FVCO Installation Guide
Product: SPRINTER REAR LADDER
Models: SP0203B/SP0204B
Manufacturer: Flatline Van Co
(Image description: A silver Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van parked on a dirt road in a forest, with a rear ladder installed on the driver's side door.)
Important Safety Disclaimer
All Flatline Van Co products must be properly assembled and secured before attaching to your vehicle. Improper attachment could result in an automobile accident, and could cause serious bodily injury or death to you or to others involved. You are responsible for assembling and securing Flatline Van Co products to your vehicle, checking the mounting points and attachments prior to use, and regularly inspecting the products for wear and or damage. Flatline Van Co always recommends using a professional to install any aftermarket accessories to your vehicle. If you have no mechanical experience and are not thoroughly familiar with the installation procedures, you must have the product installed by a professional installer or other qualified persons. The responsibility is yours and must be taken seriously for everyone's safety.
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Thank You!
Are you excited about your new Sprinter Rear Ladder? Here are a few things to do before beginning the installation process:
- Please inspect the product to ensure there was no damage incurred during shipping.
- If there is damage to report, please contact our customer service department as soon as possible.
- Next, using the "Package Contents" page, check inventory and familiarize yourself with the parts and hardware.
- Gather all tools required for install:
- 9/16 Box Wrench (or Socket)
- 7/32 Hex Key Allen Wrench
- Panel Removal Tools (if you have factory door panels)
- Power Drill
- 13/32" Drill Bit
- Painter's Tape (suggested)
- We suggest having an extra set of hands to help!
- The installation process is the same for either the driver or passenger ladder.
Tools Required
(Image description: Two tools are shown. The first is a wrench labeled "9/16 WRENCH". The second is an L-shaped hex key labeled "7/32 ALLEN KEY".)
- 9/16 Wrench
- 7/32 Allen Key
Package Contents
(Image description: Various parts are laid out. A ladder, two metal backer plates, nuts, screws, and washers. Also shown are a sticker pack and a small booklet labeled "Installation Guide".)
- Ladder - QTY: 1
- Bottom Backer Plate - QTY: 1
- Top Backer Plate - QTY: 1
- 3/8-16 Hex Nut - QTY: 4
- 3/8-16 Button Head Screw - QTY: 4
- 3/8 Split Lock Washer - QTY: 4
- Sticker Pack - QTY: 1
- Installation Guide - QTY: 1
Let's Get Started!
First step of the install is to remove your door panel and remove any insulation materials that may be present. This will gain you full access to the inner door structure. This process is basically the same for the passenger or the driver side.
Next, move back to the outside of the van where we will begin layout of the first hole needing to be drilled. We recommend putting a layer of painter's tape over the working area to protect your paint from unnecessary scratches.
The measurements for your first hole are roughly 11.25" from the center door seam, and roughly 15" up from the bottom door seam. These are rough measurements, and to be used as a guide line only. Check all of your measurements before any drilling. It is also a good idea to fit the bottom backer plate in place to get a good idea of where the holes will be, and cross reference that to your own layout.
(Figure 1 description: A close-up image showing a yellow measuring tape being held against the black exterior of a van door. The tape measures approximately 15 inches from the bottom edge and is aligned with a center seam.)
(Figure 2 description: An interior view of the van's rear door, showing the metal structure and insulation material that needs to be removed for access.)
Note:- For NCV3 models, it is preferred to align the ladder to rest on the side bumper when your door is fully opened. We have noticed that some models have conflict with the ladder and the bumper on the back door. You either need to purchase the shorter bumper for the door, or you need to place the ladder in a position that will not conflict with the door mounted bumper.
- For VS30 models equipped with 270° hinges, the ladder might make contact with the side of your van, so it is suggested to place a rubber bumper or neoprene cushion where contact can be made to protect the vehicle's paint from scratches.
Next, you're going to drill your first hole. As previously mentioned, double check your measurements before drilling! Once you've drilled the hole, have someone help you loosely bolt the ladder on. It certainly helps if you have a ladder and a helper to hold the ladder upright. Align the ladder the way you want it (we suggest following the door seam line) and mark the rest of your holes through the mounting brackets.
(See Figures 3 & 4 for detail)
(Figure 3 description: A close-up shot of a yellow power drill with a drill bit making a hole in a surface. The drill is held by a hand wearing a black glove.)
(Figure 4 description: A person is holding a rear ladder against the back door of a Sprinter van, aligning it for installation. The van is dark blue/grey, and the ladder is black.)
After you've marked the location of all your mount holes, remove the ladder and set aside. Now drill the rest of your mount holes.
Note: We suggest painting around the holes to prevent them from rusting.Now grab your ladder, foam backers, and both backer plates. Locate the ladder on the door with the foam backer between the ladder and the van door. Push your 3/8-16 button head screws through the mounting holes, and then place the backer plates in the appropriate locations as shown in Figure 2 & 5. Place the 3/8 lock washers and 3/8 hex nuts on the bolts and snug. Drive two self-drilling screws through the bottom backer plate as shown in Figure 6 (this isn't necessary, but adds rigidity) then tighten down all of the bolts.
(Figure 5 description: An interior view of the van's rear door showing the placement of the black backer plates over the drilled holes, with screws and washers being attached.)
(Figure 6 description: A close-up view of the bottom backer plate on the interior of the van door, showing two self-drilling screws being driven into the metal.)
Note: If desired, you can seal the bolts on the backside with automotive grade sealant for peace of mind, but not required.Now you can put all your insulation back in (if you have any) and reinstall your door panel. You're ready to hit the road!