Rear hatch ladder

[Grumpdog]

I'm thinking about adding a rear ladder to my 4runner. Westcott Designs posted a video install of their new ladder on a 6th gen. There doesn't look to be much space between the body and the rungs of the ladder. Are the ladders useful? Past 4runner owners, if you had a ladder, did you use it or not.
Thanks

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[vready]

I had one on my 5th gen 4Runner, and they are great — especially if you have a rooftop tent. To me, that would be the main reason to have one. I'm planning to put the Westcott Designs ladder on my 4Runner, and I've already mocked up what it will look like installed:

It will make it super easy to get in and out of the tent. Westcott was careful to keep weight down by making their ladder all-aluminum construction, so it should work just fine with the power liftgate.

The Westcott racks are already on sale for $649, if you didn't already see that:

https://westcottdesigns.net/product/2025-toyota-4runner-6th-gen-full-length-rear-hatch-ladder/

 

[vready]

Oh, one other thing regarding your comment about the space between the rear hatch and the ladder rungs....

On my 5th gen, I installed some StoneGard paint protection film in the area behind each ladder rung to prevent accidental paint scuffing when people are climbing the ladder, and that worked great!

 

[Grumpdog]

I had one on my 5th gen 4Runner, and they are great — especially if you have a rooftop tent. To me, that would be the main reason to have one. I'm planning to put the Westcott Designs ladder on my 4Runner, and I've already mocked up what it will look like installed:

It will make it super easy to get in and out of the tent. Westcott was careful to keep weight down by making their ladder all-aluminum construction, so it should work just fine with the power liftgate.

The Westcott racks are already on sale for $649, if you didn't already see that:

https://westcottdesigns.net/product/2025-toyota-4runner-6th-gen-full-length-rear-hatch-ladder/

Hi vready,
Thanks for the 2 pictures and the response. My Runner is painted in cutting edge as well, so now I know how it will look installed. Your comment about PPF behind the ladder is takes care of my main concern, scratching the rear door. I just ordered WD's rock sliders yesterday. Once they're installed, I'll be buying their ladder.
Thanks

 

[Fultoniron]

I had one on my 5th gen 4Runner, and they are great — especially if you have a rooftop tent. To me, that would be the main reason to have one. I'm planning to put the Westcott Designs ladder on my 4Runner, and I've already mocked up what it will look like installed:

It will make it super easy to get in and out of the tent. Westcott was careful to keep weight down by making their ladder all-aluminum construction, so it should work just fine with the power liftgate.

The Westcott racks are already on sale for $649, if you didn't already see that:

https://westcottdesigns.net/product/2025-toyota-4runner-6th-gen-full-length-rear-hatch-ladder/

I put a Victory 4x4 ladder on my 5th Gen and am waiting on my 6th Gen ORP. My question is did the ladder interfere with the camera view? It did on my 5th gen.

 

[vready]

My question is did the ladder interfere with the camera view? It did on my 5th gen.

I have the Westcott Rear Hatch Ladder and the 4Runner Tow Package, so I can share some insights:

Very little impact on the backup camera

No impact on the digital rearview mirror

Moderate impact on the "trailer view" associated with the tow package, but not a concern.

Here's what the ladder install location looks like for reference:

 

[Fultoniron]

Good to know. I am favoring the Wescott ladder as well. Thanks for sharing

 

[vready]

Good to know. I am favoring the Wescott ladder as well. Thanks for sharing

It's very solid and I'm really happy with mine. Glad I went with the Westcott.

 

[SHYUperman]

Just got my Gobi ladder today... I was skeptical with how sturdy it would be because my rear spoiler seemed really flimsy.

Installation was easy, instructions were clear. Took about 45mins to install, but it's really sturdy and I like it better than the modular ladders

 

[toyoda80]

Just got my Gobi ladder today... I was skeptical with how sturdy it would be because my rear spoiler seemed really flimsy.

Installation was easy, instructions were clear. Took about 45mins to install, but it's really sturdy and I like it better than the modular ladders

NICE! I am waiting on my Gobi ladder and rack. With the added weight, did you need to install heavy duty hatch struts? I have an SR5 so no power lift but my friend with a gen5 and gobi ladder said his power lift trunk would only travel halfway open until he got new struts.

 

[SHYUperman]

NICE! I am waiting on my Gobi ladder and rack. With the added weight, did you need to install heavy duty hatch struts? I have an SR5 so no power lift but my friend with a gen5 and gobi ladder said his power lift trunk would only travel halfway open until he got new struts.

I asked Gobi the same question and they said it's too early to tell, but they're coming out with heavy duty struts soon for the 6th gen. I haven't had any issues with the power lift gate.

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