Roof Basket & Ladder Question

CharlieB

Does anyone in the group carry a small ladder - like a stepladder or telescoping ladder - when you camp? We recently added a Yakima roof basket to our 2021 320S Boondock, and the top of the basket is out of my reach - which makes it hard to tie things down securely. It occurred to me that a small ladder might help. Has anyone else run into this problem? If you have, what do you do?

rfuss928

I use a "wheel step" to help with the SUV roof top rack.  Maybe this would work for you.  I folds up very compact.

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https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W41039-Non-slip-Service/dp/B00291AXUU/ref=asc_df_B00291AXUU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312271502775&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16392902560953897975&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005669&hvtargid=pla-552078948713&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61916341373&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312271502775&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16392902560953897975&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005669&hvtargid=pla-552078948713

Verna

A bit on the pricy side, but I will guarantee you, this ladder is strong. I’ve been using it all afternoon installing smoke detectors and it is lightweight, but very sturdy. I “borrowed” it from my camping equipment because it takes up so little room, is lighter and is very sturdy. 

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07LGP973N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_4YY0YBF9T2BDC29PWJRT

4ncar

I just use a folding step stool like this one:    
AG Folding Step Stool - The Lightweight Step Stool is Sturdy Enough to Support Adults and Safe Enough for Kids. Opens Easy with One Flip. Great for$15.77Amazon.com

Dalehelman

I found a 3 step ladder that folds very flat. I have it secured underneath the rear of the trailer. Where the spare tire was originally. Totally out of sight. On some occasions may bring a 10’  telescoping one

MuttonChops

CharlieB said:

Does anyone in the group carry a small ladder - like a stepladder or telescoping ladder -

I've got a 3-step 'inside home painter' ladder I sometimes carry (pick -up truck) in the hot weather season to help placing a 50% sun shade over the T@B roof, it drops the inside temperature a good 5F.

CharlieB said:

Yakima roof basket to our 2021 320S Boondock, . . .

Pictures?  Explain . . . is this something in addition to the Boondock spare tire rack ?

Marceline

I bring one like this when I put the Yakima box on the roof. 
https://amzn.to/3l8EBE4
Pro tip: The Yakima boatloader can be used to get a long box onto the roof. 
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Yakima/Y04085.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7fy6wvar7wIVExmtBh25pg57EAAYASAAEgKNQ_D_BwE

luv2travel

I just bought this- portable, but is very sturdy.  I carry a sea kayak and sometimes the Yakima SpaceBooster case (casket).  https://www.amazon.com/Rightline-Gear-100660-Original-Shark/dp/B07JMTVP9N

kbeh

@luv2travel where do you hook it on the trailer?

CharlieRN

I use an inexpensive cargo carrier bag. A ladder is needed only before hitting the road, to attach the bag to the basket carrier (zipped side facing down). Once in place, items can then be loaded into the bag relatively easily from ground level. I made a frame out of leftover 1/2" pvc tubing that keeps the bag's bottom spread out, making loading somewhat easier.

We put lighter items in it such as our camp chairs and table, the awning, and quite a few miscellaneous items. All can be loaded from ground level, obviating the need for a ladder. We do bring a folding step stool along, but that's really to get the awning in place.