Step stools for roof access

what are you guys using to get up to your roof racks? Did a search and couldn’t find much.

Lots of options on Amazon and harbor freight. Just curious if there is a tacomaworld favorite given all the roof mounted gear and racks people use.

Figure either get a step tool box, or a folding step stool.

SSR-20 20" Step 'N Stor, Red

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002WN1S3G/

 

I have a 4’ step stool I use when polishing my windshield and roof.

I am not 7’ tall so I need something larger than a little stool.

 

I have one of these aluminum work platforms. They frequently go on sale for $30

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla...-with-300-lbs-Load-Capacity-GLWP-47/305590237

I like it better than a step-ladder because you can walk along it if you're waxing the top or something. It's stable and light but folds up pretty compact. Also useful around the garage/house and can act as a makeshift table or seating bench.

 

I think on Black Friday they were even $25 or $20 I use mine all the time as a bench or step ladder or tool tray!

 

I really like that longer bench setup. Was kind cringing at the thought of having to move the stool around.

May still pick up one of those toolbox steps as well.

Curious what else you guys like...

 

I use a step stool from Harbor Freight. As it does not have a motor, or engine it is a good HF product.

 

*cough* sliders... *cough*

2 birds, 1 stone, doesn't add something always taking up space in the truck.

 

Nothing like a $1,000 solution to a $20 problem.

That said, I’ve thought about Nerf bars (I don’t 4x4...) but I’ve never liked how they look on these trucks.

 

In fairness, sliders might be a little overkill depending on what your truck's use case is. But I hope you know what I was trying to say.

 

5 ft al. step ladder. Works fine for me.

 

Sliders are pricey, but I can’t count how many times I’ve use them to climb all over my truck. Or opening the door and standing on the plastic sill.

 

Yep, am entertaining the gtek plates for exactly this reason. Hoping they provide a bit more of a perch. Doesn’t help me with the aft load bar, which is further back.

Any of you guys like those tire mounted steps?

Edit - to be clear, my roof rack is on the shell, not the cab.

 

I just stand on the tire. Or use the tire to get up to the top of the bed rail.

 

Another member posted this a while back and I saved it to my Amazon cart. Haven’t decided for myself whether it is better than a small step stool or not. Other than the compact size for storage and working better on uneven ground, I’m thinking a step stool is more practical.

$55 Heininger HitchMate 4040 TireStep

https://www.amazon.com/Heininger-4040-HitchMate-TireStep/dp/B0002Z9KE0

 

@CorpsTaco yep, that’s what I was referencing. Was curious if these actually work well or if a standalone stool is better served.

Need something stable to yank on straps with two hands. Stuff like that. In that situation, this would be more stable than a stool.

 

Tried one of those once and threw it away so it would not hurt anyone. Dang near died trying to keep from ending up on my backside.

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla...ickid=W56zNeWKQQSqXivVPh2:s0cZUkgRzS1:Py47yU0

$10 at Home Depot

 

I'd be afraid I'd leave it on my wheel and try to drive off.

Also, my shins have enough scars from mountain biking. I don't need more.

 

Before we use your experience as a negative mark on the over the wheel step, were you drunk?!

Haha, I’ve almost busted my ass because of many things drunk, luckily I’ve only thrown away or damaged a few things based on that.

 

Agree. My favorite piece of camping gear!