When it comes to outfitting your adventure rig, versatility, durability, and practicality are key. The Aluminess Rear Door Spare Tire Carrier and Ladder exemplify these traits, offering a robust solution for those looking to enhance the functionality of their vehicles, particularly vans and overland rigs. This review delves into the essential features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this product to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Aluminess has a reputation for crafting high-quality aluminum products designed to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures. The Rear Door Spare Tire Carrier and Ladder is no exception. Made from lightweight yet incredibly strong aluminum, this product is built to last without adding unnecessary weight to your vehicle. The aluminum construction also means it’s resistant to rust, a critical factor for those who frequently travel in wet or coastal environments.
The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The ladder provides easy access to the roof of your van, making it convenient for loading and unloading gear. It has 3 small platforms to step on allowing you to climb around the spare tire when mounted on them. They can be a little painful on bare feet. If you are like me and surf reef breaks and used to walking across the rocks on the beach during winter, your feet will do fine. These little steps conveniently fold up and out of the way when not in use.
The spare tire carrier is designed to hold a full-size spare tire securely, ensuring that you’re prepared for any unexpected flats on your journey. The combination of these two features on the rear door maximizes the utility of the space, without compromising the vehicle’s rear access. This also frees up the space under the van for things like a fresh water tank or generator etc.
Installation Process
One of the standout aspects of the Aluminess Rear Door Spare Tire Carrier and Ladder is its relatively straightforward installation process. While some mechanical experience is beneficial, many users have reported that with the provided instructions, the installation can be completed in a few hours with basic tools. The product is designed to be a bolt-on installation, which means no drilling or permanent modifications to your vehicle are required—a significant advantage for those who may want to revert their vehicle to its original condition later.
Most rear door ladders require drilling into the door and often require replacement of the factory hinges. Many vans come with the 270 degree hinges. Utilizing the 270 hinge can be problematic if the door swings open to far. The spare tire or ladder could damage the side of the van. However, Aluminess mitigates this by using a limiting strap on the lower hinge. This saves a few hundred dollars on replacement 180 degree hinges plus paint matching them.
Performance
This is where I deviate from the standard raving review. I would like to say that it is an awesome addition to the back of my van but realistically it was kind of a waste of money. Trying to climb up to access the roof rack and the RoofNest tent over the tire is difficult at times. I ended up adding the side mounted ladder as a safety net for the kids. The gap on the rear ladder at the back of the roof made me nervous watching my 4 year old climb it. I will say if you have the money and can afford both the side ladder and the rear door one, it makes it nice to load and unload the roof rack with a friend. Otherwise it performs as expected.
Bottom Line
Function for the price is worth it. The bottom platforms can be tough on bare feet but work fine. The Tire mount uses a tamper proof bolting mechanism to prevent theft but if you lose the bit for it… It’s basically an allen wrench with a hole in the center of it. Don’t lose it though. I like the ladder for what it is but wish I would have spent that money elsewhere. The side ladder over the rear one for function. I also want to point out the rear ladder helps keep the overall profile of the van slim. I’m always worried I am going to rip off the ladder when going through the parking booths at Angels Stadium. The ladder sticks out less than the side mirrors but it feels bigger.
