Find the Best Ladder Rack for Your Truck or Van
In the world of commercial vehicles and outdoor adventuring, the ladder rack stands as a silent yet crucial ally. It's not just about transporting ladders; it's about optimizing space, ensuring safety, and enhancing efficiency. Whether you're a tradesperson with a need for quick equipment access or an adventurer gearing up for exploration, the right rack is pivotal. This guide looks into the best ladder racks on the market and highlights the ease and importance of professional installation services. Ladder racks offer a heavy-duty level of convenience that is often unmatched by other over-the-counter rack options.
SHOP TRUCK AND VAN RACKS
Types of Ladder Racks
Ladder racks are designed to meet diverse needs and are made from various materials. The most prevalent types include:
- Aluminum Racks: Known for their lightweight yet robust nature, these racks are ideal for regular use without significantly increasing your vehicle’s weight and are rust-free!
- Stainless Steel Racks: These are suited for heavy-duty applications, offering remarkable durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Van Roof Racks: Tailored specifically for vans, these racks extend beyond carrying ladders to accommodate a range of equipment and bulky cargo.
When selecting a rack, the load capacity is a vital consideration, varying with material and design. For pickup trucks, specialized truck ladder racks are crafted to fit securely while providing easy equipment access.
Choosing the Right Ladder Rack for Your Van or Truck
The right ladder rack for your van or truck should tick several boxes:
- Vehicle Compatibility: The rack must fit your vehicle’s specific model and roof type. Some ladder racks offer universal applications too. Our Gear Guides can help you choose the best ladder rack for you.
- Load Capacity: It's essential to match the rack's load capacity with the weight of your intended cargo.
- Ease of Access/Load Assistance: Opt for racks that facilitate effortless loading and unloading of ladders or equipment. For load assistance, use either rollers for heavy items from the rear or for side loading on van’s there are specific ladder mounts.
Installation Services
Professional installation of your ladder rack is as important as the rack itself. Expert installation guarantees that the rack is securely fastened to your vehicle, ready to safely support your load requirements. Our Gear Guides at Rack Attack are here to help.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your ladder rack is pivotal for its longevity and optimal performance. Regular inspections for wear or damage are crucial, especially following intensive usage. Cleaning your rack periodically is also important, particularly for steel racks, to prevent rust and ensure longevity.
Top 5 Ladder Racks on the Market
Here are the top 5 ladder racks currently available:
- Yakima OverHaul HD
- Versatility: Features an adjustable height from 19 to 30 inches, catering to various load requirements like kayaks, lumbers, or ladders. It also integrates with certain Tonneau covers and organization systems.
- Ease of Use: It offers quick and easy removal, security hardware and locks for theft prevention, and can be installed in a few hours.
- Thule Xsporter
- Adjustable and Convenient: Height adjustment allows for easy loading and unloading. It's versatile for both low and high-position loads, accommodating everything from bikes to long ladders. It also offers tool free heigh adjustment for changing the bar height on the fly.
- Durable and Secure: Features rust-resistant, high-strength aluminum construction with SecureLock™, locking the rack to the truck for added security.
- TracRac TracOne
- Universal Fit and Strength: Can haul up to 800 pounds overhead, made of strong aircraft-grade aluminum, fitting virtually any pickup truck.
- Sleek and No-Drill Installation: Offers a sleek appearance due to hidden fasteners and does not require drilling or permanent modifications for installation.
- WeatherGuard EZ-Glide System
- Ease of Operation: Known as the easiest to operate among competitors, 50% easier than other drop-down ladder racks, reducing strain. The model is designed for mid to high roof vans such as the Ram ProMaster.
- Capacity and Compatibility: The ladder extension is 20-40ft, step is 6-10ft and the Podium is 3-8ft. Verify wth your vehicle specs to confirm the firm; not all Van’s can support 40ft ladders.
- Kargo Master Pro II:
- High Load Capacity and Durability: Similar to WeatherGuard, the company traditionally focuses on Trucks but also does Vans. Boasts a 1,700 lb loading capacity and is constructed with 2” round steel tubing for strength and stability. The steel construction gives it a lot of strength but it also adds weight so gas mileage is not the best.
- Customization and Protection: Offers a no-drill clamp-on option for easy installation, coated for superior corrosion protection and UV resistance, and is customizable to each truck and van shape and size. For Vans, they clamp to the rain gutter system, as for trucks, it is a clamp to the inside of the bed rail system of the truck, meaning you lose the ability to use the truck with a Tonneau cover on trucks). The rack can be easily removed with 4 bolts, and the flying wedge design reduces wind noise and supports longer loads.
These ladder racks stand out for their unique features, making them great choices for various needs, from professional contractors to outdoor enthusiasts. Each rack offers a combination of strength, versatility, ease of use, and durability, catering to different preferences and vehicle types. The Decked Drawer systems are also available for trucks and vans to provide further fine-tuned organization for tools and hardware. Stop by your local Rack Attack to discuss more about this option and how we can help.
The traditional headache rack is a preferred style for many contractors, instead of the ladder rack or traditional bar system. Choosing the right ladder rack transforms your van or truck into a more versatile, efficient, and safe vehicle.
From aluminum racks for light, everyday use to heavy-duty steel racks for commercial purposes, there's a perfect fit for every need and vehicle. More often than not, fittings are particular to the truck / van, although the features and functions are similar, the specific part numbers or SKUs needed may be specific to your year / make / model or even trim package. Professional installation and regular maintenance further enhance the rack's functionality and longevity.
For advice tailored to your specific needs and expert installation services, don’t hesitate to contact our seasoned Gear Guides or visit your nearest Rack Attack location. Find your nearest store here.