A Complete Guide to Van Ladders (and How to Install One)
- Shane Monks O'Byrne
- Aug 15, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 21
A van ladder can be a useful addition to your van conversion, especially if you drive a tall van. In our Roaming Home 2023 study, we found that 20% of van conversions had a ladder. I use mine frequently in the winter to clear snow off the solar panels. A ladder is also necessary for accessing a roof rack and is useful when cleaning the roof, performing solar panel maintenance, or accessing a rooftop sun deck. In this guide, we will look at the installation of back door van ladders, side ladders, Prime Design ladders, and portable ladders.
Index
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional and NCC-certified electrical installer. Since 2020, he’s lived on the road full-time, completing several van builds along the way. He’s the author of Roaming Home and the creator of The Van Conversion Course, which have helped thousands build their own vans. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares hands-on tips and practical insights. He’s passionate about empowering others to make their vanlife dreams reality.
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Supplies List
 | Your chosen rear or side-mounted ladder |
 | For driving and drilling |
 | Heavy duty nuts & bolts (M6 minimum) For fixing your ladder in place |
 | For driving nuts & bolts |
 | For protecting bare metal from rust |
 | Sikaflex 522 sealant For adhering surfaces together and forming a watertight seal |
A Word on Portable Van Ladders
Before we hop into fixed van ladders, I want to bring your attention to the portable, collapsible van ladder. This is a far simpler solution that is simply stowed away when not in use. They're definitely worth considering before committing to a fixed ladder.
Back Door Ladders
The first van ladder installation we will look at is the back door ladder. Back door ladders like these are permanent installations that require drilling bolts through the van’s exterior. They're attractive as they sit at the back of your van and don't get caught on obstacles or contribute to drag.
Step 1: Mark the pilot holes
Place the van ladder against the back door and mark the four drill points with a pencil. We always like to drill pilot holes before drilling the final bolt holes, as it ensures we're being really precise. You're likely to be using M8-M10 sized bolts to secure your ladder, and drill bits of this size are big enough to wander quite a bit if you try to go straight into flat metal. Much better to drill out M4-sized pilot holes first with a drill bit that's small enough to not wander, then use these as guides for your bigger holes.
Step 2: Drill the pilot holes
Drill the pilot holes into each of the four marks.
Step 4: Drill out the full-sized holes using the pilot holes as guides
Step 3: Apply metal paint to the exposed metal to prevent rust
Ensure you clean all the metal shavings (swarf) before applying the metal paint.
Step 4: Attach the van ladder to the door
There should be foam and a metal backing plate that came with your new ladder. The foam is for shock absorption and for preventing any scratching to the van's metalwork. It also adds a waterproof seal. The metal backing plate is so that the weight of the van ladder is more evenly distributed, rather than solely hanging on the door.
When installed, these components should layer like this:
Put the van ladder up against the holes you've drilled door and tighten your bolt right through all those layers.
Tip: Before securing down the bolts, I applied some Sikaflex sealant to the outside of the pilot holes to bulletproof the watertight seal. Mastic tape would work just as well. Tighten your bolts good and tight using a spanner, though not so tight that they overly deform the rubber padding. Again, you'll likely need an assistant to hold the nuts in place from the inside whilst you tighten the bolts on the outside.
Once you've fixed the ladder to your van at the top and bottom, give your silicone sealant time to dry.
Once any silicone you've used has cured, test your installation for any looseness or rattling. Your van wall will flex as you put your weight on the ladder; this is normal. What you need to look out for is any bending or deformation that happens around the bolt holes and doesn't pop back to normal once you get off the ladder. If you see this, you've likely not tightened your bolts enough or used a backing plate that's too small.
Side Ladders
Side ladders like these are a popular alternative to a back door van ladder. They give a rugged, overlander look, and can be used even with your back doors open.
Installing a side ladder can actually be easier than a back ladder if you choose a model that mounts directly onto your van’s roof rails. Roof rails like these are a very useful van conversion addition, making for easy mounting of rigid solar panels or a roof rack. Once the roof rail is installed, the side ladder just slides into place.
How to Install a Roof Rail on a Van
Step 1: Remove the rubber plugs running down the length of the roof troughs or grooves. Heat up the plugs with a heat gun, then pry them out with a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers.
Step 2: Add a small blob of silicone sealant or a piece of mastic tape over each hole to create a watertight seal.
Step 3: Bolt down the roof rail to the roof. The washer and nut are tightened from the inside of the van.
Step 4: Finally, slide your side mounting ladder into your newly-installed roof rails.
Prime Design Ladders
Prime Design makes a back door ladder that requires no screws at all, instead using pressure clips on the top and bottom. These have become increasingly popular among van converters due to the simplicity of installation. Make sure you buy the ladder that matches your van's make and model.
Drill-free Mounting with Factory Hinge Bolts
The hinges where your rear doors mount to the van are sturdy mounting points, and certain ladders make use of these for installation. Simply unbolt the doors from the hinges, fit the ladder brackets to the bolts, and re-attach the doors. Aluminess' rear door ladders for Ford Transits, Mercedes Sprinters, and Ram Promasters are great examples of this type of ladder. They come with all the mounting hardware you need, as well as a detailed instruction manual.
Conclusion
A ladder is an excellent addition to a tall van, especially one with a roof rack or which gets snowed on frequently. Your next step might be the addition of other exterior components, like an awning or a spare wheel carrier.
Ladders are just one exterior accessory that adds functionality to your campervan. Check out our full article on exterior mods for more inspiration including roof decks, snorkels, and innovative rear door storage.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (we'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed. Shane also offers one-to-one consultations, where he'll help you with any aspect of your build in a face-to-face video call. All consultations come with a free copy of Roaming Home and our Diagram Pack.
Finally, our Van Conversion Ultimate Guide lays out the whole van conversion process in easy-to-follow sections with tools, materials, and step-by-step instructions. It's the perfect companion for your van build.
Until next time.
