A van ladder can be a very useful addition to your van conversion. I use mine frequently in the winter to clear snow off the solar panels. In this guide I will show you the simple approach to installing a ladder on your van! I'm Shane, I've been teaching people to convert campervans for many years, I'm the van conversion instructor at Udemy, author of The Van Conversion Newsletter, and the proud owner of a beautiful self-build campervan called Beans. So let's jump in and have a look at how to install a van ladder!
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Index
Note: Did you know that you can get a free electrical wiring diagram by signing up to The Van Conversion Newsletter 🙂
Supplies List 🛒
 | For driving and drilling |
 | Heavy duty nuts & bolts (M6 minimum) |
 | For nuts & bolts |
 | For protecting bear metal from rust |
 | |
 | Rear door ladder |
How to install a van ladder
1. Place the van ladder against the back door and mark the four drill points with a pencil
2. Drill pilot holes into each of the four points
3. Apply metal paint to the exposed metal to prevent rusting
Ensure you clean up the metal shavings too!
4. Attach the van ladder to the door
There should be foam and a metal backing plate that came with your new van ladder
The foam is for shock absorption and for preventing any scratching to the metal of the van. It also adds a waterproof seal to the van.
The metal backing plate is so that the weight of the van ladder is more evenly distributed, rather than solely hanging on the door.
In terms of layers, it should be: van ladder, foam, van door, foam, backing plate
So go ahead and put the van ladder up against the door and pop your bolt right through all those layers.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide to installing a van ladder useful! You are well on your way to a beautiful self-build campervan! Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Metalwork guides. Related articles include: Caravan water inlet socket installation, solar cable entry installation, Bulkhead removal.
If you're converting a van but unsure of how to do it, you could also check out the Van Conversion Course on Udemy. In the course, you'll learn directly from me how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!
Until next time,
Shane ✌️