Waxing the top of a Van or SUV = how

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LeMarque

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I'm currently working on my wife's XC90 (these things are about the size of a school bus!)

I used a small step ladder to reach the roof when washing. But how do you tackle this if some guy, like me, wants to apply or remove wax, etc. with a D/A?

The step ladder feels a bit to unstable to be reaching out at arms length.
 
I have a 4 ft ladder that I use for roof tops that I can't reach from the ground. It's a fiberglass one that I picked up at Lowes. It's great for around the house as well.
 
I also use a step ladder. Only work on the portion of the roof directly in front of you. Do not over reach. It's better to climb down, move the ladder and repeat until you cover the entire roof (In my case, I have to do this 3 times per side on my Endeavor :D)...better safe than sorry...
 
I use a Werner 4' platform when working on the top my pickup. Allows me to do the entire top without having to stop an reposition.
 
There is a product called Durabench 2 in 1 Workbench and Scaffold. Do a Google search. Griots has a similar product. Or you can just keep moving a small ladder around.
 
Problem I see with a ladder is that your facing the wrong way and need to twist left or right.

I may pick up a 3 or 4 foot step ladder and cover the back side with thick foam; just in case it tips over against the body.

Since I'm considering detailing as a business, I've thought of an actual scaffold.

The XC90 has a factory roof rack which makes it still more difficult to reach over. Also, I'm picturing the day a custom van pulls in with an AC unit on the roof ...
 
With ladders like the "Little Giant" (several vendors make similar products now) they are designed to be split into two seperate "A" ladders and you can span the distance between the 2 "A" ladders with a platform made from lumber or purchase metal ones.
 
I've looked at the Werner Platform, but it doesn't provide enough height.

The ladder idea is worth considering ...
 
a cherry picker truck! j/k i use a step ladder. if it is a larger vehicle i use my 8ft ladder. not fun, but safe
 
I have a platform like the werner and use it to do mini vans all the time. never have a problem reaching the center of the roof, and I am only 5'9.
 
Problem with a something like a platform is if your mobile like I am most of the time space is limited. So the 4' ladder is perfect. It fits in my HHR perfectly. Of course I can fit a 10' ladder in there when I need to. But I have to fold the front seat down and it sits against the dash (protected with a thick mf).

I would love to have a platform though. Going up and down a ladder on a big truck with a cap gets tiring.
 
SeaJay's said:
Problem with a something like a platform is if your mobile like I am most of the time space is limited. So the 4' ladder is perfect. It fits in my HHR perfectly. Of course I can fit a 10' ladder in there when I need to. But I have to fold the front seat down and it sits against the dash (protected with a thick mf).

I would love to have a platform though. Going up and down a ladder on a big truck with a cap gets tiring.
Click to expand...

these platforms sides/legs fold up. making it smaller and more compact than a 4' ladder.
 
idk is menards is spread throughout the u.s ? but the Werner platforms are on sale right now . $33
 
One of the great things about this forum is that these posts get you thinking.

I've never thought about using two small ladders as a scaffold! 'nuff said from me. That's the solution.

Thanks to everyone.
 
truckbutt said:
There is a product called Durabench 2 in 1 Workbench and Scaffold. Do a Google search. Griots has a similar product. Or you can just keep moving a small ladder around.
Click to expand...
Just bought one from Costco for $99! Need to get to the top of my wifes 2010 4Runner.
 
Even better question, how to compound and polish the tops of suvs that have all the grooves, luggage racks, etc..
 
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