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Being "vertically challenged" and owning an SUV...

8635 Views 39 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  Moab Junky
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When you are "vertically challenged" and own an SUV, accessing or detailing the roof is difficult. Tried it with a step-stool or a step-ladder, but does not work well. Came across the suggestion for a "work platform" which is much more convenient for detailing. It gets you 20" to 21" off the ground.

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Addi
When you are "vertically challenged" and own an SUV, accessing or detailing the roof is difficult. Tried it with a step-stool or a step-ladder, but does not work well. Came across the suggestion for a "work platform" which is much more convenient for detailing. It gets you 20" to 21" off the ground.

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Adding that platform step to my wish list!
Does it fold and store easily?
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That's what I need I have noticed with the PP being just the extra couple inches higher it's hard to dry and reach the top when washing!!!
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When you are "vertically challenged" and own an SUV, accessing or detailing the roof is difficult. Tried it with a step-stool or a step-ladder, but does not work well. Came across the suggestion for a "work platform" which is much more convenient for detailing. It gets you 20" to 21" off the ground.

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Great idea when I’m at home (I’m height challenged at 5 7 on a good day ?) I do use a Thule step up for accessing the top when I’m out and about but it’s only gets me to pretty limited areas of the top, maybe I will throw in a step stool in the back / glad u made me think ? as the buckets with a piece of wood is clampety and gosh forbid I embarrass the kids ???
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Addi

Adding that platform step to my wish list!
Does it fold and store easily?
Yes. Mine fold to 3.25”. There are choices of models and price. I purchased a mid-range priced unit.
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That’s exactly what I use. Home Depot blows them out a few times per year.
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i'm 5'8". This really helps:
Roll over image to zoom in

STRATOMAX Vehicle Hooked on U Shaped Slam Latch Doorstep with Safety Hammer Function for Easy Access to Car Rooftop Roof-Rack,Doorstep for Car, Jeep, SUV
by STRATOMAX
4.4 out of 5 stars 192 customer reviews
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Yes. Mine fold to 3.25”. There are choices of models and price. I purchased a mid-range priced unit.
Perfect! Do you have the info on what and where you got it?
Great idea when I’m at home (I’m height challenged at 5 7 on a good day ?) I do use a Thule step up for accessing the top when I’m out and about but it’s only gets me to pretty limited areas of the top, maybe I will throw in a step stool in the back / glad u made me think ? as the buckets with a piece of wood is clampety and gosh forbid I embarrass the kids ???
Hey guys and gals, stopped at Home Depot on the way home and the 47” x 12” is 17 buckaroos off so it’s 53 vs 70 / so it’s on sale - yay for me (I mean that) ?
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Perfect! Do you have the info on what and where you got it?
The big box hardware stores have them. Check online first and then test it out while at the store. Watch out for plastic latches that may break or get stuck. If the latches are stuck, you may have to move the legs to relieve the pressure. Also, watch out for dents.

I purchased a Werner Pro, a little more money. Gorilla is currently on sale.
Hey guys and gals, stopped at Home Depot on the way home and the 47” x 12” is 17 buckaroos off so it’s 53 vs 70 / so it’s on sale - yay for me (I mean that) ?
How tall does the Home Depot one go?
Let me measure / just got home and it’s in the house / funny wife is like why ;) / noted the sale here when I was in the store Lol / usually I just miss it or something ?
20” high - mine is a Gorilla ladder / fits in the back of the PP fine vs my little step stool, so have ladder will travel ? / thx again
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Scooter Dude,
Ca kid beat your price out the door. The big orange had for 44.97 and Ca tax +3.93. Thanks for the tip I like the handle to carry it and my new work bench because remember new kid to DIY projects. My friends were making fun of my washer serving as my work bench. Hopefully, this will be good to help take my surfboard on and off passport. When had element just threw it in back. Did not care about plastic getting wet. But care about my leather seats.
Pdog
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Agree, this is a perfect little bench and can’t believe your CA price beat my MN one ?

The only diff for me will be the assist the new bench will give to remove the paddle board cause I will never have a surfboard ? (one can only wish ?)
I am no Kelly slater...
Still using my Costco board. But works for me until I graduate from surf 101.
Yep, HD has the Gorilla for $44 and Lowes has a slightly lighter duty Werner for $34 (both on sale).

The Gorilla looks a little more heavy duty and has a lifetime warranty, so I'll probably grab one of these, it will be much more secure than my step latter when washing and drying the Passport top...

UPDATE: Bought the Gorilla stand and it works great...!
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I use a folding aluminum four-step ladder which as a small platform as the top step. Had it for years. To wash the top of my Luna Silver Elite I have a long handle soft brush that works well. The only problem is drying the top, haven't figured out how to get my shammy up there.
I use a folding aluminum four-step ladder which as a small platform as the top step. Had it for years. To wash the top of my Luna Silver Elite I have a long handle soft brush that works well. The only problem is drying the top, haven't figured out how to get my shammy up there.
I had my PP washed this past weekend by the company that did the OptiCoat Pro+ coating. They showed me the whole washing routine. Great idea for the roof. They use a floor Swiffer with a wash mitt on it. They also use it for the windshield and center part of the hood. They use a leaf blower to remove most of the water. Then dry with microfiber towels folded and placed under the Swiffer and lightly spray the roof with your favorite finish shine product. I bought the Opti Coat Hyper Seal which adds a shine and acts as a drying agent. Do early in the morning, not in direct sunlight.
  • Power wash car
  • Spray the car down with a mixture of 2 ounces Optimum No Rinse (ONR) with two gallons of water mixed in the tank sprayer. Should be able to get several washes out of that 2 gallon mixture. This will help lift the dirt and float it on the surface.
  • In the 5 gallon bucket with the dirt trap mix 4 gallons of water with 2 capfuls of the ONR, and mix. Remember, there’s already ONR on the car.
  • Soak the wash mitt in the bucket and drip off the excess. Rotate after each panel and rinsing in bucket. Watch YouTube for details on washing methods.
  • Wash one panel at a time.
  • Lightly spray the Hyper Seal on one panel at a time and lightly work the product around with a clean microfiber towel, folding after each panel
I think those are all of the steps as I remembered them.

Here are the supplies I purchased.

Husqvarna 2-Gallon Plastic Tank Sprayer
I like this sprayer because it has a tray at the bottom that the nozzle sits in, and will collect any leakage. The top edge of the tank also has a clip to hold the sprayer handle.

Optimum (NRWW2012Q) No Rinse Wash & Wax - 32 oz.

Autozone 5 Gallon Bucket

ProElite Bucket Dirt Trap

Swiffer Sweeper Microfiber Dust Mop

The Rag Company (2-Pack) Premium Cyclone Korean Microfiber Wash Mitts [One Blue + One Grey] - Totally Scratch-Free, LINT-Free

Opti Coat Hyper Seal

Chemical Guys MIC_506_12 Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold (16 Inch x 16 Inch) (Pack of 12)

Rubber and Plastic Protectant for Tires (Water Based)

Adam's Pro Tire Hex Grip Applicator - Tire Shine Car Detailing Foam Sponge Tool

ProElite Microfiber Cloths 6 Pack - For Interior - Using a different color for interior

303 Protectant for Interior, Etc

Cut the tags off of the towels before use.

Haven’t washed the PP myself yet I need to get a work platform first, as I’m also height challenged. I’m no car detailing expert, but put this info together from my detailer, this site, and YouTube. Feel free to comment.

Went a bit off topic from the working platform to detailing, but there is a relationship.
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I had my PP washed this past weekend by the company that did the OptiCoat Pro+ coating. They showed me the whole washing routine. Great idea for the roof. They use a floor Swiffer with a wash mitt on it. They also use it for the windshield and center part of the hood.
Great! Thanks, I'll try it. Ken
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