If you use the roof of your van to carry cargo on roof bars or a roof rack - or if you just want to access it more easily - then fitting a rear door ladder to your van is a really sensible upgrade.
Why should I fit a rear door ladder to my van?
Whether you're a tradesperson who relies on their van daily, or you’re just looking for easier access to your van’s roof storage, a rear door ladder can massively improve your van's utility.
Not only does it make loading and unloading your roof cargo a breeze, but having a ladder to access your van’s roof is also much safer, reducing the risk of injury by providing secure and stable access to the van’s roof.
this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a rear door ladder to your van in a few simple steps.
With the right ladder, the right tools, and a little time, you can easily complete the installation yourself and make your van work harder for you.
What Tools and Materials Do I Need to Install a Roof Ladder on my Van?
Before you start, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials for the job. The good news is that van ladder kits from Rhino Commercial come with everything you need for assembly, including bolts, brackets, and other essential components. Make sure that you purchase a ladder made specifically for your van’s make and model to make sure that it’s safe and that the installation is a stress free experience.
You will also need some basic tools such as:
- Electric drill
- Masking tape and marker pen
- Measuring tape
- Spirit level
- Spanner or ratchet wrench set
- Safety goggles and gloves
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
If you want to install your new rear door ladder safely and securely onto your work van, follow this step-by-step guide!
Step 1: Preparation
The very first step is to choose the right ladder for your specific van model. Whether it's a Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or another make, it's essential to ensure compatibility and safety.
- Position your ladder: Hold the ladder in place against the rear door to decide where you want it to sit. The ladder should be centrally located, or positioned over the hinge side of the door for better support.
- Mark out your drilling points: Once you're happy with the ladder’s placement, use masking tape and a marker to mark the positions where the mounting brackets will be attached. This ensures you drill in exactly the right spots - you don’t want additional holes in your van!
- Measure, and measure again: You know the saying ‘measure twice, cut once’? Well it’s the same with making holes! Use a spirit level to double-check that the ladder is straight before moving on.
Step 2: Drilling the Holes
When you’ve decided where to place the ladder, checked it’s level and marked out its position, it’s time to drill the mounting holes. This requires precision and care, as drilling in the wrong place can obviously damage the van’s body.
- Select the right drill bit: Depending on your van’s bodywork, you may need a metal or multi-purpose drill bit. A good option for most work vans is a 5mm or 6mm bit.
- Safety first!: Put on your safety goggles and gloves before you start drilling to avoid injury to your eyes or hands. Carefully drill holes in the marked positions, making sure not to apply too much pressure; let the drill do the work.
- Check the alignment: After you have drilled the first hole, hold the ladder in place again to check that everything lines up correctly before drilling the next hole.
Step 3: Securing the Ladder
With the holes drilled it’s time to secure the ladder to your van’s rear door.
- Insert the bolts: Place the ladder in position and insert the provided bolts through the holes you’ve drilled and use a spanner or ratchet wrench to tighten the bolts securely. It’s important to use the right amount of torque to avoid over-tightening, which could damage the van’s door.
- Attach the brackets: Depending on the ladder kit you’ve purchased, you may also need to attach additional mounting brackets. Be sure to follow the specific instructions included with your ladder kit which should make this clear.
- Double-check it's secure: Once the ladder is bolted in place, give it a firm shake to ensure the bolts are fully secure; all the fastenings should be tight, with no wobbling or movement.
Step 4: Making Final Adjustments
Once secured, it’s time to make a few final adjustments to ensure everything is in perfect working order before you start using your new ladder.
- Check for stability: Test the ladder by carefully climbing up a few rungs to check for any wobbling or looseness. If there’s any sign of instability then re-tighten the bolts until the ladder feels secure. Better to be safe than sorry!
- Inspect the fixings: Make sure that all of the bolts and fixings are tightened evenly, and there are no loose components.
Tips for Maintaining Your New Rear Door Ladder
Once your rear door ladder is safely installed on your van, it’s important to keep it in good condition to ensure safety and longevity. Regular maintenance checks will help you get the most out of your ladder.
For example, over time, exposure to the elements can lead to rust or corrosion, especially on metal ladders. Be sure to check your ladder regularly for any signs of rust, and treat affected areas promptly to prevent further damage.
Complementary products such as roof racks or ladder clamps will increase the functionality of your van’s ladder. These accessories are available at Rhino Commercial, allowing you to securely store items like work ladders or long pipes on the roof of your van.
So What are you Waiting for?
Adding a rear door ladder to your work van is a practical way to improve your access to roof storage and by following our straightforward installation guide, you’ll be able to install your ladder quickly and safely.
Installing a rear door ladder not only makes loading and unloading your roof rack or roof bars easier as well as adding an extra level of safety.
With high-quality ladder kits available at Rhino Commercial, you can be sure that you’re getting a durable, reliable product which is made to last.
