Cutting down RTT ladder...

[Rezarf <><]

Has anyone chopped one of their ladders up to make the rungs fit nicely at the distance your RTT is from the ground on your trailer. Just curious how you went about it.

Cutting mine this weekend and would like to do it right the first time.

AT, I thought I read something about you guys doing this.

Thanks!

Drew

 

[spressomon]

I did that to my Maggiolina ladder. I didn't like how the ladder rested on the edge of the fiberglass; also it was too long for my Horizon. So I disassembled it, drilled and cut my way to a shorter/more compact ladder.

I also crafted a different mounting system so the ladder attaches directly to the side box which serves as a nice top 'step' with grip tape. And I got a couple ladder feet from MMC and installed those on the bottom. I've run it this way for almost a year and really like it. For once it only took one variant to get it right :wings:

Let me know if you want pics Drew.

Dan

 

[Martyn]

It's important that you try to keep the distance between the rungs even as possible on the ladder. The best way to achieve this is to shorten the ladder at the top where it meets the tent.

It's a little bit of a hassle to do it this way as you have to remove the attaching hardware and then re attach it once you have shortened the ladder, but it is really the best way to go.

My rule of thumb is to have the ladder coming down from the tent at a 15' angle.

Measure twice -- cut once.

 

[spressomon]

It's important that you try to keep the distance between the rungs even as possible on the ladder. The best way to achieve this is to shorten the ladder at the top where it meets the tent.

It's a little bit of a hassle to do it this way as you have to remove the attaching hardware and then re attach it once you have shortened the ladder, but it is really the best way to go.

My rule of thumb is to have the ladder coming down from the tent at a 15' angle.

Measure twice -- cut once.

Hmmm...that was my old mantra. Now its measure thrice cut once.

 

[Cruiser]

Mine seems to be measure twice cut three times and its still too short!

 

[kb7our]

Dan,

I'd like to see your ladder mod pics if you don't mind. I have a medium Columbus Carbon on order for my Horizon (sold my ARB Simpson II) and surely will need to modify the ladder which I believe will be the same as yours. I may end up using the back entry point rather than side. By estimation the ladder would just clear or rest against the open tailgate at a perfect angle. Also, will try to rig up an MSR Parawing over the top of the tent to cover all 3 openings. Can't wait to get the tent end of Sep.

AT made me 3 taller load bars to replace the stock ones. Also, I added diamond plate to the tops of both side boxes so if I need to use the left side as a step I'm all set. Right cooking side can now handle hot pots on top of the side box (not that it couldn't before but the diamond plate sure is nice). Changed out both lid shocks on the AT from 125 lb to 100 lb which should be perfect with the new 82 lb tent once I add a down pillow top, sheets, and down comforter. Oh and I made another little goodie - removable shelf for right side of front box for two wash tubs at waist level rather than go with the sink option above the propane tank that others have done.

Thanks for posting if you get a chance...or you could send directly to me.

Wade

 

[spressomon]

Dan,

I'd like to see your ladder mod pics if you don't mind. I have a medium Columbus Carbon on order for my Horizon (sold my ARB Simpson II) and surely will need to modify the ladder which I believe will be the same as yours. I may end up using the back entry point rather than side. By estimation the ladder would just clear or rest on the open tailgate at a perfect angle. Also, will try to rig up an MSR Parawing over the top of the tent to cover all 3 openings. Can't wait to get the tent end of Sep.

AT made me 3 taller load bars to replace the stock ones. Also, I added diamond plate to the tops of both side boxes so if I need to use the left side as a step I'm all set. Right cooking side can now handle hot pots on top of the side box (not that it couldn't before but the diamond plate sure is nice). Changed out both lid shocks on the AT from 125 lb to 100 lb which should be perfect with the new 82 lb tent once I add a down pillow top, sheets, and down comforter. Oh and I made another little goodie - removable shelf for right side of front box for two wash tubs at waist level rather than go with the sink option above the propane tank that others have done.

Thanks for posting if you get a chance...or you could send directly to me.

Wade

Wade,

Here ya go. I made the brackets that attach to the ladder itself from 1/4" aluminum plate. The spring brackets that attach to same came from MMC.

I made the brackets that are bolted to the top of the Horizon's sidebox from aluminum also. I used a bronze bushing that the spring bracket pins to...

It takes the pressure off of the fiberglass #1. #2 provides for a shorter ladder. And #3 it keeps the angle of the ladder more upright; otherwise the ladder has to be more supine to allow clearance for the top of the side box.

I also added feet, also sourced from MMC, to the bottom of the ladder. Grip tape rounds it all off. Works great!


Err...Exped Portal is having technological issues...I'll post the pics when they allow.

Dan

 

[Grease Cruiser]

I have a Technitop where the ladder comes in two pieces. One is attached to the tent and the other is stowed in the vehicle or trailer.

For the trailer, I just made a new section that slips into the upper section that sits shorter than the other factory section. I take my custom section when the tent is on my trailer. I take the factory section when the tent is on the vehicle.

 

[Rezarf <><]

thanks guys, spressomon, I'd love to see some details when you can post up mate!

I love the idea of ladder feet.

I appreciate all the replies.

Drew

 

[spressomon]

thanks guys, spressomon, I'd love to see some details when you can post up mate!

I love the idea of ladder feet.

I appreciate all the replies.

Drew

I tried to post when I posted the above thread but the photo upload tool was broken! I'll try to get those uploaded later.

 

[Rezarf <><]

Thanks bud!

Looks great!

Drew

 

[kb7our]

Nice clean work! Bravo.

Wade

 

[spressomon]

Nice clean work! Bravo.

Wade

Thanks. You know what they say about "mother's", "inventions" and "necessity" ! :REOutArchery02: