BajaRack Full-Length Roof Rack Ladder Step-By-Step Install For the 5th Gen 4Runner
So, I finally got around to getting a ladder after having a full-length roof rack for almost a year now. Most of the time to access the roof I would roll down a window and step, while barefoot, up to gain access. Yeah, not the best process for accessing your roof rack.
I put off buying the ladder because I wasn’t really satisfied with the shape of it. But after meeting a fellow 4Runner at a meetup who had the exact same rack with a BajaRack Ladder I was sold, looked so much better in person than on the web.
Find It Online:
- BajaRack Rear Ladder: Check Price
Why I Chose BajaRack
There are a few reasons why I like the BajaRack over some of the others, like the popular Gobi Rack Ladder for the 5th Gen. The main reason is it matches the rack, but more technical reasons are as follows:
- The BajaRack is mounted more to the left than some of the others. This keeps the ladder out of view more when driving as I only see half of the ladder when looking through my rear-view mirror.
- The ladder follows the lines of the rear hatch more, working outward and in. I think one day this may be an advantage when running a rear tire that is center-mounted giving more access to the ladder and mounted accessories.
Roof Rack Ladder Install Overview
This install was very easy, but it does benefit having an extra hand to throw some weight on the ladder when attaching the bottom bracket.
Recommended Tools For Install:
- 9/16 Wrench
- 9/16 Ratchet
- 5/32 Allen wrench
- Tape measure
BajaRack already sends all parts pre-3m padded, so the install is pretty much attached and tighten!
Step 1. Install Ladder On Top of 4Runner Roof
Install the ladder to the top of the roof. Insert upside down and then slip the channel into the rear gate.
Note: Be sure all areas where the ladder will sit are clean and free of dirt.
Step 2. Position Top of Ladder Onto Rear Door
Position the top of the ladder 2 inches from the edge of the rear door
Step 3. Position Bottom of Ladder Onto Rear Door
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Position the bottom of the ladder at 2” 3/8″ from the bottom edge of the rear door.
Note: Having a taped line marking your spot helps here.
Step 4. Secure Bottom Bracket Onto Aluminum Plate
Take the bottom bracket and place the aluminum plate in place.
Note: In the install pamphlet it’s hard to see where this goes.
Step 5. Clamp Ladder To Bottom Bracket
Take the walk down bolt (E) and begin to clamp the ladder to the bottom bracket. Use supplied grease and supplied washers on both sides of the bolt.
Note: Once the walk down bolt allows you to attach Bolt (D) in the other hole, remove the walk down bolt and replace with the other Bolt (D)*
Pro Tip: Have your buddy put weight on the ladder by standing on it to pull it closer when attaching to the bracket.
Step 6. Tighten Bottom Bracket To Rear Door
Once the ladder is tightened down, you’ll need the Allen wrench (5/32) to tighten the bottom bracket to the inside edge of the rear door.
Final Steps
All that’s left is to inspect the ladder opens without hitting your roof rack and closes with no issues.
I would also recommend having the rear struts replaced as well. For a 2015 Trail mine is already having issues staying fully open, I haven’t done this yet but will soon!
We have a brand new 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Just purchased this ladder (TY4RG5) but it doesn’t reach all the way down to the bottom of the back hatch so that we can attach the ladder to the bottom bracket. Did we get the wrong ladder? What are we missing?
Forgot to add, I bought these stronger struts (about $70) to help lift the ladder, and they’re incredibly strong, it raises up the lift gate + ladder with ease. The install is simple as well. They’re almost too strong honestly. Hope this helps someone out there.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XPPYGQ7/ref=psdcmw_15731171_t1_B016ZCQPZK
Just wanted to thank you for the writeup, well done sir. The instruction booklet they give you is terrible, the pictures are pixelated and grainy, and the instructions themselves are complicated. You’d think for $325 they’d give you some decent instructions.
Wanted to add that I installed this ladder with my upTOP Overland Bravo and they are compatible and fit nicely without any problems. Great combo, I highly recommend the upTOP rack, it was $829 with free shipping. As far as the ladder install, I figured I’d share my experience with it. At step 1, I was unable to wedge the top hook steel part of it through the opening between the lift gate spoiler and the roof, so I ended up pushing it sideways starting from the left. I used a 2×4 and a hammer to “massage” it in there sideways. After about 20 minutes of pushing and hammering it in, it worked perfectly and doesn’t catch on the roof of the truck when the lift gate goes up or down. One thing to look for though, is the factory weather sealant that’s on the top lip of the lift gate, you might have to remove a small amount of it for the ladder to slide in without getting jammed up. Another tip is to make sure the top steel hook part is in there good and tight, I opened up the lift gate, and used a pry bar to push it up as far as it would go. Hope this helps someone out there who has the same issue I did. For reference, I have a 2010 4Runner 4WD SR5 w/ appearance package.
I was wondering if this ladder will fit another car. I have a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer and I love the look of this ladder. It is exactly what I want but I can’t seem to find anywhere if it can fit cars other than the 4Runner. Any help would be amazing thank you
I would contact BajaRack’s support, and see if you could get the dimension’s. I wouldnt know if It would fit.
thanks man that’s a good idea
I’ve had the Baha rack for about 3 and a half years. i just removed it to repaint a few spots. The bottom near the bumper was a mess. I had to sand it all down, treat it and painted it with Rustolium black paint. It looks great again! This is going to happen with any steel powder coated ladder, rack, etc. But this is not a complaint, Love my Baha ladder and have added mountings for my recovery boards and for a 5 Gallon Jerry.
Hi Shawn, I’m thinking of putting a ladder on mines but don’t want to damage my tailgate or anything on the car. Which bottom was a mess? The tailgate or you talking about the ladder?
The bottom bracket was a mess as in rusted thru the black paint. The tailgate was 100% fine.
Sweet!! That was the exact answer I was hoping for! Thanks Shawn! 🙌🏼 I’m totally thinking of getting one now 🤗
set up ladder to the SUV is quite complicated. This post make the issue simple. Thank you for the informative post.
Yea when installing the bottom bracket it was hard to tell how the plastic bracket sat in the channel. Glad I could help.
Hi there,
I was wondering what kind of roof rack you have on your 5th gen. I love the look of it and have been going back and forth on if I should make one DYI myself or just give into buying one? I am definitely liking the look of the ladder and the roof rack you have in the pictures. Looks hot!
Shioban
Its a BajaRack roof rack with ladder. Thanks!
Can you provide a link by chance?
I’m wondering if this will fit with a stock Pro rack. Ive read mixed reviews. Thank you!
Should fit with a stock rack, But if its the new 2020 “U” style rack I wouldnt be to sure, It could hit.
Can really attest to the need to replace the struts. I’m doing my first winter with this same ladder installed and the rear hatch pretty much won’t stay open in cold temperatures or any amount of snow and ice on it with the extra weight. High on my priority list once spring comes. Otherwise, this ladder is great.