My main goal was to find a safe alternative for the mantis claw (the $200 piece that attaches the ladder to the camper). Though the mantis claw is a remarkable piece of GFC engineering, I’d personally rather put money elsewhere for now.
A trip to the hardware store generated some inspiration. It’s not quite as visually appealing as the mantis claw but seems very sturdy. It also helps that the bike hooks have rubber coating to prevent marking up the camper.
I’m quite happy with an approx. $10 solution and curious whether anyone else has attempted anything similar…
I ordered a few different ladders off amazon because I wasn’t sure which one would be compatible with the mantis claw. They all were. They were all made the same.
The old V1 and the one listed for superlight had a curved lip that just slides over the extrusion. Simple and functional. No need for hardware, it can go anywhere and works when the truck is leveled on a hill and the ground is sloped. What is the benefit of being clipped into one point at a particular angle?
My ladder didn’t come with a lip- just the option to add the mantis claw, which I declined. I probably would have made due with it if it had the lip.
Without any modification the ladder was very unstable and quite scary in the dark for the family. The mantis claw (or bike hook hack above) simply secures the ladder laterally and allows a more vertical position that is gentler on the feet.
I was able to pick up an 8.5 foot ladder at Overland Expo East 2019 for $40. I took a pieces of 1/8" flat aluminum and a pieces of aluminum angle to create mounts. Total cost under $70.
Is the only option for Angled steps the iKamper ladder? Has anyone tried the new Alucab 3 ladder?
I think the issue with the iKamper is the mounting, there isn’t a good way to mount it to the GFC that is available for purchase easily. Or can we use the mantis claw with ikamper’s ladder?
I tried the straight cut ladder (the GFC one specifically) and yeah…it’s super uncomfortable. Looking for an alternative angled one now.
I think I’m going to order the new 3.1 Alu-cab ladder and will report back, once it comes in. Almost the same price as the GFC ladder, but with angled steps and it’s all black. The mounting system looks like it would work with the GFC as well, using the GFC t nuts.
Nevermind - went with the mt hood ladder, with the mounting kit. CVT currently has a 20% code for everything on their website right now. Total was $150 shipped - no brainer.
