Ladder Stand Question

[cnjdeer]

Hi guys,

I have a 15' Field & Stream ladder stand, and it bends somewhat inwards (i.e., towards the tree) around the middle.  I think this might be because I use a ratchet strap about 5' up to keep it well secured to the tree in the middle, although the strap is no longer very tight.

Anyone else have a similar issue with their stand?  I'm reluctant to use a stand that's not 100%, but it otherwise feels pretty stable and it's difficult to imagine the ladder giving way given how durable the metal feels.

Thanks.

 

[Bucndoe]

Do you have a bar there that is also attached to the tree ? That piece gives stability to the ladder mid way up and shouldn't be left off any stand when it gets put up

[Happy]

I use straps also.  And use the  bar in the middle and have no issues 

[cnjdeer]

Yes, there is a stability bar in the middle.    I put the strap anyhow because it never feels like it attaches tightly because the stability bar ties on with a chincey piece of rope that comes with the stand.

 

[Screaminta]

Is the stability bar extended enough so that the ladder portion doesn’t bend too far inwards?

[Rusty]

4 minutes ago, cnjdeer said:

Yes, there is a stability bar in the middle.    I put the strap anyhow because it never feels like it attaches tightly because the stability bar ties on with a chincey piece of rope that comes with the stand.

Is the bar extended tight against the tree?  The rope that holds it to the tree doesn't need to be strong, it just has to hold the bar in place.  

[cnjdeer]

Thanks.  I will give a shot at moving it so it's tighter against the tree.  It's not extendable, so it doesn't ever really feel that tight. 

Edited November 25, 2019 by cnjdeer

[Rusty]

Just now, cnjdeer said:

Thanks.  I will give a shot at moving it so it's tighter against the tree.  It's not extendable, so it doesn't ever really feel that tight. 

They should all be adjustable to some degree.  Double check it.  

[cnjdeer]

Thanks.  Will do.  Maybe that's the issue. 

[Rusty]

1 minute ago, cnjdeer said:

Thanks.  Will do.  Maybe that's the issue. 

Good luck.  

By the way,  welcome to the site cnj.  

[Bucndoe]

Nail the stability bar to the tree. I have a few ladder stands that have been on the same trees for awhile now. As the tree grows you have to adjust the stand. Two of my ladder stands were leaning forward because the tree they were attached to grew taller. I had to loosen everything and reset the stands 

Edited November 25, 2019 by Bucndoe

[Happy]

Trees also shrink in colder weather.  I check my straps every time I get in the tree 

[Woodsman416]

I always run a racheting tie down strap around the tree and pull the ladder into the tie bar.

[Merkel]

Just extend the stability bar outward a little and you should be fine. I think the wind and cold impact it. Good luck.

[Zipper]

56 minutes ago, Woodsman416 said:

I always run a racheting tie down strap around the tree and pull the ladder into the tie bar.

That's your pro treestand tip of the week! I now do that in all my Ladder stands.