I'm running about same setup as you (285s, 3" lift and homemade roof rack) I usually toss everything up there and then just climb onto roof rack and tie everyting down while up there. Takes a couple min to tie everything down.

 

My D2 is about the same, lift and taller tires, have a rack across the top. I usually use the rock sliders and stand on the rear tire to get at things.

I need to put the load bars back on and our cargo box this week ahead of a camping trip. Will pay more attention to see if one of those door hook deals would work. I have seen the ads before and like how small they are.

 

I use my rear hydraulic step, climb up the door mounted ladder.

 

I believe he is looking for options on loading from the side of the rover.

The item pictured above scares me...because...l know l'd forget about it and slam the door with it in there. Plus, one slip and my leg running down the edge of that thing doesn't seem pleasant either.

Brian.

 

Adding to The Deputy's comments, if something goes wrong and the latch gets mangled so that the door no longer closes properly it could be a real bummer depending where you are. I would bring the ladder, or maybe one that's suited in size to the task. Since we're on the topic of climbing up the side of the Rover, have there been any instances of the rear ladder causing a problem with the rear hatch? I took my ladder off to sandblast it and the mounting hardware obviously doesn't do anything except keep the ladder from falling off, but it occurred to me that all the weight is cantilevered off the door hinges. There seems to be some amount of play in the hatch itself when closed and the strain is going through the hinges and latch mechanism. I'm not predicting failure, just wondering if it's shown up through extended use.

 

I step on the hydraulic rear step, then up to bumper, then onto rear tire, then roof.

To be fair, my rear spare tire has a short pole sticking through its center cap hole that I can use to mount a jerry can or bicycle... and I can step on that halfway point if needed before stepping on the top of the tire.




*just $80 for a rear ladder that connects onto the hatch, though (if a better solution is desired)

 

Loading from the side?
Lower your window and step on the door.



I load everything from the back. I can walk all over my roof rack. Even loaded a snap on tool cabinet up there once.

 

I have the same concerns about slipping and ripping myself apart on it. Also the mangle the door hasp so I can't close it. I just walk on my rack.

 

jeeps have a cool solution for this as the hinges are external: https://www.extremeterrain.com/smitt...s-0718-jk.html

Obvs won't work on a D2.

I don't like those hooks, for the reasons above, plus it's another loose piece of kit thats bound to get lost somewhere and I hate looking for lost stuff