DIY - M37 Boarding Ladder

GregL · Post by **GregL** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:58 pm

Here are plans and pictures for building a wooden boarding ladder for the M37. The metal ones I've seen are a little pricy, while this one can be built with 2 2x6's, a few lag bolts, and some paint! The groove on the top tread is to fit over a metal lip on my tailgate (don't know if all trucks have this lip). I haven't painted it yet, but I've got the anti-slip compound on the treads and bottom. The lag bolts (which aren't on the drawing) are to strengthen the wo[/size]oden lip.

Plans in PDF form:
http://www.gregloskorn.com/m37/m37_ladd ... ladder.pdf

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 2:53 am

Nice idea, Greg.

I think I'd prefer to have more of an angle to it, though. Yours seems almost vertical, which might make it hard for some potential senior citizen passengers to board your truck.

The angle you made the slot for is not stock. Don't know why it might have been added, but it will keep your ladder from slipping.

GregL · Post by **GregL** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:53 am

Good tip Lifer, thanks. I haven't used this thing yet, but it does look a little steep. Maybe I'll use this as the prototype. I feel version 2 coming on...

Nickathome · Post by **Nickathome** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 5:46 am

I was gonna say the same thing as Lifer, that angle piece isn't stock, but does appear to do a good job of holding the ladder in place. Nice looking ladder BTw.

I bought a boarding ladder last year at the Gilbert Pa show. Paid $40.00. Tried it out on my F150's tailgate and proceeded to scratch this crap out of it. I'd suggest using some rubber material glued into the slots of the ladder before anyone uses theirs the way I did.

rixm37 · Post by **rixm37** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:48 am

Hey Greg nice job I like to see how new things are made up for use on the trucks. It's like those cool drawers for the tool box in the bed. Nice job. Ya maybe a little steep, but nice job!! How about a railing? I have taken some older people in the truck including my mother and a removable railing would be a great addition to your ladder.

M37UK · Post by **M37UK** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:27 am

Does anyone have any photos of what the stock ladder looks like?

I like the idea, good work !!

Stu