DIY Tailgate Ladder - How to Make ( Plus a Welding Gear Giveaway! )

[@JayBates]

It's not an old man project. It's a short man project. I'm 5'6" and need this in my life haha

[@homesteadonomics]

😂👍

[@romtan1243]

short but good looking man😁👍😃

[@davidj1436]

As an “old” man of 56, this in some form is going to be one of my upcoming projects. Having over 30 years of back issues plus not getting younger, it certainly will be a nice addition to my truck.

[@homesteadonomics]

It really does make for a nicer ‘get in’, versus ‘climb in’ 😀👍

[@woodturner1954]

As young man of 67, with old man bones, I've been carrying a small 3ft aluminum ladder for 20 years. I like that yours is attached as I left several behind, only god knows where, overs the years. Fortunately every big box store across the country carries one model or another. Also handy for tying stuff on the roof rack.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes sir! A little step ladder has a ton of uses. As well as being moveable of which this one is not…. Without unhooking it that is.

[@blackberryhideout5793]

I love the taped wrench to the tubing hack for the nuts. And, I laughed at Marley saying "Uh oh"!

[@ionahomestead]

Are they still making kids that like to learn how to take an idea and turn it into reality by way of hands on ingenuity and perseverance to see it through to success? Joe, your inspirational to those of us that spent a career teaching hands on skills to kids. I taught 6th grade thru high school grads vocational skills and seeing your projects from start to finish(well near finished as redesigns seem to continue!) brings smiles to my face…thanks for sharing your skills!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I sure hope so! I think hands on skills are at a critical low in our world today….needless to say, especially in the US and some western European cultures. We teach more ‘thumb skills’ than necessary in my opinion. But don’t get me started😂 The goal with our daughter is to build a confident problem solver with as many vocational/hand-on skills as she takes an interest in. But with that said, I try not to push too much at once. Kinda feeling her interest out and letting her dictate the involvement she wants. And so far, so good…. She always seems to enjoy working with dad. Plus I have a deal with her that any scraps that I leave on the ground during the project are hers to use in whatever she wants to make. PS- by FAR my favorite classes in school were the vocational ones. Industrial technology (building bridges, pneumatic water bottle rockets, etc) and wood shop in 7th grade was the highlight of my k-12 years. And even though I went to college… if I had it to do over again. I’d choose 2-3 different trade schools instead! 😀👍

[@littlewhitedory1]

@@homesteadonomics I loveed my Electronics classes so much in high school and it was 95% the teacher that made it so much fun and educational at the same time. Twenty years later I found myself teaching in the very same classrooms that I loved so much when I was a student there. Very interesting experience for me! Keep up the great vlog!

[@MakeEverything]

Great project! Love the way it moves with the suspension on the back of the truck!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Chris! 😀🙏

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I am 36 and in fair shape. This is not an old man project, it is a smart man project. Maybe that makes me old. LOL. I have a 2' step ladder I use in my garage for stuff like that. I'm not climbing in and out of the bed, I have tools for that. I don't use the truck enough to build one of these, throwing the step ladder in the truck gets it done for me. I can definitely see the advantage in a situation like yours. I always enjoy your projects. Take care.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Benjamin! A little step ladder is very useful for lots of things like that. We have a couple in the house for closet access and things like that too😀👍

[@MakeitGoode1]

As always, it’s fun to follow along on your projects. This one is a fun one, and not at all an “old man project.” My Ford came with the built in tailgate ladder and I’m not ashamed to use it, and do, all the time. Kudos to another fun build!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@rickcassell9613]

You never let me down with your can do projects, Make’s a man want to build something!👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Rick! I appreciate that🙏

[@rosstheboss100]

That moment at 10:47 when you think "What a weird place to store a drill." Then you realize what that drill was blocking...🤣🤣🤣

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s actually a little tilt head flashlight…. But yes, placed there😉👍

[@pauldrake1972]

I have one and have used it several times...more than I thought I would. awesome project!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I think it’s gonna get used more as well…. If you got it might as well us it!

[@thomaslindgren4602]

Another great video. I think the fact that you find a need and build something to fit that need. Now, when you come out with Mark 2 with a chairlift then I guess you can start considering and ‘old guy’ project. I guess in the list of tools needed to accomplish must also include a child with a little arm as well. I guess that Ryobi can ad license plate obscurer to its list of added functions. Good luck with the wielded give away and hope someone that can use it wins! Thanks for sharing.

[@toddmccarter45]

The DIY walker thing is hilarious

[@homesteadonomics]

😂👍

[@rickbrockthedog8017]

I like your ingenuity! Very clever. I've used a Giant brand three step ladder in the past. Wide steps for the dog and myself plus it's very stable.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes that giant brand step ladder will do you good for a long time👍😀

[@beckybowen196]

Ok, when I saw it, I thought...oh, that's so sweet!! Now the dog can get in the back much easier. So no, not an old man project; an old dog project.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well, my wife did ask that I make a little dog ramp that would attach to it…. So it’s on the docket😉👍

[@kaurkoop]

I've been waiting for the truck modification videos for sooooo long. I know you will do a great job with them. Keep up the good work and happy upcoming holidays for your family :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Don’t worry there will be several more I’m thinking. I’m trying to talk my wife into letting me do a little truck bed camper…..but I’m gonna have to get quite a few other things before that one. But for sure I’ll be doing some more simple things like truck bed gas can / water can holders. And maybe some diy step rails.

[@larrymoore6640]

Nice job and I fully understand getting the satisfaction out of doing it yourself.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Larry! Yes there that satisfaction that just makes you feel good each time you use it😀👍

[@2mustange]

You should look into using rivet nuts. Could make mounting that ladder and straps much easier and give option of unbolting them without much hassle. That Forney welder looks nice.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, my neighbor is a big fan of them and always reminds me to use them…. But I always forget. But now that you reminded me I think I’m going to order some for the next project that can use them😀🙏

[@2mustange]

@@homesteadonomics Heck yeah! I would buy an Astro Pneumatic and then buy your missing nose sizes from Hilitchi so you have a range of Metric and SAE.

[@johnreinburg859]

Joe, what an excellent idea! Thank you, I will attempt to build this when I have the time. In the meantime I will carry my step ladder to get in and get out of the bed of my truck. Again, thank you for an excellent 💡.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you John! And that step ladder might actually be a bit more multipurpose than this one…. Because you could use it anywhere around your truck….versus just the tailgate 😉👍

[@dontblameme6328]

Been carrying a 3' step stool in the bed of my F350 for years. I just tether it to one of the rope horns inside the bed next to the tailgate so it's always right there to unhook and use.

[@jacob106106]

👍 job. Another great video!! Keep up being a good father!! Implicating your girl like you do.. may seem little but has huge impact on her future! Congrats 👏 I have 4 kids and i don't regret all the energy and fun invested in familly.

[@homesteadonomics]

Than you! And yes, family time is always a priority here. My little girl is growing so fast and it makes it all the more important to build up her confidence, skills and character as much as we can while ‘mom and dad’ are still cool😉👍

[@LeeDrew]

As usual. Another great project Joe.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Lee! Always great to hear from the head of the Drew family😀👍

[@toddstark2412]

Excellent build as always! Just an FYI for future projects involving water. Aluminum and Stainless plus water do not go well together. The aluminum will corrode quickly. Although you should have no problems there in the desert. I see your helper is getting big! I can't believe I've been watching your channel that long. Thanks again for all the great content.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks! Ive always thought the stainless was the safest option for aluminum. When it comes to hard metals that is. But I could be wrong. I used stainless fasteners for my aluminum trim in the travel trailer…. But it’s pretty minimal. And the rest is commercial vehicle VHB tape. But like you said I don’t have a ton of moisture in the first place. But thanks for the info.🙏 And yes, she is growing up waaasy too fast. But just trying to give her all the knowledge and real world education we can while she still thinks we are cool…. Because I know it won’t last forever😂

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Pretty cool ladder. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Tom!

[@danielfisch655]

Very cool, great idea, excellent execution and thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Daniel!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Turned out great Joe, awesome job! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Fred!

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

Awesome ingenuity!!!👍🏻😁 Great video!! No music, IMO makes for a better video. 👍🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha….glad you liked it. Yeah I know some folks hate the music, but some like it, to mediate tools noise mostly. But for me it’s more to drown out wind noise and smooth out an excess of tool noise. I’m trying to give a little variety with each video. But normally there isn’t more than couple minutes in a 15 minutes video. You’ll probably see a trend towards less music though. Maybe one minute if a transitionary part or something. Who knows 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@SouthWestIron]

Really nice piece of equipment. Thanks for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@kenl5217]

I like the wrench on a stick trick

[@toronado455]

YES! That was freaking brilliant! 7:31

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Tight little space and needed something that would reach😀👍

[@gregkahle9046]

Sweet ladder. Beefy; sasquatch style! The stache has left for the evening :-)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes it has….but it’ll be back before you know it😀👍

[@markb.1259]

Excellent project Joe!! Very nicely done.

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

Nice build Joe, I wish I had the talent to build one as I’ve already injured myself getting off the tray of our new Ute, at 48 your not as agile as 28 apparently 😳. Lovely to see Marley helping with another project, don’t worry she have the skills to build you an awesome wheelie walker when you need it 😂😂

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha….I sure hope so! I can already tell she is smarter than me by a mile😊

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

@@homesteadonomics she’s got some good genetics 👍🏼

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

Thank you! We always enjoy seeing what you're up to! Sometimes I feel I could use a ladder getting on top of our flatbed. I found my favorite Gorilla step stool works like a charm. Not as convenient as your set up! I also enjoy seeing everything you've built in the past with sea container and welding table. I keep saying one day. Got the sea container and everything in it. Just need tables...LOL Why not just keep the 190 as Steel and or 220 as Aluminum? Not that it takes that much time to swap tanks etc etc but it still takes time. 🙂 Mark (& Teresa)

[@homesteadonomics]

Yeah, the setup is the biggest time loss. So I will probably do that. Just keep one with the aluminum spoolgun and one with the mig nozzle and that’ll kind serve both needs. Of course now I might need to build another cart. Like a mini…aluminum cart!!!! Okay now I’m excited 😀👍

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

@@homesteadonomics ❤

[@KevinBeGood]

Spectacular. Awesome job

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@stuartkorte1642]

I’d like to hear more about your thoughts on welding with spool gun and technique you use.

[@homesteadonomics]

The spool gun definitely takes a bit of trial and error. Can’t be too close or the wire burns into the mig tip. Too far and gas isn’t doing its job. I usually set the wire speed a little fast than I think and try a couple test welds on scrap. The extra wire speed will help to keep it from burning into the mig tip. I also go a little more of a perpendicular angle than when I go on steel. But truthfully it’s all about doing those test welds and figuring out the speed that works with your settings. Also, bump up the gas (100%argon) if it seems like it’s not getting good protection and too much spatter. But once you find that right setting it will smooth out considerably. Oh yes, plan on going through several mig tips when your getting everything dialed in. I’ve heard that the mig tip gel can help but I’ve never used it, so I can’t say for sure.

[@johnmichaels4330]

Wish the military would get on this bandwagon. Age doesn't matter, this is just more efficient. Great video. Subed.

[@lacro5686]

One more thing you should add is a removeable post (hand rail) that drops in to the rear stake pocket to add a bit of safety when ascending and especially descending the ladder.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Cool idea, nice build.

[@gregmize01]

Ok, you need to market this dude! Edit: LOVE YOUR CHANNEL❤

[@homesteadonomics]

I’m not sure it’s enough of mine to market it. I used ideas from several of the commercial ones. So it’s not completely unique to me. BUT I do think this one is a bit more robust than the commercial ones😀👍

[@danieloliver20]

Looks way cool Joe! 😎

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Daniel!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Better to keep improving those skills and do it yourself when you can.👍

[@homesteadonomics]

I agree! Developing skills and problem solving abilities will be more important that most folks believe….especially in the coming years!

[@KaleidoscopeJunkie]

This will also save impact on your joints now. Every house I built had 3' wide doors throughout in case someone ended up in a wheelchair. Because - You never know what the future holds. -KJ

[@homesteadonomics]

That is very true! We don’t know if we will be here tomorrow, or injured, or who knows what. Which is one of the reasons I’m a bit slow on my uploads compared to other channels. Family time always comes first😀👍

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

good thinking for all kinds of get-it-thru-the-door problems. does that mean u had to order custom doors?

[@gregorythomas333]

Nice upgrade on the welder! Nifty trick taping the wench to the scrap...and getting someone with smaller hands :) I don't use anything FB/Meta related...there are tons of sites out there that are as I call them 1AC (1st Amendment Compliant) so when ever you get set up I will be there.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Gregory! Yes, I’m quite dismayed at the direction that the big tech oligarchs have been heading. Although I still use Instagram (FB owned)…. And like the simple interface of it. I do really want to completely translation to another couple ones as I just do not like FB at all. Ideally I’d like to move to something like gab or mewe or something similar. But just so many other options it’s hard to decide.🤦‍♂️😂 As for my videos the current option that I have already established is odysee. You can find all of my videos there. Kinda like a block chain version of YT. And I like your ‘1AC’ pneumonic too! 😀👍

[@gregorythomas333]

@@homesteadonomics I am already on all 3 of those you mentioned...didn't know you were already on Odysee though...will be adding you now :)

[@geotarkus7370]

Una idea que no se le ocurrió al fabricante del vehículo. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@StMyles]

Very Cool 😎. Shared via other Social Media and my neighbor.

[@homesteadonomics]

Much appreciated St Myles🙏😀

[@homemadetools]

Good job. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week :)

[@BigSkyAtNight]

Very cool! I can see my old man using it 😂. Clever as usual 👍🏻

[@inspiringbuilds]

Great work, very innovative, and will save on your body. 👍🏼

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Old man project???I 👴 love 💘 it

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha…yes, my buddy was teasing me about it since I’ve been getting more gray hair😂. So he said it just be an ‘old man’ project. Thank you for checking it out!

[@lanec5672]

Another job well done!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Lane!

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

what a genius idea. i'm 5'4" and i'd pay good money for this.

[@19holmes76]

Great idea. Awesome job.

[@catpurrson3651]

That was fun to watch. Question: Didn't you need sealant between the bolts and tailgate to prevent water intrusion?

[@homesteadonomics]

The inside of the tailgate has weep holes and it’s powder coated as well. I don’t foresee too much water getting in there since the tailgate is vertical most of the time. Thank you for watching and I’m glad you liked it😀🙏

[@catpurrson3651]

@@homesteadonomics Ah ha! I figured there had to be a good reason. Thanks for the reply. I can't count the number of times I could have used that ladder.

[@jeffgunner1195]

I have one on my old pickup truck and my 62 year old ass wouldn't be without it.... you're gonna use it a lot... I added a tailgate assist spring to help with the added weight....

[@homesteadonomics]

Well you’re one step ahead of me!!! 😀👍I was thinking about adding one of those as well. Mostly for my daughter to be able to open the tailgate without having to hold the extra weight.

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@homesteadonomics]

Appreciate you checking it out Michael!

[@ronevans852]

Hay, it is what it is that’s what I need at 75 and just have knee surgery I’ve got to buy one.

[@patrickretsel7048]

Man that came out perfect……. Thanks 😎

[@ryantopcop]

A little off topic but what brand of boots are those? I’ve been searching for some comfortable chelsea boots.

[@homesteadonomics]

They are redbacks boots. I wear them at my day job as a 👨🏻‍🚒 as well as on my off days doing these projects….love ‘em!!!!

[@620JK]

Us old guys gotta take it easy on our joints and make them last 👍

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

Great idea...for any age!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@dezfan]

Great idea!👍🏼

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@tclodfelter8789]

A Blind man would be HAPPY to SEE that!!

[@homesteadonomics]

😂👍

[@douglasharley2440]

lol, i remember you doing pull-ups and whatnot on the shop porch roof build, ain't no way you're gonna need to be building a walker or wheelchair for at least 100 years. xD ...but when you do, it'll be sweet af. peace

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha… I always gotta keep the horsing around in there as that’s my round about way to stay young-ish😉👍

[@3amcookcom]

I think it’s a neat project. Cool idea. Let others jump in and out of the truck a dozen times because they’re “hardcore”. 🤣

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@arvinmendoza2243]

Can’t help but ask, what happens if your on uneven terrain and the ladders not long enough?

[@homesteadonomics]

The brackets that allow for movement also allow for variations in ground height. And if not enough then I can adjust the angle to get more heighth adjustment.

[@casid9929]

I am 62. Can still climb in pickup bed but probably look ridiculous doing!👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh I’m sure I’ve looked ridiculous a time or two as well😉👍

[@niflag]

Where do you get metal from? The big box stores around here charge an arm and two legs

[@homesteadonomics]

I get all my metal from metal supply stores. My favorite is Industrial Metal Supply…, but they are only in AZ and California I think. I also get metal from scrap yards too. It’s not a big seller for big box stores, so they don’t price it well at all. Needs to pay for its space and most folks who weld don’t go to them for metal. Anyways, my experience is that what you pay for a 2-3’ stick of metal at a big box store you will get 10’ or more at a metal supply place. So give or take the mark up difference is about 3x. Also, I stop by my local industrial metal supply somewhat often to check their scrap room for some choice pieces. Sometimes you can save a ton by buying the cutoff of a larger piece. They range from a couple feet to say 8-9’. Sometimes one or two of a articulate profile/tube/etc,…,, but sometimes you’ll have a stack of 10-15 of the same pieces. So I tend to plan my projects by what I can find there😉👍 Hope that made sense.., and thanks for watching! 🙏

[@fordfan3179]

Awesome idea!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@WillaHerrera]

I learned the hard way that SS bolts and screws seize up when they are in contact. Some kind of electrolysis process happens.

[@jerryfuentes1402]

What kind of spool gun are you using for aluminum MIG welding?

[@tclodfelter8789]

That's Finer than Frog Hair!!

[@vargr]

Well, I'll be making one for my truck.

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s a fun little project😀👍

[@almamdani6564]

What brand are those boots? Do you like them ?

[@homesteadonomics]

They are Redbacks. An Australian brand. I wear them for my day job at the fire station as well as on my days off doing these projects. So I pretty much wear them every day of the month😂👍

[@almamdani6564]

@@homesteadonomics ty!

[@minutemark]

That's pretty cool!

[@torjones1701]

Rivet nuts might have been quite useful for this project. Nicely done though!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! Yes they would probably have been a better choice for mounting that plate for sure.

[@davesmathers1990]

Great job👌

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Dave!

[@JPCMETALHOG]

Nice work.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@OnkelPHMagee]

"Joe of the future" will be very thankful for the foresight of "Joe in the present."

[@homesteadonomics]

I think you are very right! 😉👍

[@Forest_Actual]

Don't forget to take down the drill in front of your license plate LOL

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s actually a little led tilt head light….but yes😉👍

[@fondy44]

Showed my uncle one of these. He suggested I do what he did a few years back: trade the pickup for an SUV and a small trailer. lol

[@lorenmeyer5290]

WOW Great idea!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Loren!

[@suemcintosh5237]

I bought a Ford Ranger and I am too short to use the deck!!! I like to do the job myself thanks!!!

[@cm.4828]

I’m ordering one ☝️ where do I order!!??? Awesome handy project. It’s needed here.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you CM!

[@AlphaZulu-fc2xn]

Excellent!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@tclodfelter8789]

I'd sign up for the giveaway... but I don't have a welder and my welding looks like an epileptic with hiccups!! LOL

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh, you are hitting on all cylinders with that one😂🤣

[@lestergrayson3049]

I have a pre-made leader I like yours a lot more good job

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Lester!

[@chadjeror6046]

Brilliant!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@dmtycn]

I saw blood thumb @ 3:03, LOL

[@homesteadonomics]

You are correct…. It was from the sander a little bit before😂

[@jeffersonzanettedossantos3478]

Gosto muito do teu trabalho.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@richardnwilson]

I believe almost everyone has about a 50-50 chance of becoming an old man someday!

[@homesteadonomics]

Well that is hard to argue against 😂👍

[@jamessheets7267]

Forget the walker or wheelchair and build yourself a mechanized exoskeleton

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha… but sadly there’s probably some weirdo tech billionaires building those exoskeletons for nefarious purposes🤦‍♂️😂

[@johnmaholick4991]

Great job

[@cjacob9875]

I love it!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@GRIMRPR6942]

I love this design, but I wish somebody would come up with a design for taller trucks because my tailgate sits higher than stock, it has a 6" lift and 42" tires so the tailgate sits at 53" tall. So when the ladder flips up to the storage position, it would end up being longer than the tailgate is wide. :(

[@jamesdindino3337]

Build it like this, with an additional joint/hinge and another section - like an attic pull down ladder!

[@homesteadonomics]

So my original thought was to not have it hit the ground. To hinge and rest against the back edge of the tailgate (acting as the stop) to keep it from swing underneath. Maybe two steps or so. Measurements would be easier since you wouldn’t have to accommodate for the resting angle. Not sure if that made sense but I think it sounded right 🤔😂

[@rhondawilliams2140]

I need this in my Life! I am short lol

[@wandawTube]

Nice job, nice workspaces, and nice legs sir.

[@LloydMasonya]

Not me watching this cause I am designing that for my nt project ❤❤

[@ernestgalvan9037]

Wow, this gave me a GREAT use for a ladder that I got at Lowe’s for $1…. It had a twist in it, but had about four foot length still useable. Thanks!

[@okkeskose6871]

Teşefon kılıfı güzelmiş nerden aldın

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s an otterbox defender.

[@okkeskose6871]

@@homesteadonomics thank you

[@omarovkamran2674]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!