PVC Door Jam Step to access solar panels?

[pjay]

Anyone got or use one of these steps or similar and are they strong enough?

The theory is to fit them onto the front cab doors and the midway slider on my PVC when needed so I can gain access to both of my roof mounted solar panels and keep them clean while we are away travelling...

Car Door Step, Foot Pedal, Latch Hook, Easy Access Roof, Safety, SUV Van Truck | eBay

Quick & easy to access the roof to load roof boxes or roof bars & cleaning the roof of your vehicle. Car door step for easy roof access. This item works by attaching to your car door strike plate and resting against the car.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Lenny HB]

I wouldn't want to trust that and I'm only 75kg.
Can't you do it via a rooflight if not do what I do and carry a telescopic ladder.

 

[pappajohn]

Regardless of what the manufacturer says, they will dent the metal panel unless you put a steel plate between the panel and lower foot.

 

[pjay]

I wouldn't want to trust that and I'm only 75kg.
Can't you do it via a rooflight if not do what I do and carry a telescopic ladder.

That one has a 250lb limit, which is about 113kg, i'm about 90kgs. There are other ones that claim a 200kg weight limit on fleabay.
I don't really have room for a telescopic ladder, its just about doable through the small rooflights but a right fiddle, these seem ideal if they are strong enough.

 

[Tombola]

Nice Innovative idea but where do we find out if our door latch can take the "up to" 250 lb
Im over that so will pass anyway, but as Lenny says, I wouldnt want to trust it. I also carry a telescopic ladder.

if you are under you can always give it a go and feed back here
already looks on a steep slant here too, Id slot a piece of wood behind that to pack it out level

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[Nanniemate]

looks iffy to me and read the disclaimer ....they dont seem over confident in the item

 

[pjay]

Nice Innovative idea but where do we find out if our door latch can take the "up to" 250 lb
Im over that so will pass anyway, but as Lenny says, I wouldnt want to trust it. I also carry a telescopic ladder.

if you are under you can always give it a go and feed back here
already looks on a steep slant here too, Id slot a piece of wood behind that to pack it out level

Undecided so far, I was hoping someone had already tried one and said they work fine....

 

[donkey]

looks iffy to me and read the disclaimer ....they dont seem over confident in the item

I agree, the seller has all sorts of doubts as to its suitability. As for checking your vehicle manual to find out if it is suitable, that's just a ridiculous suggestion.

Geoff

 

[pjay]

Theres a snazzier one for more money, but even that one only has a 250lb limit and a big disclaimer in the info....

Car SUV Van Truck Door Step, Foot Stand Pedal, Latch Hook, Easy Safe Roof Access | eBay

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I'm gradually going off the idea.

 

[Lenny HB]

I didn't reliase it was aluminum I thought it was plastic. So probably strong enough but what risk to putting a dent in the bodywork and if it pulled the latch bar out of position you are stuffed. Don't think I would risk it unless you can find a child to send up there.

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[Mark and Mindy]

That one has a 250lb limit, which is about 113kg, i'm about 90kgs. There are other ones that claim a 200kg weight limit on fleabay.
I don't really have room for a telescopic ladder, its just about doable through the small rooflights but a right fiddle, these seem ideal if they are strong enough.

The device may have a 200 Kg limit but it looks like it has come off some hobbyist 3D printer produced in a kids bedroom.

The greatest concern is if the van door latch and even the steel skin of the van construction can take a levered shear force which it was not designed for. If that door catch gets bent out of alignment then there is no way to close the van door.

 

[Lenny HB]

The device may have a 200 Kg limit but it looks like it has come off some hobbyist 3D printer produced in a kids bedroom.

When I looked at it again found out it's aluminum.

 

[Nanniemate]

I didn't reliase it was aluminum I thought it was plastic. So probably strong enough but what risk to putting a dent in the bodywork and if it pulled the latch bar out of position you are stuffed. Don't think I would risk it unless you can find a child to send up there.

if you are going to use a small child why bother just bung them up the ladder

 

[pjay]

Thats it then, idea binned.

I shall stick to being a contortionist and stick my trusty Telescopic squeegee through the the rooflights with double jointed limbs to clean them...

Thanks for all your advice.

Pete

 

[Lenny HB]

if you are going to use a small child why bother just bung them up the ladder

Or through the rooflight.

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[Nanniemate]

Or through the rooflight.

make sure they do not wet the furniture getting back down

 

[Badknee]

Undecided so far, I was hoping someone had already tried one and said they work fine....

He can’t post at the moment as he’s still in hospital in traction with multiple fractures.

 

[Badknee]

Thats it then, idea binned.

I shall stick to being a contortionist and stick my trusty Telescopic squeegee through the the rooflights with double jointed limbs to clean them...

View attachment 704002


Thanks for all your advice.

Pete

I can usually borrow a ladder from someone who has a damn site more room than I do.

 

[Tea Bag]

if you are going to use a small child why bother just bung them up the ladder

Hi.
Progress........ What happened to a " Leg and a WING ? "... Am i getting old ?
Tea Bag