The Land Rover Discovery 2 is a rugged and versatile SUV that is perfect for off-roading and exploring the great outdoors. However, when you have a roof rack on this vehicle, the lack of a usable rear access ladder can make it difficult for anyone to access the vehicle roof, especially true for those who are shorter, older, or have mobility issues.
To address this problem, we decided to design and fabricate a custom rear access ladder for the Land Rover Discovery 2. Manufactured from high-quality steel and designed to be durable, easy to install, and aesthetically pleasing.
The first step in designing our version is to determine the physical specifications of the ladder. There are several important factors to consider when producing a new product. The weight capacity of the vehicle; the ladder must be strong yet as lightweight as possible so as not to add too much additional weight to the load capacity of the Discovery.
- The weight capacity of the vehicle; the ladder must be strong yet as lightweight as possible so as not to add too much additional weight to the load capacity of the Discovery.
- The use; product design must be easy to install and use.
- The size of the spare wheel; tyres intended for offroad use, such as mud terrain tyres with larger tread, tend to be very popular on Discovery 2 vehicles, so our product needed to accommodate for the possibility that there would be a larger than usual tyre carried on the back.
- Aesthetic appeal, we intended the ladder to be a permanent fixture, so we wanted something that looked great and performed as a functional accessory.
For a Discovery 2, a ladder that is lightweight yet strong enough to support the weight of an adult is vital.
We decided to use a simple and sturdy design that would be easy to use and would not take up too much space. We also decided to make our design as close fitting to the back of the vehicle as possible so as not to extend the length of the car by too much. We have previously designed a rear ladder, so we refined and improved this design to create a more desirable iteration.
The first step in the design process was to take detailed measurements of the vehicle to ensure that the ladder would fit perfectly. We also had to consider the weight of the ladder and the weight of the people using it. The design needed to allow for easy installation and robustness.
Once we had a final design, we began the fabrication process. We used high-quality steel to and paid attention to every detail to ensure that it was substantial and durable. We also added non-slip grips to the steps to ensure that users would be safe when climbing the ladder.
Finally, we tested the ladder to ensure that our item supports the intended weight and is stable and secure with no sharp edges or other hazards that could cause injury.
The final product was a rear access ladder that was easy to use, lightweight, and durable. Designed to fit perfectly on the Land Rover Discovery 2 and easy to install, this will be a practical addition to your vehicle adding the perfect compliment to your Wildbear roof rack.