Can the Thule Telescoping Ladder for Vans Extend from the Top Instead of the Bottom?

Published 06/29/2021

Question:

Can you please tell me if this ladder can be extended from the top instead of the way you show it in your instructional videos? You show extending the bottom step first, then the next to the bottom step, then the one above it etc. By the time I would get 5 bottom steps extended, I won't be able to reach the top three steps to extend them. What is up with this? Thank you.

asked by: Annie

Expert Reply:

I went ahead and brought this to the attention of my contact at Thule. He did confirm that the Thule Telescoping Ladder for Vans - 9 Steps - 8-1/2' # TH301404 can be extended from the top down, but it is not recommended. However, he suggested to extend the ladder while horizontally on a soft surface (like the grass) and then attach the ladder to the vehicle while fully extended.

expert reply by: Bob C