A van ladder can be a useful addition to your van conversion, especially if you drive a tall van. In our Roaming Home 2023 study, we found that 20% of van conversions had a ladder. I use mine frequently in the winter to clear snow off the solar panels. A ladder is also necessary for accessing a roof rack and is useful when cleaning the roof, performing solar panel maintenance, or accessing a rooftop sun deck. In this guide, we will look at the installation of backdoor van ladders, side ladders, Prime Design ladders, and portable ladders.
Index
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He has authored Roaming Home, and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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Supplies List
 | Your chosen rear or side-mounted ladder |
 | For driving and drilling |
 | Heavy duty nuts & bolts (M6 minimum) For fixing your ladder in place |
 | For driving nuts & bolts |
 | For protecting bare metal from rust |
 | Sikaflex 522 sealant For adhering surfaces together and forming a watertight seal |
A Word on Portable Van Ladders
Before we hop into fixed van ladders, I want to bring your attention to the portable, collapsible van ladder. This is a far simpler solution that is simply stowed away when not in use. They're definitely worth considering before committing to a fixed ladder.
Back Door Ladders
The first van ladder installation we will look at is the back door ladder. Back door ladders like these are permanent installations that require drilling bolts through the van’s exterior. They're attractive as they sit at the back of your van and don't get caught on obstacles or contribute to drag.
Step 1: Mark the pilot holes
Place the van ladder against the back door and mark the four drill points with a pencil.
Step 2: Drill the pilot holes
Drill the pilot holes into each of the four marks.
Step 3: Apply metal paint to the exposed metal to prevent rust
Ensure you clean all the metal shavings (swarf) before applying the metal paint.
Step 4: Attach the van ladder to the door
There should be foam and a metal backing plate that came with your new ladder. The foam is for shock absorption and for preventing any scratching to the van's metalwork. It also adds a waterproof seal. The metal backing plate is so that the weight of the van ladder is more evenly distributed, rather than solely hanging on the door. When installed, these components should layer like this:
Put the van ladder up against the holes you've drilled door and tighten your bolt right through all those layers.
Tip: Before securing down the bolts, I applied some Sikaflex sealant to the outside of the pilot holes to bulletproof the watertight seal. Mastic tape would work just as well.
Once you've fixed the ladder to your van at the top and bottom, give your silicone sealant to dry. Test your installation for any looseness or rattling, and away you go.
Side Ladders
Side ladders like these are a popular alternative to a back door van ladder. They give a rugged, overlander look, and can be used even with your back doors open.
Installing a side ladder can actually be easier than a back ladder because they mount directly onto your van’s roof rails. Roof rails like these are a very useful van conversion addition, making for easy mounting of rigid solar panels or a roof rack. Once the roof rail is installed, the side ladder just slides into place.
How to Install a Roof Rail on a Van
Step 1: Remove the rubber plugs running down the length of the roof troughs or grooves. Heat up the plugs with a heat gun, then pry them out with a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers.
Step 2: Add a small blob of silicone sealant or a piece of mastic tape over each hole to create a watertight seal.
Step 3: Bolt down the roof rail to the roof. The washer and nut are tightened from the inside of the van.
Step 4: Finally, slide your side mounting ladder into your newly-installed roof rails.
Prime Design Ladders
Prime Design makes a back door ladder that requires no screws at all, instead using pressure clips on the top and bottom. These have become increasingly popular among van converters due to the simplicity of installation. Make sure you buy the ladder that matches your van's make and model.
Conclusion
A ladder is an excellent addition to a tall van, especially one with a roof rack or which gets snowed on frequently. Your next step might be the addition of other exterior components, like an awning or a spare wheel carrier.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (we'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Until next time.