My experience with the Prinsu 4Runner Ladder has been nothing short of frustrating and disappointing. I purchased this ladder to complement my Prinsu roof rack, but the vast difference in quality between the two products has left me questioning my decision.
To start, the quality of the ladder's components is shockingly subpar, especially when compared to the excellence of the Prinsu roof rack. The sourcing of parts for this ladder seems haphazard at best, and it makes me seriously doubt considering another CBI brand product in the future.
The installation process turned into a nightmare due to several issues I encountered:
Carriage Bolts: The carriage bolts provided to secure the ladder's rungs are not only too short but are also made from incredibly cheap metal. To my dismay, three of these bolts snapped under minimal load, making me question their reliability and overall quality.
Side Rail Bolts: The bolts used for both the top and bottom plates of the ladder require additional washers to prevent damage to the powder coating. This oversight raises concerns about the ladder's long-term durability and leaves a lot to be desired in terms of attention to detail.
Inconsistent Hardware: The inconsistency in hardware is glaring. The bolts connecting the top plate to the lift gate are made of a different material than the rest of the hardware, which is a potential recipe for rust and aesthetic mismatch.
Unexplained Parts: Two large fender washers were included in the hardware kit, but they're neither mentioned in the instructions nor accounted for in the inventory. This oversight raises serious doubts about the overall quality control and completeness of the product.
Flimsy Plastic Plugs: The cheap and flimsy plastic plugs provided for the unused rung mount holes are concerning. Their low quality makes it impossible to reuse them for any future adjustments, and the lack of enough plugs to cover both front and back is simply unacceptable.
Hardware Mismatch: The inconsistency and mismatch of hardware in terms of color, size, and material further highlight the lack of attention to detail and quality control in the manufacturing process.
In conclusion, the Prinsu 4Runner Ladder has been a frustrating and disappointing addition to my vehicle. The stark difference in quality compared to the Prinsu roof rack, coupled with the myriad issues I encountered during installation, make it impossible for me to recommend this ladder. If CBI wishes to maintain its reputation and customer trust, a thorough reevaluation and improvement of the ladder's design, quality, and installation process are urgently needed.
