Emerson Weather Guard 250 User manual

(1) Cord guide
(4) Strut channel nut
(2) Stop plate
(1) 1.25 OD Washer
(4) Hex head cap screw,
1/4 x 20 x 1
(20)Nylon lock nut, 1/4 x 20
(2) Carriage bolt,
1/4 x 20 x 1-1/2
(24)1/4” Flat Washer
(1) Pan head machine screw,
1/4 x 20 x 7/8
(2) Shock cord
(4) Lock washer
(1) Adjustable mount
(1) Fixed mount
(1) Adjustable arm
(1) Front cradle
(1) Inside side catch
(1) Outside side catch
(1) Fixed catch
(17)Carriage bolt,
1/4 x 20 x 3/4
(1) Safety cable assy.
(3) Rail
(2) Connecting bracket
(3) Mounting bracket
(1) Vinyl cap
(8) 1/4 x 14 self drilling
screw
(1) Rear mounting bracket
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all instructions and warnings before installing or using this product.
Weather Guard recommends the Model 250 sliding ladder rack be installed in service or delivery vans equipped with a bulkhead.
A bulkhead divider between cargo and driver/passenger compartment reduces the likelihood material will come forward and cause
personal injury during a vehicle accident.
Part No. 24-0208
• Electric Drill
• 5/16” Hex Driver Bit
• Phillips Screw Driver
• Ruler
• 7/16” Wrench
• 7/16” Deep Well Socket
• Ratchet Wrench
• Lithium Grease
Approximate installation time: 60 minutes (1 hr.) depending on installer experience. Rail assembly installation requires 2 people.
OPERATORS MANUAL
SLIDING LADDER RACK
MODEL 250
WWW.WEATHERGUARD.COM
INSTALLATION TIME
TOOLS REQUIRED
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Model #: ________250____________ Serial #: _______________________ Purchase Date: ______________________
Place of Purchase: ___________________
NOTE: This product is only intended for use inside a van, enclosed trailer or truck with metal cap.
–ATTENTION–
PARTS LIST
WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury from the ladder falling or becoming a projectile during hard braking or a vehicle acci-
dent:
• Read and follow all instructions and warnings before installing or using this product.
• The sliding ladder rack should only be used for transporting ladders. Never modify or use the sliding ladder rack for any other
purpose.
• Rack must be installed per instructions.
• Only mount the sliding ladder rack in a van, enclosed trailer, or metal truck cap.
• Maximum ladder weight should not exceed 80 lbs.
• When using power tools, follow tool manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
• Protect your eyes. Wear safety goggles that comply with ANSI Z87.1 (or in Canada, CSA Z94-3-M88) as shown on package.
• Never install the sliding ladder rack system inside passenger compartments.
• Check for electrical wiring in areas where holes are to be drilled. Consult the vehicle’s shop manual for wiring paths.
2
Step 1: RAIL ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION
Using connecting brackets (2), connect rail sections (3) using
eight 1/4-20 x 3/4” carriage bolts, 1/4” flat washers and 1/4-20
nylon lock nuts.
NOTE: The installation instructions below are written for the
installation of this product to the roof ribs of a van or truck cap.
This rack can be mounted to the side wall of a trailer if desired,
using the same steps described below.
NOTE: Depending on the size and type of your vehicle, the rail
assembly may need to be cut to length for proper installation,
Measure the distance inside the van, and cut the assembled
rail to the correct length.
Determine the rail mounting location inside vehicle (center, off-
center, side). Measure the first three van rib locations from the
rear of the van, starting from the upper inside of the rear door
jamb, and measuring forward. Record those dimensions.
Fasten the rear mounting bracket to the rear of the rail assembly
(end opposite cut end) using two 1/4-20 x 3/4”
carriage bolts, 1/4” flat washers and 1/4-20 nylon lock
nuts. See Figure 1a.
From the rear of the rear mounting bracket, mark the rail assem-
bly at the recorded rib locations. Fasten a mounting bracket just
tight enough to be adjusted by hand, centered at each mark,
using one 1/4-20 x 3/4” carriage bolt, 1/4” flat washer and 1/4-20
nylon lock nut each.
Place the rail assembly in the vehicle in position. Determine
whether the rear mounting bracket needs to be modified. It may
be offset to the rail assembly or have a portion of it removed or
the angle of the flange changed to meet the door jamb flush, if
necessary. Adjust the mounting bracket locations on the rail
assembly if necessary, to insure that the mounting brackets can
be properly fastened to the roof ribs.
Remove the rail assembly from the roof ribs, and tighten the
mounting brackets securely.
Place the rail assembly back in position, and fasten it to the roof
ribs and rear door jamb with two 1/4-14 x 3/4” self drilling screws
and 1/4” flat washers per bracket.
Fasten the cord guide approximately 30” in from the rear of the
rail assembly, using a 1/4-20 x 7/8” pan head machine screw,
1-1/4” OD washer, 1/4” flat washer and 1/4-20 nylon lock nut.
Adjust the 30” dimension for obstructions if necessary.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1
Figure 1a
WARNING
WARNING
Rear
Mounting
Bracket
• Rail assembly must be attached to all three roof ribs for proper
installation.
CAUTION

3
Step 2: INSTALLING FIXED MOUNT
Measure from the foot of the ladder to the bottom rung. From the
back of the rail assembly measure the same distance and mark
the rail. This will be the approximate location of the fixed mount.
Install the fixed mount with grooves facing the front of the vehicle.
Allow for position adjustment using fasteners shown in Figure 2.
Step 3: INSTALLING SLIDING MOUNT
Insert the sliding mount into the rail assembly with the grooved
portion facing the rear of the vehicle. Install the vinyl cap over the
cut end of the rail assembly.
Step 4: FRONT CRADLE ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION
NOTE: If installing this sliding ladder rack to the side wall of a trail-
er, proceed to Step 10 for the side catch assembly.
Using two 1/4-20 x 7/8” carriage bolts, 1/4” flat washers, and 1/4-
20 nylon lock nuts, affix front cradle to extension arm. Attach to
sliding mount. With one 1/4-20 x 1-1/2” carriage bolt, 1/4” flat
washer, and 1/4-20 nylon lock nut, adjust the depth of the cradle to
fit the height of your ladder. Tighten carriage bolt completely
(Figure 3).
Step 5: FIXED CATCH
Using one 1/4-20 x 1-1/2” carriage bolt, 1/4” flat washer, and 1/4-
20 nylon lock nut, affix the fixed catch and safety cable to the fixed
mount allowing for adjusting the depth to fit the bottom rung of the
ladder. Tighten carriage bolt completely (Figure 4).
Step 6: ADJUSTING MOUNTING POSITIONS
Place ladder onto the front cradle and slide forward to the stowed
position. Place the bottom rung of the ladder onto the fixed catch.
This will be the final position of the fixed catch assembly. Gently
remove the ladder so as not to move the fixed catch and finish
securing the fixed catch assembly in place.
Step 7: SHOCK CORD INSTALLATION
• Slide the shock cords through the adjustable mount shock cord
holes. Make sure the hog ring is at the back of the unit. Next
slide the cords through the shock cord guide holes, and then
through the fixed mount shock cord holes.
• Place ladder onto rack and slide forward while holding the
shock cord. When the ladder is in the stowed position, firmly pull
the shock cord and slide it into the holding slot on the back of
the fixed mount (see figure 5).
Do not over tighten fasteners.
Strut
Channel
Nut
Fixed Mount
1/4” Flat Washer
Lock Washer
1/4-20 x 1
Hex Head
Cap Screw
Figure 2
Adjustable Arm
Front Cradle
Adjustable
Mount
Figure 3
Safety Cable
Fixed
Catch
Figure 4
Figure 5
CAUTION
• Safety cable must be attached per instructions for ladder to be
properly secured to rack and vehicle.
• Do not over tighten fasteners.
WARNING
• Elastic cords can snap back and strike your eye. Do not over
stretch. Keep your body and face clear.
WARNING
• Fixed Catch assembly is not completely secured at this point.
When placing ladder into position it could fall.
• Do not allow anyone directly underneath or to the side of ladder
during this installation step, except to help with mounting.
CAUTION

Before loading ladder into rack:
1. WEATHER GUARD recommends the Model 250 sliding ladder rack be installed in service or delivery vans equipped with a bulk
head. A bulkhead divider between cargo and driver/passenger compartment reduces the likelihood material will come forward and
cause personal injury during a vehicle accident.
2. The sliding ladder rack is designed to be loaded from the back of a cargo van or pickup truck with a metal cap.
3. Before loading a ladder, make sure the elastic cords and the stop bracket are installed and positioned correctly. See
Installation steps 7 & 8 on pages 3 & 4. If a different size ladder is to be loaded then the stop bracket and the elastic cords must
be adjusted or the ladder will fall from the rack.
4. Inspect the parts of the ladder rack before using. If any part is broken, bent or damaged in any way do not use rack. See
Maintenance section for replacement parts.
• Make sure to have enough tension on the shock cord to securely hold the ladder in place. Tie a double knot into the end of the
shock cord at this point, and insert the cords in the slots in the fixed mount. Tuck the excess into the back of the fixed mount
(see figure 5).
Step 8: INSTALL FORWARD AND REAR STOPS
Recommended position of the forward stop is approximately 1” in front of the sliding mount in the stowed position. The position of
the stop should allow just enough travel to slide the ladder forward to place the bottom rung onto the adjustable catch as well as
ladder removal.
Rear stop should be placed far enough forward to limit travel of the sliding mount allowing you to pull the ladder easily off of the
front cradle assembly without hitting the fixed catch.
Step 9: RAIL LUBRICATION
Figure 6
Elastic cords can snap back and strike your eye. Do Not overstretch. Keep your body and face clear.
WARNING
Elastic cords must be properly adjusted. Failure to adjust cord tension for length of ladder may allow ladder to fall.
WARNING
Front Stop Plate must be installed to prevent the sliding catch from dislodging during hard braking or in a vehicle accident.
WARNING
USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
• Inspect the sliding ladder rack before each use. Do not use rack if it is damaged or deteriorated in any way.
• Do not place shorter ladder in rack adjusted for longer ladder. Always adjust stop plate and elastic cords for length of ladder
being loaded.
• Incorrect loading or unloading of the sliding ladder rack could allow ladder to fall and cause serious personal injury or property
damage.
• Never operate the rack with persons seated below or near the rack and ladder.
• Be careful when loading ladder into the sliding ladder rack if standing on slick or icy ground.
• Do not load or unload ladder when vehicle is moving.
WARNING
Apply a generous amount of lithium grease to the inside of the rail
allowing for smooth travel of the sliding front cradle.
Optional Installation
Step 10: SIDE MOUNTING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
(ONLY)
Install side catch brackets to adjustable mount with two 1/4-20 x
7/8” carriage bolts, 1/4” flat washers, and 1/4-20 nylon lock nuts as
shown in Figure 6. Install rail assembly to side of enclosed trailer.
4

Loading ladder into rack:
1. Ensure the ladder is clean and dry.
2. Open van’s rear doors or truck hatch to access rack.
3. Pull on elastic cords to move the sliding catch toward the rear.
4. Position the ladder with the step side down (non-step side up).
5. Lift the top of the ladder and place it in the front cradle. See
Figure 7.
6. Moving to the foot of the ladder, lift and push forward, causing
the sliding mount to move forward and the elastic cords to
become tight. Stop if elastic cords become tangled with the lad-
der. Straighten cords and continue.
7. With a firm two hand grip on the ladder, push and lift so that the
undersize of the bottom step is aligned with the face of the fixed
catch. Ease your forward pressure and allow the elastic cords
to push the step against the fixed catch.
Note: The face of the fixed catch is designed to engage a variety
of step designs. If the bottom step on your ladder does not
engage securely with the fixed catch try to reposition the
step. If you need to adjust the fixed catch’s mounting posi-
tion, refer to the installation instructions in Step 4 on page 3.
8. Ensure the ladder is properly engaged with the fixed catch.
9. Loop the safety cable around the bottom step and clip it back on
itself as shown in Figure 8. Always attach the safety cable
around a step. Other parts of the ladder may not be strong
enough to hold the ladder in a vehicle accident.
5
• Always attach safety cable around ladder step. Safety cable reduces the risk of the ladder coming free during a vehicle acci-
dent.
• Inspect ladder before each use. Ladder can be damaged from road shock and vehicle vibration. Bouncing and side-to-side
motion may cause wear and weaken the ladder. Using a damaged ladder could lead to structural collapse and result in serious
injury or death.
• Keep hands clear of area where ladder engages rack.
WARNING
• Do Not operate vehicle without the safety cable in place. Safety cable reduces the risk of the ladder from ladder falling or
becoming a projectile during a vehicle accident.
• Never allow persons to sit below or near the stowed ladder while vehicle is in motion.
• If your vehicle is involved in an accident or you have applied your brakes excessively hard, STOP immediately and check to
make sure ladder has not moved out of position in rack.
• Travel over rough terrain or a hard, jarring bump may cause the ladder to fall. Additional securing of the ladder may be
required to insure the ladder stays in place.
WARNING
Figure 7
Figure 8
Un-Loading ladder from rack:
1. To un-load ladder from rack, reverse the loading process above while following these steps.
2. Make sure you have secure footing and a clear path behind your vehicle to walk the ladder out.
3. Check that the ladder has not shifted in the rack and is still securely held by the fixed catch.
4. Remove the safety cable from around the step.
5. Push the ladder forward and then down to disengage the step from the face of the fixed catch. Be prepared for the push-back
from the elastic cords.
6. Walk away from the vehicle until the top of the ladder has slid to near the fixed catch.
7. For long or heavy ladders, set the bottom of the ladder down to the ground and then move up the side of the ladder to a position
and lift the top from the front cradle.