too easily. Simon has that one covered already.
The ladder design is brilliant and worthy of preservation. Like you've stated it looks great, fits the vehicle perfectly and much better than the rear one for many reasons. Since it sits out a bit it's much easier to climb and makes a great footstool from the RTT. Just a few design flaws that didn't turn up right away. Like the cover, those retainer clips break way too easily. Simon has that one covered already.
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 3,631
From: Kirkland WA
Thanks to powerful UK for this video. I still cannot believe Land Rover is not putting a stop sale on these ladders by issuing a recall. Do the folks at JLR look and monitor these forums?
Land Rover needs to step in and do something. This is a safety issue. Has anyone reported this to the NHTSA?
Land Rover needs to step in and do something. This is a safety issue. Has anyone reported this to the NHTSA?
4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
Safety Devices Ladder
Model #: RRL3026SSS- Ready for immediate shipment
$1,399.95
- MSRP: $1,998.95
You Save: 30%
- Defender L663 90
- Defender L663 110 - 2020 - on
- Defender L663 130 - 2020 - on
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 3,631
From: Kirkland WA
Safety Devices Ladder
Model #: RRL3026SSS- Ready for immediate shipment
$1,399.95
- MSRP: $1,998.95
You Save: 30%
- Defender L663 90
- Defender L663 110 - 2020 - on
- Defender L663 130 - 2020 - on
Looks terrible and has an even worse price tag. Hard pass. Not convince those hinges are going to stand up to the challenge. Looks more fragile than OEM in that critical area.
Last edited by GavinC; Jul 17, 2025 at 09:42 AM.
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 3,631
From: Kirkland WA
Reread it.
I said I'm not convinced the hinges would be strong enough.
Either way. At that price plus freight, it's a $1500 ladder that looks like a stroller frame. On the looks side, it definitely is a miss. Of that I am convinced.
Either way. The merits of another company's ladder is not really applicable to this thread.
I said I'm not convinced the hinges would be strong enough.
Either way. At that price plus freight, it's a $1500 ladder that looks like a stroller frame. On the looks side, it definitely is a miss. Of that I am convinced.
Either way. The merits of another company's ladder is not really applicable to this thread.
Three Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 93
Likes: 110
From: So Cal USA
Powerful UK's testing of the OEM hinge mechanism and their billet/CNC steel replacement unit.
They do warn viewers that it'll not be cheap, but if you really need one.....
They do warn viewers that it'll not be cheap, but if you really need one.....