Buying a Ladder Rack: Important Things to Consider

You might think your truck can do it all on its own, but some things are best done with a little help. Take heavy materials transportation as an example: it takes up a lot of space, it disrupts the driving experience, and it can even be dangerous.

When it comes to trusting your truck for whatever job you need to complete, nothing tops the support that ladder racks can bring. Not only do ladder racks come in handy, but they’re also very durable and extremely generous in the cargo-hauling help they provide.

To make the most of this essential truck accessory, you need to find the right one for your needs. This complete guide to ladder racks will help you figure that out!

 

Why Ladder Racks?

The most obvious plus to getting a ladder rack is that it will make the transportation of large and heavy materials simpler and more efficient. It can also help reduce the risk of injury while loading and unloading, making the day-to-day easier and less straining for your team. 

Ladder racks also help keep everything secure. No one likes hitting the road hoping that the large pipes they’ve tied to the back of their trucks won’t get loose and start flying around, putting everybody’s lives in danger. With a ladder rack, you can be confident that everything is kept from shifting during motion. As you can imagine, this is very important for safety reasons. 

Another key benefit of ladder racks is that they help free up space in the vehicle interior or truck bed for other cargo and equipment. With this simple addition, you’ll double your truck’s cargo capacity! 

 

A Great Addition to Your Truck Customization Project

There is a reason ladder racks are one of the most requested truck customization projects here at Pacific Truck Colors. First of all, they allow for an approximate range of 500 to 1200 pounds of additional cargo. They are also especially convenient for heavy-duty uses such as the transportation of pipes that are typically trickier to haul safely.

Stop driving through traffic with pipes sticking out too far from the bed of the vehicle. With your truck customized with a ladder rack, you will be able to finally transport cargo that is much longer than your truck is.

 

Choosing the Best Ladder Racks for Trucks

Your cargo needs play a crucial role when choosing the right ladder racks for your truck. A lightweight ladder rack of 500 pounds will be more than enough for lighter duty use, such as pipes or ladders. But if you need to carry heavy materials, you should opt for a higher-rated ladder rack that can withstand up to 1200 pounds.

Know Your Ladder Rack Options

If you want to choose the right ladder racks for your needs, then you need to know what options you have. That means understanding the difference between the types of racks available.

Truck Bed Rack / Over Bed Racks 

Your pickup truck bed is perfect for carrying light equipment, such as your toolbox or gas cans. But, if you regularly need to carry a large cargo, then an over-bed rack is the right solution. These types of racks can add up to 1000 lbs. of cargo capacity. They mount over the truck bed in a matter of minutes, so you can easily take them down when you don’t need them.

Slide Mount Racks 

A slide mount rack is the perfect addition for transporting long equipment. If you transport ladders, pipes, or other long equipment, then this type of rack will ensure you do it safely and efficiently.

Over Cab Racks 

Over cab racks can transform your pickup truck into a double-decker, maximizing the available space and making it easy to haul bulky equipment. With over cab racks, you can add over 1200 lbs. of cargo.

Pay Attention to Ladder Rack Features

Another thing you should pay attention to when choosing ladder racks is their features.

First of all, you need to make sure that the ladder racks are versatile, meaning that they should allow you to transport a variety of materials, whether bulky or very long.

Another thing you should pay attention to is safety. A ladder rack that is unsafe can become a hazard during use, endangering both your safety and the success of the project. Inspect the ladder racks before purchasing them to ensure they attach securely during transit. Look for locking mechanisms that are simple, yet sturdy and reliable.

Sturdiness and durability are other important aspects you should consider. The last thing you want is to have to replace your ladder racks every couple of years because they corrode. Sure, a quality ladder rack is going to be pricey, but you’ll actually save money in the long run.

What material the ladder rack is made from is another key consideration. Ladder racks are typically built from either steel or aluminum. Steel is often preferred for heavy-duty jobs due to its strength and durability. However, steel is more prone to rust and needs to be coated properly. On the other hand, aluminum is much lighter weight than steel and can help lighten your overall load. That being said, it’s usually a more expensive option than steel. Regardless of what you choose, both options are usually sturdy enough to carry heavy-duty equipment safely and efficiently.

 

Adrian Steel Ladder Racks for Cargo Vans

Here at Pacific Truck Colors, we have long been a fan of Adrian Steel equipment. Their products are durable and innovative, and most importantly, always get the job done. 

Below, we’ll examine three options for Adrian Steel Ladder Racks specifically designed for your fleet of cargo vans, all of which you can purchase through us.

Interior Ladder Racks

This first option is a great way to endure harsh climates without filling up the inside of your van. If you operate in a high-risk area, this also deters thieves looking to make a quick buck. A peek at the Adrian Steel website offers more:

Out of the way, never out of reach! The Interior Ladder Rack doesn’t take up, limit, or reduce vertical standing room in your van, and it allows quick and easy access to your ladder from outside of your vehicle. Eliminate the outside wear and tear on your ladder. Protect your ladder from the elements, theft, and road grime. This ladder rack is perfect for 4ft and 6ft step ladders and works best in medium and high roof vans. The Interior Ladder Rack also features plastic coated clamps to protect the ladder rungs during transit.

EZ Load Ladder Racks

If your fleet runs a lot of jobs on a per-day basis, you might want to consider the EZ Load Ladder Racks. These are built for repetitive loading and unloading, minimizing employee complaints and physical injury and/or muscle strain. Keeping your staff team fresh to work quickly and excellently will inspire higher morale and increase profits. Here’s more from Adrian Steel:

Consistently loading and unloading your ladder from the roof of your Ford Transit can be a pain – literally. All of that reaching and lifting can cause a lot of back and neck strain. Fortunately, the EZ Load Ladder Rack makes it easier and more comfortable to load and unload your ladder from your low roof cargo van. This ladder rack lowers the ladder six inches and is designed for people of average height. It’s also adjustable with a half-inch socket to allow you to accommodate any size ladder.

LoadsRite Ladder Rack

This option is a field leader when it comes to ladder racks. Built for both safety and efficiency, the LoadsRite Ladder Rack is tough to beat:

The LoadsRite ladder rack is arguably the most ergonomically designed ladder rack on the market. The easy-to-reach handle requires you to use both hands to lower the rack and ladder to ensure proper, safe loading and unloading. Constructed of aluminum to maximize payload, the LoadsRite drop-down ladder rack features plastisol clamps and plastic pads to protect the ladders from fatigue during transportation.

For more varieties, and general information on Adrian Steel Ladder Racks, you can visit their page by clicking here. 

We carry all the Adrian Steel ladder racks featured above, in addition to more options from our other great manufacturing partners. If you are ready to purchase or get one of these stellar racks installed, visit our request a quote page and we will get back to you ASAP to explore your options further. 

Proper Ladder Rack Installation Is Key

After careful consideration, you’ve decided on some ladder racks that you are certain will make your life easier. Now, comes one of the most important parts – mounting them over your pickup truck or cargo van.

It might seem like a simple enough task, but you’ll be surprised to learn how many people can damage the racks and their vehicles during this part of the process. That’s why we recommend that you have a professional install them for you.

If you need help installing ladder racks for your pickup truck or cargo van, then don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Don’t Forget About Ladder Rack Accessories

Once your new ladder rack is installed and ready to use, you should consider what accessories can help you make the most of your investment. Below are a few popular ladder rack accessories available to you: 

• Cargo Straps 
• Tie Downs 
• Ladder Stops
• Mirror Holders 
• Conduit Carriers
• Clamp-On Lights 
• Sliding Toolbox Mount Kits 
• Ladder Rack Leg Extenders 
• Extra Coss Members 
• Utility Hooks 
• Front Bar Wind Deflectors 
• Load Dividers 
• And More! 

If you’re unsure about which of these accessories are worth adding, we’re here to help! Our truck customization services will help ensure your ladder rack setup is as good as it possibly can be. 

 

Ready to Invest in Ladder Racks? 

Ladder racks are a great addition to your fleet’s versatility, productivity, and most importantly, safety.

If you need help choosing and installing the best ladder racks for your vehicle type and cargo needs, or if you’re just looking for some professional advice or services, we’re here for you. Get in touch with us, and together, we’ll enhance your cargo-hauling versatility and maximize your productivity!