Winter project idea, what do you think?
 

Planning on adding a ladder onto the roof rack I made last winter. I'm thinking of hinging it onto the back of the rack and having the whole thing fold out and rest on the bumper with some rubber feet.

That looks pretty cool. And depending what you're keeping on the rack, it may be useful too.

You got to replace those "gay tires" though.

do it.

something like this??

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/...J-p-29271.html

I wouldn't just have it resting against the rear bumper with rubber feet as it would "flap" when you hit a bump. May be better to have a pin to the bumper but this would make it more troublesome if you get in the back of your Jeep often.

How are you going to hold the latter up when you lift the hatch?

You could do it 2 Ways I've seen it done.

1st way by making a ladder down either side or both sides of the jeep right above the rear tire. So by stepping on the rear tire and then climbing up the ladder to your roof rack.




Attachment 71621



Or option 2 you could have the ladder off the rear hatch. Connecting it to the top and bottom of the hatch so when you raise your hatch the ladder goes with the hatch. All you need is reinforcement to the inside of the hatch when you bolt it through.




Attachment 71622

The hinge at the connection point on the rack would allow me to keep the ladder folded in the rack when I didn't need to use it. Also, i was thinking that if i built it right i could possibly use the ladder to clamp down on and hold gear in the rack. That way when i needed whatever was on top i could deploy the ladder, freeing the gear, and then just climb up the ladder and grab it easily.

*edit* and yes, i need to replace the gay tires haha

Where can I find the side ladder

Rear ladder: http://www.eadoffroad.com/gobi-gjcla...ee-rear-ladder
side: i couldnt find one online the one on the red xj might be home made. you can always look though.

Thanks!!

No problem.

The problem with most of the ladders is not planning a weight load factor and fine for someone 5'9" and buck forty vs. 6' 250. None of the sheet metal on the Jeep will hold up to that weight. Also materials and welding skills are a big factor also as well as planning.


Don't want to be a "nay sayer" but things happen, I saw an example of this on a conversion van 4-5 yrs old with a ladder up to a roof rack. My wife and I were in an RV Park in FL. and a couple across from us had this van new to them and the gentleman was trying to go up the ladder when it tore away from rack. He then fell and struck his head on a cement pad. Have no idea what happened to him but the van was still there 2 weeks later when we left, no one came back that I saw.

Why even put a ladder on you can stand on the rear tire no problem,Or get one of them hitch steps and remove it when your off road.

My guess is he like the look and wants a winter project. im the same way.

Do it! Make sure to properly re-inforce the mounts.