Good ladder to take along?

[Iowa Dave]

Should have saved a small piece of crust and filling and sent it in for a DNA analysis.
Iowa Dave

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

Our undercarriage spray insulation precludes me from copying his carry tube mount, but I'm contemplating other carry options.

I'm not sure what your rear bumper configuration is but on my 19 I was able to install a tube above the bumper brackets and between the spare tire and the shell.

I use mine to store misc. aluminum tubes but a ladder would probably fit.

Ron

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

Take a look at my 21 Trailer Modifications page (Scroll down for the ladder storage).

I have borrowed Jon’s storage idea using a 5 inch vinyl fence post. The post was not easy to find up here. I was able to position the post between the sewer storage tube and the rear stabilizers. We do have the spray foam underneath, so I had to carve and smooth out a space for the tube. I did not have to use the wood blocks that Jon did, the tube sits right below the frame. It is held in place with two modified Simpson Strong Tie straps. I figure if the ties are sufficient to strengthen a building during an earthquake, they are able to hold up a ladder. I also modified the end caps and added a lock to each one.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by Chris R

... I also modified the end caps and added a lock to each one.

So how did you rig the lock to secure the end cap in place? What's internal within the square tubing for what kind of locking mechanism to grab a hold of?

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

So how did you rig the lock to secure the end cap in place? What's internal within the square tubing for what kind of locking mechanism to grab a hold of?

The lock relies on a your standard non-rotating lock mechanism, same ones as on the hatch covers or you can get ones that are keyed differently. I used a Dremel to make the hole in the centre of the plastic cap, the hole must fit the shape of the lock, i.e. straight sides.
I cut a piece from sheet steel that fits inside the cap and a hole for the lock, this piece is bent to fit the shape of the cap.
The locking bar is 1 x 1/8 steel bar stock cut to fit into the end of the lock and engage the stops in the end of the storage tube.
Once the cap, lock, metal plate and locking bar are tightened together, the key should be able to turn the bar to 45 degrees when placing the cap onto the end of the tube, then straighten to engage the stops.
The stops are ¼ x 1/2 inch aluminum bars pop riveted just inside the top and bottom of the tube.
Black paint is optional.

[Chris R]

Forgot to show the straps. As mentioned, used two Simpson StrongTie straps, they come in different lengths. I cut and bent them to fit around the tube and secured them to the tube with a couple of small bolts with locking nuts and self tapping screws into the frame.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I'm not sure what your rear bumper configuration is but on my 19 I was able to install a tube above the bumper brackets and between the spare tire and the shell.

I use mine to store misc. aluminum tubes but a ladder would probably fit.

Ron

Looks like an HF tuner on the bumper...

[Mike Lewis]

Last year I bought one of those lengthwise folding ladders like Jon and others have. I intend to mount a container for it, either a pipe or vinyl fence post, on my trailer. But I would like to mount the container near the front of the trailer, possibly just in front of the stabilizer jacks, because I need more tongue weight when towing. Is there any reason why I shouldn't do this?

BTW- if you're thinking about buying one of these ladders, make sure you lock down the levers at the bottom after folding it out, otherwise you'll go on a stilt-dance across the parking lot like I did.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Looks like an HF tuner on the bumper...

No, it's just a telco box with my TV signal strength meter in it.
Mike's the ham.

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Is there any reason why I shouldn't do this?

BTW- if you're thinking about buying one of these ladders, make sure you lock down the levers at the bottom after folding it out, otherwise you'll go on a stilt-dance across the parking lot like I did.

I usually get down and look at situations like that and try and visulize any possible interactions. I think the chances are good that it'd be a suitable place for a tube.

I can sort of visulize your stilt walk. Too bad no one got it on video.

BTW, here's photos of the grommets that I use when I what to make a port for extra wires and cables. It allows for expansion when changing or adding wiring You can slit the sleeve to allow a large connector through and they're easy to seal up afterwards. These came from a car firewall. I don't know if they're available as new grommets.

Ron

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

BTW, here's photos of the grommets that I use when I what to make a port for extra wires and cables. It allows for expansion when changing or adding wiring You can slit the sleeve to allow a large connector through and they're easy to seal up afterwards. These came from a car firewall. I don't know if they're available as new grommets.

Ron

Thanks for the photos. I have a friend who is a car mechanic so maybe he can get me some if I don't find them at auto stores.

So many mods, so little time...