RV Ladder Hinge Add-On for Better Bumper Storage Access

Why

• We wanted to install a flip up/down luggage rack on the bumper of a trailer, and needed to be able to flip up the ladder out of the way.

Features

• Easy to print, easy to assemble
• Lightweight, but sturdy, not visually heavy
• Printed in Black, it is inconspicuous, not looking like a bodge job.

Print Instructions

• Use Default Prusa Slicer 0.30mm Draft Print Settings
• Filament : ABS, PETG, ASA
• Brim : Needed on Metal Support Sleeve and Ladder Pole Latch for bed adhesion
• Infill : Triangles 20-25%
• Perimeters : 4, Top/Bottoms: 4
• All parts have been designed with an intended side that it is printed on to reduce necessary support material.

Non-Printed Parts

• (2) Heavy Duty Rod Holder
• (4) Quick Release Linch Pin
• (1) Super glue
• Re-use all stock fasteners

Ladder Prep

• Remember everyone's RV is different, so make sure to measure, and measure again before you cut!
• Identify and mark where you want the ladder to hinge and mark it on both sides of the ladder rungs.  
• This is where you will cut the ladder in half.  Remove a total of 1 7/8" from the middle of the ladder, as this is the open length of the hinge that sleeve inside the ladder tube.
• Cut off the old mount at the bottom of the ladder as close to the end of the ladder as possible.
• Use a piece of paper, to make a template for the mounting holes location for the Support Sleeve. 
• Line it up with the factory mounting holes, and mark the centers of what will be the top-right/bottom-left for one and top-left/bottom-right for the other.
• Translate these marks onto the flat side of the Support Sleeve.
• Drill a pilot hole on these marks for later.

Installation

• Insert the Print in Place Hinge to the bottom of tube of the top half of the ladder that is still mounted on your trailer.
• Align the hinge so that it swings towards the operator, and then up.
• Insert the top of the tube of the bottom half of the ladder into the bottom of the Print in Place Hinge.
• Sanity double-check time, the bottom of the ladder should line back up with the original mounting holes on the trailer.
• Screw in the Heavy Duty Rod Holders into the original mounting holes for the ladder support. (I oriented mine so that it would screw in to the top-left, and bottom-right factory holes)
• Sanity triple-check time, the bottom of the ladder should line up and insert into the Heavy Duty Rod Holders when the ladder is brought down.
• Place and screw in the Support Sleeve bracket using the remaining factory holes.
• Super-glue the Support Sleeve ring over the Heavy Duty Rod Holder onto the Support Sleeve bracket.
• Drill a ¼" hole through the Ladder tube and through the Print in Place Hinge on both sides of each hinge.  Keep in mind one side of the hinge has a longer tenon when drilling this hole.
• Slide in the Quick Release Linch Pin to each of these (4) drilled holes.
• Clip on the Ladder Pole Latch, this can be turned and clipped on to hold up the bottom of the ladder when hinged up in the upward position.  There are 2 to attach on both sides.

Other Tips

• Not recommended for use in extreme heat climates.
• Do not attempt to operate ladder while flipped up.
• Use Dicor and Lap Sealant as you would with any other fixture on your trailer to keep water from penetrating the mounting holes. 
• If you are needing additional clearance, as is shown in the photos, we removed a rung, and shorted the ladder so that it would shift the bottom of the ladder up to the the next factory ladder mount location.  I am in the process of making covers for the original lower ladder mount location.