MILITARY boarding ladders? Anyone know where to buy?

daveyboy · Post by **daveyboy** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 2:41 pm

the ones used to climb into the back of a deuce or larger trucks cargo bed.

look like heavy duty ladders.

anyone know who might sell them?

thanks, Dave

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 6:13 pm

Coleman's in PA. What used to be $35.00 a dozen years agois now close to $100.00. They had NOS with the safety railing.

Steve Greenberg · Post by **Steve Greenberg** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:52 pm

Dave,
I think I have an extra ladder. $50 plus shipping if I have one. I'll look at my shop today.
Steve

Ugg · Post by **Ugg** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:32 pm

Steve:

Any chance you could post a picture as I haven't a clue what they look like. Also, if anyone has a pic of how they were used.

Later

daveyboy · Post by **daveyboy** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 2:42 am

thanks Steve.

let me know.

Dave

Steve Greenberg · Post by **Steve Greenberg** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:15 am

Dave,
I do have an extra ladder.

Ugg,
I'll take a photo tomorrow.
Steve

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:14 pm

What is strange is that these were being surplused by the hundreds sealed in the original boxes the very year they were being produced. They are a good idea, but able bodied GIs do not really need one. There were two versions, both made of aluminum. The newer version has a detachable tubular hand rail. They are equipped with two ropes that secure the ladder to the rear of the Cargo Body.
They do come in handy when hauling prescious cargo such as senior veterans at a parade.

Steve Greenberg · Post by **Steve Greenberg** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 3:16 am

Ugg,
Here is a photo of the boarding ladder I have.
Steve

Ugg · Post by **Ugg** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:15 pm

Hi Steve:

THANKS!

When were these critters 1st produced/used? I was VERY intimet with M35's and had NEVER seen one of these EVER (while a girl scout). I heard about em though and have seen ladders bein used like RANGER said, when seniors were bein loaded in the back of a deuce (or Jimmy or 6X6, depending on which era it was from).

Later

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:50 pm

Nice Ladder.
The ladder depicted, does not appear to be the boarding ladder that is used for the Cargo Body and Tailgate, the ropes are missing and it has expanded metal treads. The boarding ladder that is made for the Cargo body and Tail Gate has slotted treads and safety ropes with flat hooks and brackets at the top to hold it in place.
The Army bought two types of Cargo truck Boarding Ladders in the 60s thru 90s, one was shorter and for M-37, M-715 vehicles, the other. a longer version was for the common 2 1/2 Ton and 5 Ton tactical cargo trucks, M-34, M-35, M-36, M-135, M-211, M-54, and M-55 Truckss. The WWII CCKW and Chevrolet Cargo Bodies had just about the same loading height and these M-Series Cargo Truck Boarding Ladders fit just fine.
More to come.

daveyboy · Post by **daveyboy** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:07 pm

thats what I am looking for!

Please send a address to ship the cash off to:

any idea of shipping cost to 75025?

please respond off the forum to:

wc57doggieboy@yahoo.com

thanks Steve!

Dave in Plano, TX

GTBGUY · Post by **GTBGUY** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:10 am

Steve's ladder appears to be the type used on the M109 shop van or possibly the M5/M6 van bodies used on the CCKW chassis.

CCKW353 · Post by **CCKW353** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:47 am

I have a picture in a ARMY COOK manual that shows a CCKW kitchen truck and they are using a wooden ladder to step into the back. Looks like it may have been made in field. Will look it up and post

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 4:24 am

It is just what the guy wants tho.
FYI,
It will not work on the Cargo Trucks as it is for the Shop Van and a couple feet too short. Note the hooks, they are placed over the Rear Bumperettes of the M-45 Chassis that the M-109 is mounted on, and the person using it steps directly thru the doorway of the Van. The Shop Van has no tailgate.
The M-109 Ladder is usually made of STEEL and has 4 Treads.
NOTE:
This ladder is useless on a Cargo Truck as it will be located under the tailgate.

The ALUMINUM MX-3391 G Boarding ladder for the Cargo Trucks attaches to either the Taigate in the Level position or to the upper portion of the tailgate when it is dropped down.
The Cargo ladder has 6 treads, is 62 1/2" long, and attaches at the correct angle of repose for the treads to be level with mother earth. A good salesman knows his product, I have been a good Army Parts Salesman for 50+ years.

Bottom Line,
Davey Baby ain't gonna be happy with the ladder in the pic.