Easier entry/exit from utility trailer

[JDgreen]

My aluminum utility trailer is the high-side type, to access the cargo area means either climbing on the trailer tongue and front toolbox, or lowering the 6 1/2 foot high rear gate. I kept trying to think of a way to build an easier method to get in and out...saw this aluminum RV ladder at a local Goodwill store for $5. The third picture shows it clamped to the side of the trailer with the part I cut off at the top right. I used part of the cut off section to build the two upper horizontal mounts.

I reinforced the entire interior of the aluminum ladder with 1/2 inch steel EMT pipe, and the two top mounts are attached to the trailer with 8 inch long quarter-inch threaded rod. The lower section required only drilling a pair of 1/4 inch holes for carriage bolts. Climbing in and out is much easier now.

 

[reynoldston]

Just bought the same style aluminum utility trailer myself and see what you mean by getting in and out of it. Not only do I like your ladder idea but also the wooden boards you have along the lower edges.

 

[JDgreen]

Just bought the same style aluminum utility trailer myself and see what you mean by getting in and out of it. Not only do I like your ladder idea but also the wooden boards you have along the lower edges.

Thanks...the trailer as delivered had a 3 board side, one at bottom, one at the top rail, and one in the center. I added a fourth board to close up the gap between the middle and lower ones. Also made the wood tailgate myself, will post a pic of that if I still have them.

 

[JDgreen]

Just bought the same style aluminum utility trailer myself and see what you mean by getting in and out of it. Not only do I like your ladder idea but also the wooden boards you have along the lower edges.

This was my original idea for the steps, yes, it is a cut down aluminum ladder section !!!!

 

[LandN]

NICE JD,did you check the angle so the ladder won't get hung up when crossing an irregular bit of terrain like a steep entrance or exit. at least thats what i see in pick#2, otherwise nice nice trailor

 

[reynoldston]

Both ladder ideas look good. I will just have to experiment like you did. Mine just has the aluminum side racks. I hauled some mulch and just wired some chip board on the racks. This worked OK for just a small job. I like the boards you have in yours and in that way I could just keep then there all the time, My tail gate is a lot different then yours, its a bi-fold and a lot more open in the back. I had to throw a tarp over the mulch. As far as pictures go I never tryed it yet so I don't know if I know how to do it. I am sure I will mess it up.

 

[JDgreen]

NICE JD,did you check the angle so the ladder won't get hung up when crossing an irregular bit of terrain like a steep entrance or exit. at least thats what i see in pick#2, otherwise nice nice trailor

Thanks for observation, the pic makes it look lower than the bottom edge of the tailgate but in reality they are the same distance from the ground.

The wood gate I made is 5/4 decking and wood railing spindles and keeps cargo from going thru the OEM gate, and if you place it atop the lowered OEM gate it makes a handy walk ramp.