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or_550i
Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): 1984 280GE Europa, 2003 G500
Posts: 264
| Ladder is finally mounted!
Finally got my ladder mounted (where it belongs):
What an absolute prefect idea with terrible quality control or verification of actual functionality.
First problem:
The top of the ladder is raked to "match" the slope of the rain gutter. In theory I'm sure this made sense. In practice it's the stupidest design idea. It'd have been easier to move the mount 1.5" to the left where there's no slope to contend with.
The slope simply amplifies how poorly it makes contact with the rain gutter:
The second problem with the ladder is the top mount mounting block. You have to use a big c-clamp and a wood block to press it uptight against the bottom of the rain gutter. Did I mention about the rake on the top mount of the ladder? Well the underside mounting block is also raked.
Why wouldn't you just have those two allen screws counter sunk in the block with a solid bar to press against? It's not like there's any more risk of scratching the hell out of your paint then having to use a block of wood and a clamp.
The third problem is the under bumper mount. It's under sized for the lateral weight from an average person. It needs to extend about another inch beyond where it bolts to the bumper carrier and a perpendicular bar needs to be added to act like a brace to prevent it from moving (like an I-bean). The side to side movement is enough that the sides of the rectangular indicator signal box will hit the body.
The fourth problem is that the paint is not very durable. If you look at it wrong it'll chip off.
I ended up spending 4 hours bending the ladder to fit better. I had to bend it inwards about 1.5" and fiddle with the sloped edge of the top of the ladder. FPITA.
Here are the install instructions if anyone is curious.
For anyone that's looking at getting a ladder I would *highly* suggest the front runner spare wheel step instead. It's cheaper, easier to install, and works just as well.
Edited by or_550i 8/2/2015 10:03 PM
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ekapel
Member
Date registered: May 2007
Location: Bend, OR
Vehicle(s): 2007 G500
Posts: 14
| RE: Ladder is finally mounted!
I ordered this ladder from Karl at G-wagenaccessories last spring and had it mounted
in approx. 2 hours. I am not mechanically inclined so I took my time and thought out each step
following the supplied instructions. I am very satisfied with the ladder and find it of high quality!
EDIT: Photo removed to be resized. |
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gbenzer
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 2007 G-500, 2017 Audi Q7
Posts: 418
| RE: Ladder is finally mounted!
I'm sorry you are having problems with your ladder. I've installed about a half dozen of his products and all were absolutely top notch quality. When I took my G in to MB dealer for service the service manager, when I picked up my G, asked "Where did you get that rear bumper? We can't find the MB part number on it." The finish, overall quality and appropriate bulk for strength and design was spot on for all of his products. He is a gentleman and I'm sure he would like an opportunity to correct any deficiencies.
Burch |
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ekapel
Member
Date registered: May 2007
Location: Bend, OR
Vehicle(s): 2007 G500
Posts: 14
| RE: Ladder is finally mounted!
here is a photo of my ladder.
 (IMG_0032-3.JPG)
Attachments
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 IMG_0032-3.JPG (122KB - 4 downloads)
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or_550i
Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): 1984 280GE Europa, 2003 G500
Posts: 264
| RE: Ladder is finally mounted!
ekapel - 8/3/2015 7:50 PM
here is a photo of my ladder.
Even in this photo you can see the top mount is raked and the entire top is not flush. I'll be willing to bet your ladder moves a lot... But hey, if you're happy with it, great! |
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JKG500
Member
Date registered: Mar 2016
Location: Miami, FL
Vehicle(s): 2004 G500
Posts: 24
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
I am about to order one of the Gwagon accessories ladders and also the backup light.
Any recent concerns re installation? Are they firm once mounted or will it rattle? Besides actual size, are there any major differences between the Two backup lights? I need to get the wiring harness too.
Thanks |
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burqueDOKA
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Vehicle(s): 1550L37Doka, 404 ROCKMOG, '00 G500
Posts: 622
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
The review by the OP, I believe was shrouded in user error and lack of mechanical ability. I have had a gwagenaccesories ladder for several years now and I absolutely love it. Very sturdy, I actually use the thing for its intended purpose a lot, it is solid and looks factory.
To the OP...
Do our small community of vendors and producers a favor and contact them for a consultation before you go attempt to smear their reputation!
Edited by burqueDOKA 12/26/2016 3:09 PM
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koly
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500
Posts: 823
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
Karl's products are exceptional, and, pardon the pun, his ladder is no exception!
Follow the instructions and it fits perfectly.
Apologies to the OP, but countless P3 members have ordered and installed that ladder w/out issue, and Karl will always make a correction if need be. For example, when I ordered his spare tire cover, and, in my error, didn't inform him that my spare had a different offset than factory. He sent me the correct length screws once I discovered my error and asked him for help. |
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or_550i
Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): 1984 280GE Europa, 2003 G500
Posts: 264
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
koly - 12/27/2016 4:17 PM
Karl's products are exceptional, and, pardon the pun, his ladder is no exception!
Follow the instructions and it fits perfectly.
Apologies to the OP, but countless P3 members have ordered and installed that ladder w/out issue, and Karl will always make a correction if need be. For example, when I ordered his spare tire cover, and, in my error, didn't inform him that my spare had a different offset than factory. He sent me the correct length screws once I discovered my error and asked him for help.
Yup, followed the instructions. The angle on the top where it hooks over the rain gutter has the wrong slope/angle/rake and didn't match the rain gutter. Also the foam padding is a little cheesy as a pad to protect the body.
The hole for running cable wasn't even large enough for RG58 and way too small for LMR400. The list goes on now that it's been on the truck for a while.
Karl's other products, like the VTS-7156, are great and are well designed. I was simply frustrated with the quality of the ladder for the cost and the hassle of install compared to other products.
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bimmerc
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2009
Location: Alta, Norway
Vehicle(s): 1992 300GE swb Portals, 85 300GD STT Cab swb
Posts: 102
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
Hi,
Sorry for your trouble with the ladder. Could you please place a photo of the ladder where you mounted it to the rain gutter. Illustrations says more than words and I am sure people would like to see how you modified it to fit your installation. |
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brabus g36
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2006
Location: Canada
Vehicle(s): 89 230GE cabrio, 88 280GE LWB, 87 300GD pickup
Posts: 608
| Re: Ladder is finally mounted!
look at this link. Surely there are some pics that could help you
https://richardrussell.smugmug.com/Gwagen/G500-Ladder/ |
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