Autohome Airtop Ladder Upgrade
- Thread starter HudsonZRoamer
- Start date
DSC06263
Westy
Adventurer
Yes - Xtend & Climb 750P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type II Home Series, 8.5-Foot
I've been using this ladder for awhile now, its far superior in every way and you'll find it much easier to stowe in the truck.
I've been using this ladder for awhile now, its far superior in every way and you'll find it much easier to stowe in the truck.
outdoornate65
Adventurer
The ladders are certainly the weak point in the Autohome RTT lineup.
I had an Autohome Maggi for a bit and was always fearful of the ladder failing every time I climbed my fat ass up into the tent.
Maybe they are designed for smaller European humans but they need to offer a better option for robust Overlanders.
I had an Autohome Maggi for a bit and was always fearful of the ladder failing every time I climbed my fat ass up into the tent.
Maybe they are designed for smaller European humans but they need to offer a better option for robust Overlanders.
You know, I was admiring my buddy's telescoping ladder with the ability to attach to the sides of a RTTs . It's made by iKamper and they made the steps rounded so that you can use bare feet to climb! They sell it on their website, under accessories. I'm hoping it's much lighter than my Xtend ladder which is too tall for this application. You'd have to make some kind of attachment dealio on the side of your RTT but that's easy, unless iKamper sells that too.
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
Awesome thanks for that. Curious how you attached it to the Autohome tent? You have a pic?
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
Pretty much my situation, although my lady is small and short and she still flexes the hell out of that little thin ladder. I can see it snapping one night and not being able to enter the tent safely. Blows my mind their ladders are this bad considering how well made their RTTs are.
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
I will def take a look on iKamper site, thank you. Any ideas how you would make the attachment for the ikamper ladder to use on the Autohome tents?
I think it's pretty trivial from what I recall. I don't own an iKamper but let me see if I can ask my buddy to snap a pic. But, drilling some holes and pop rivets oughta do ya!
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
Does the ladder come with a bracket as well to mount on your RTT?
Scat Adams
Observer
I have a Maggiolina and my one complaint was the ladder as well. I went with the telescopic one below because it has hooks on the end so it won't fall left or right, similar to the Autohome design. It's been a huge upgrade and still fits inside the tent when its collapsed. Little heavy but it worth the weight imo.
Telescopic Ladder
Cheers,
Telescopic Ladder
Cheers,
Westy
Adventurer
I've never had a need to attach it. It leans up perfect against the aluminum frame on the tent and adjacent to the gutter clamp for the crossbar. I've thought about making a quick removable attachment such as a velcro strap or something but its never been an issue. The ladder is solid, heavy and stays in place very well.
Another bonus is that I recall previously when I had the Maggiolina style ladder, sometimes if the ground was several inches lower where the ladder sat vs truck it made for too steep of a ladder angle and or the ladder would be right up against the truck. Never a problem with the Xtend 750P ladder.
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
Thanks for your feedback that helps me to move forward with a decision to just try one out. I think Im going to go with another one I found on amazon thats slightly cheaper, but good reviews. If it stinks I can just return it and buy the one you have. I may create some kind of bungee setup to at least somewhat secure the ladder to my roof rack while in use. Here is the other ladder I found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LFB6X5...colid=76S7OPC3E3JQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Scat Adams
Observer
Get the one with the hooks! Can’t stress that enough, makes it 10x more secure than just leaning it but just my .02cents
HudsonZRoamer
Observer
Do you feel the hooks are strong enough when attaches to the side of the RTT? I saw some reviews stating these hooks are actually a weak point.
Scat Adams
Observer
Yes, they are very strong. I camped for 2 months straight with this ladder and never had an issue.