How to get up on roof rack?

[radebaugh03]

Before laughing me off the forum, please give me some honest suggestions.
Just sold my trailer in order to condense space in the shop etc. Will be installing either a Rhino rack or Garvin Expedition to carry my kayak, Oz Tent and a few other camping items. Am concerned on how the heck do most of you that have these racks access the roof? Sliding kayaks and Oz Tents up and over the edge is one thing, but is it now presumed I must get on the roof to secure the loads! Ladders, step stools? Tips please.
Hate to spend the big bucks without some tips on what experienced users do.
Thanks,
J.R.

 

[Fursphere]

Rock rails with a bar that acts as a step. Also standing on the tires.

Let me find a picture of my XJ loaded up.

 

[Fursphere]

Here's mine.

Kargo Master "Safari" roof rack. (I think its this rack: http://kmsafaristore.com/en/227-bushman-steel-basket-racks- )

I can fit three of these Plano cases straight across the top (and I think there is a room for a forth in the back turned the other way, but I only have three so haven't tested that). (This case: http://www.planomolding.com/hunting...-sportsman-heavy-duty-green-trunk-with-wheels )

I stand on the rock rails / step to get them on and off. Basically, plan to not overload them so you don't kill yourself getting them on and off. And they seem to keep the dust and rain out great. I hook a racket strap on one side of the rack, toss it over the cases, then walk around to the other side and secure it down to the other side. Its a little bit of a hassle, but only takes a few minutes. I thought about a ladder system, but the XJ just isn't that big of a vehicle. If it was a square body Suburban or something I'd probably explode a ladder more.

 

[jschmidt]

There is a folding step that fits over the tires. https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Stairs-and-Steps/Powerbuilt/ALL647596.html

 

[MagicMtnDan]

If you're driving a Wrangler (didn't see what vehicle you drive) you can look at adding these in addition to rock sliders that can function as side steps...


http://www.quadratec.com/products/1...zi7rdCuUP655ZE4YRLYdewYvH09pdFxyT8aApXR8P8HAQ

 

[radebaugh03]

I drive a 2014 JKU Rubicon. The bolt on steps look like they would help.
Would need a set just for rear doors as the rhino rack only goes forward to Freedom top anyway.
Gotta go look at JKU the garage and imagine if I could raise the old leg up to that step without standing on a wider side rail (that I do not have).
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Fursphere]

Not sure I'd want the door hinges supporting ~250 lbs of me + whatever gear I'm loading / unloading at the time.

Folding ladder maybe? http://www.autoanything.com/roof-racks/69A6019A0A0.aspx

 

[SilicaRich]

You could fabricate your own ladder? I feel like door hinge steps seem to a be major convenience for those that add them, know a guy that continues to say they might be his favorite mod on his Jeep.

I use my Gobi's ladder or hop on my side steps and swing myself up on top.

 

[Coachgeo]

this should launch you up on top easily. :coffeedrink:

First pass - Rudi in Back out (2 1/2 twisting double front) to Miller (triple twist double backward flip)

 

[MagicMtnDan]

You could try a sky hook...

:wings:

 

[Kevin108]

Depends on the rig. Rear ladders are most common, but side ladders are available too. I carry a telescoping ladder when we camp. It packs up small and is nice for reaching stuff sometimes. They start around $35 on Amazon. https://amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AQ2CC2Q

 

[radebaugh03]

Depends on the rig. Rear ladders are most common, but side ladders are available too. I carry a telescoping ladder when we camp. It packs up small and is nice for reaching stuff sometimes. They start around $35 on Amazon. https://amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AQ2CC2Q

Oh yeah, I like this idea. Did not know they even existed. Looks like it could easily strap on the spare tire under the Trasharoo perhaps..
Thanks a bunch for this one!

 

[mudhoneyandthenips]

Rhino rack makes a fold up ladder that hooks to the rack and rest on tire. I use it to get surfboards etc on roof.

http://www.rhinorack.com/products/ladders-steps/folding-ladder/rhino-folding-ladder_rfl

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Coachgeo]

If you're driving a Wrangler (didn't see what vehicle you drive) you can look at adding these in addition to rock sliders that can function as side steps...


http://www.quadratec.com/products/1...zi7rdCuUP655ZE4YRLYdewYvH09pdFxyT8aApXR8P8HAQ

hmmm. two or three pair of these on a single pole running down back of rig .. each foot peg folds away.. might need only 4 pegs staggerd up two sides opposit of each other (about 30$ pair) or non folding axle ones at about 6$ per pair hmmm

 

[PCO6]

I just picked up one of these at Princess Auto for $40 and it works great. The platform is 12"x16" and it folds flat for easy storage. I have it at the second lowest setting so it could handle larger tires than the 245/75/16's I currently have on my XJ.