Ladder rung end plastic insert

RAS43 wrote:

And the suggestion to fill in the crack with something is not a good idea as a failure of the insert will cause a bad fall and the crack is the first sign of that failure.

You make a good point... I'm not sure everyone realizes these are not just decorative caps, rather they are the supports that hold the steps in place.

I have the same ladder and over the years have replaced all of these inserts. Early on they were about a third of what we are seeing now. I don't think the original ladder is available anymore so replacement parts have gotten expensive. Also, I haven't found a replacement that is easy to install the way the original is attached. I still have a couple of spares so hopefully the ladder will outlast my ownership.
And the suggestion to fill in the crack with something is not a good idea as a failure of the insert will cause a bad fall and the crack is the first sign of that failure.

Obviously you care about the look.
If you didn't the absolute cheapest thing to do is nothing.
The second cheapest thing is to fill up the space with black spray foam and cut off the end when it is cured.

IAMICHABOD wrote:
WOW they are Expensive

CRIMONY! Even my dealer cost ($9.82) through E-trailer is more than I'd pay for just one ineert.

I knew where to get the cheap plastic bits at about $20 each; I need four. I always expect to pay way too much for an RV part, but $20 for a bit of molded brittle plastic is really pushing it.

My thanks all who replied and especially to wolfe10 for the following suggestion, where 12 of the plastic bits can be obtained for $24 plus shipping. If I live a few years more, I'll probably need the remaining unused 8 of them.

wolfe10 wrote:
$2 each: https://advancedresourcingsales.com/products/cap-step-end

Note: There are two sizes-- need to verify which you have.

$2 each: https://advancedresourcingsales.com/products/cap-step-end

Note: There are two sizes-- need to verify which you have.

Do you know someone with a 3D printer?

Alternately, are you adept at shaping wood? A little bit of teak and some careful bandsaw and drill press work might be all you need.

WOW they are Expensive

They are a bit Cheaper by the dozen

May be trying to fabricate one using something like this

I go to the RV salvage yard and they usually have a bin full of exterior and exterior ladder end caps of various types. They may also be able to tell you what hack is available if unable to find an exact match. They average about $5 each out of the bin (not reconditioned and you match it up) or $10 if bagged (cleaned and labeled).