Ladder Rack: A Utility Trailer Must Have
If jobs frequently require a ladder, it can create a dilemma:
- Does the ladder go under the cargo and equipment to secure it, or over the top of the uneven load?
- The ladder takes up valuable space in the bed.
- Don’t forget those lost ladders seen on the side of the road on Interstate highways—that must have ruined the day for more than one person.
If a ladder is part of your daily equipment, a ladder rack is a functional accessory for pickup trucks and vans that solves these problems and more.
Trailer Ladder Rack Provides Ladder Security
A ladder rack gives the driver multiple points of contact for strapping the ladder securely. The ladder is subject to wind sheers at high speeds. If it is lifted from the vehicle, it becomes a danger for a whole series of drivers behind, is often destroyed in a mishap, and is unavailable for the intended job.
Increased Storage and Seating
The awkward shape and size of a ladder take up significant cargo space in a truck or van bed. When the truck cab becomes an auxiliary cargo space, a second vehicle might be required. A ladder rack allows the crew to organize the equipment, tools, and supplies needed.
Ladder Rack: Easy Access to Your Equipment
If the ladder is not needed for a particular job, it remains attached to the vehicle but remains ready for the next job. A rack makes loading and unloading a ladder much easier. Dents and dings are inevitable, but they will be reduced when the ladder is stored several feet away from the fenders.
Ladder Rack Options
There are three major styles of ladder racks available in the market.
- Over Bed Racks attach to the top of the bed and extend several feet above the bed. The rack is designed to carry the ladder on top of the rack, but there is often adequate storage for many objects. No worries, as these racks are designed to carry 1000 lbs. or more. Make sure to secure anything stored on the rack, since they will experience high sheer forces when the vehicle travels at high speeds. Over-bed racks are available for cargo vans as well, but they carry the ladder close to the top of the van.
- Over Cab Racks attach to the top of the bed and extend above the bed, but the frame also extends over the top of the cab as well. The advantage of these racks includes accommodating longer ladders, and long cargo items, such as pipes and lumber, with all the additional storage of over-bed racks. The space above the cab will also accommodate additional storage whenever needed. Again, make sure to secure everything outside of the cab very well to ensure the wind at high speeds does not carry it off the vehicle.
- Side Mount Racks attach to the top of the bed for pickups and the ladders are hung on frame members. For cargo vans, the side-mount rack is attached to the top and side of the van and the ladder is hung on frame members. The length of the ladder and cargo pieces are limited by the length of the bed up to the doors.
Ladder racks must be installed properly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, using appropriate straps. This is also true for anything carried in the bed of the pickup or outside of the van since flying debris is extremely dangerous and the loss of material is very expensive.
Let Us Create the Perfect Ladder Rack for Your Trailer
Trailer Wheel and Frame has one of the largest inventories of ladder racks and trailer accessories in the industry.