Hello Good People,

Where can an extended ladder be had?
Most stores online seem to only carry the short version that goes from the top of the door to underneath the cargo door handle.

Are there any pros and cons to having one or another?

T.I.A.

 

My guess is aftermarket, probly same brand as the rack on that d1

 

I guess I'd have to ask, why? It's not necessary to have another step on there

 

True...
First I was interested in why a company made one that did include the extra step.
Than I was interested in one that would closely match the look of a roof rack.

Some installed using rivets, others just using 4 screws, and others using a tension method without adding any holes to the cargo door. All in all its about a personal preference.

Now I can construct and deconstruct the idea having asked the question(s) and did research.

 

It looks to me that the advantages to the longer ladder are that the weight of someone climbing on the back of the door is distributed to the bumper quite possibly If the bottom could quickly hinge up or down. Also just out of principle the strongest part of the door is its frame so attaching to the top and bottom of the door makes more sense. This gives me a good Idea to make one or modify the one I already picked up . I had concerns about the weight of someone climbing on it pulling on the door itself.

Does no one make the longer rack anymore? Is there a market for the longer ones to be had with possibly a flip down bottom piece to utilize the bumper to take the weight of the person climbing? I can make these if a few folks were interested .

 

I had similar thoughts about the door frame strength.
Below is an image of the BajaRack Ladder. I sent an email early this week and haven't heard back as of yet.

I'd be interested in what you could fashion up.

 

Ok, I should be finished with the floor pans for my Disco sometime next week then I can do some measuring and drawing of a extended ladder. I own a metal working business outside my full time job and have planned to make some aftermarket parts for the Disco.

What were the cost of these when available? It looks like the normal shorter ladder is around $90-$100 on Amazon

 

Sweet!
This is exciting, and Thanks in advance!

 

Hello All,

Here is an update. On 4/25/16 I got a response from BajaRack, saying:
"Yes, we do make a ladder for the Discovery (1 & 2). Just give us a call to place your order. ($265, about 3-4 weeks back order)"

The now more common short ladder can be had at RoverParts for $89.00

 

The OEM ladder is fine, and plenty strong if you use nutserts instead of just sheet metal screws. The main issue with the OEM ladder is bad powder coating. It will peel and rust.

The bumper serves as the next step lower. I use 3M grip rite tape on my plate steel bumper.

I often find myself distributing half the load to the rear spare when standing back there because the ladder is so narrow. For example, if I'm lifting a giant duffel bag, there's too much torque to keep stable on the skinny ladder. Roof rack loads should be very light. My giant duffel for example is stuffed with nothing but fluff -- sleeping bags and pillows for four.