Best Van Ladder Rack of 2020

Businesses that imply working with own equipment require proper transportation means, or else, it will not work. Contractors, small and large companies usually have trucks or vans that can be sent out on the field whenever required and, in those vehicles, there is every single piece of equipment that the workers might need. Giving the fact that some tools and accessories are bigger in length and width than the actual vehicle, additional racks are needed. Ladder racks for trucks are some of the most commonly used among contractors, as it represents the only safe way to transport a ladder.

If you are wondering whether a ladder rack is optional when doing field work, the answer is 100% no. Although it is not mandatory by law, it is crucial to own one in order to be able to perform your duties well. Otherwise, how would you be able to climb or to reach items at height? Borrowing a ladder or asking your clients to provide you with one is not really a professional approach.

There are a few benefits that come with the use of a ladder rack:

• You save space and can use it to store other pieces of equipment
• You save time by optimizing the unloading and reloading process
• You get to protect your equipment
• You get to transport the ladder safely

If you are currently doing your research in order to buy a new ladder rack for van, but you aren’t sure what is the difference between one product and the other, then you are in the right place. We have selected five of the best-selling models and reviewed them for you, based on personal observations and consumer feedback. Below, you will see the pros and cons of each and every product in particular, so that you can compare the advantages and the downsides and make the best choice for your needs.

Best Products of 2020

Oklead Truck Ladder Rack for Pickup Trucks

Ladders are sturdy pieces of equipment that allow you to reach a wide variety of spots, electrical systems and even the roof. To be that sturdy, that have to be made of heavy-duty materials, which is why transporting them has to be done carefully, as they can scratch or damage the interior of the car.

Using a truck ladder rack is the wisest choice. This product from Oklead comes at a fair price. It is worth the price, giving its features and high-quality materials. It can be adjusted anywhere between 46 and 67 inches. It is made of steel and has sturdy steel racks with a capacity of 500 pounds. installing this rack on your truck is a breeze. It comes with all the installation hardware that you need: 12 bolts, 12 lock washers, 12 flat washers, 12 nuts, a set of 8 screws and a hexagonal wrench.

This model includes detailed instructions, so you will be able to set it up without any additional help. The only challenge could be the fact that some drilling is required in order to install it. If you have experience setting up racks, then it will be easy for you. This product is practical and safe to use. The fact that it is adjustable makes it easier for you even take it off your truck and install it on a different one.

What’s to like?

• It is fairly priced
• It has a sturdy design
• It is made of steel
• It is a heavy-duty rack
• It is adjustable
• It includes all installation hardware
• It has matt black powder coating
• It has a 500-pound capacity
• It is covered by a one-year warranty

What’s not to like?

• It requires drilling

AA-Racks X35 Truck Rack with (8) Non-Drilling C-Clamps

This standard bed rack model is known to be extremely efficient when it comes to ladder transportation, as well as the transportation of any other type of large sized equipment. Thanks to the extendable top bar, it fits different kinds of truck beds. Unlike other similar models, this product requires no drilling and includes a set of 8 C-clamps that help with the installation. However, just like any other non-drilling model, it isn’t compatible with utility track systems. Thanks to its easy-to-use set up system, it is easy to put on and take down whenever needed. It features a rope hook on the side of the uprights, so it provides the security you need.

Being powder coated in matte black, it is rust-resistant and has more durability over time. the C-clamps are made of aluminum, which also makes them durable, but more than that, lightweight. The top cross bar of this rack is extendable and can be adjusted for different size bed width, with a maximum of 71 inches. Thanks to its design, it offers 30.5 inches height to the clearance and 26 inches to the cross bar, so the roof of the vehicle will be protected at all times. Although this is a product that is compatible with most vehicles, it is important to check the on-drilling and compatibility list that the manufacturer offers.

What’s to like?

• It is medium-priced
• It is made of heavy-duty materials
• It is adjustable
• It is a non-drilling model
• It includes 8 C-clamps made of aluminum
• It is easy to install and take down
• It has a side rope hook on all 4 sides
• It is powder coated in matte black
• It weighs 50 pounds
• It is ideal for ladder transportation

What’s not to like?

• It isn’t compatible with utility track systems

AA-Racks Model X3501 Short Bed Truck Ladder Rack

This is another ladder rack model manufactured by AA Products Inc. that is known for its high-quality. By comparison to the previous products presented in this list, it is pricier. However, it is worth every cent, as it has a unique design and it is made of heavy-duty materials that last in time. It comes with a bracket bar that is capable of strengthening the basic truck rack. There are two bracket bars included, each with 6/4 grade 8 carriage bolts. It includes two one-piece handrails that facilitate setting up the rack. Thanks to this system, you can enjoy the benefits of the grab and hop method.

This X35 rack is ideal for ladder transportation, but it can also be used for kayaks or canoes. It can be installed on almost all kinds of trucks, having an extendable top cross-bar. It has an inner bed width that can be adjusted between 51 and 71 inches and a height that can be set to 30.5 inches to the clearance and 26 inches to the cross bar. Its wide compatibility is also due to the adjustability of the over-cab extension bar and side bars. Most users of this product don’t only transport ladders on it, but also find it convenient for large tool box transportation.

What’s to like?

• It has a great design
• It is ideal for ladder, toolbox or kayak transportation
• It is adjustable
• It has two bracket bars
• It is easy to install
• It has 30.5 inches distance to the cross bar
• It has adjustable over cab extension and side bars
• It has nicely designed support bars
• It has a grab and hop system for the truck bed
• It includes all required installation hardware

What’s not to like?

• It is pricier than most ladder rack models
• It required drilling

AA-Racks Model DX36 Universal Two Bar Drilling

If the previous products that we analyzed in this list so far were mostly designed to truck use, this model is suitable for van use. Its advantage is that it is smaller in size and more inexpensive. The same model is also available in 3-bar, so you might want to check that out, too. This product from AA Products Inc. has a 13-gauge steel construction, a maximum capacity of 350 pounds and a 4-inch total height clearance. Its cross bars are 1.2 inches in diameter. One of the nice features of this model is the fact that the length of the bars is adjustable and can be set anywhere between 35 to 63 inches. Another important detail is the fact that it has an 11-gauge high-strength steel mounting base.

Although this is a great product that can be easily installed, it requires drilling, so you might want to think twice whether you can do that or not. A downside is the fact that it doesn’t include accessories for the height clearance, so you need to buy them separately. The total size of this model is 36.6 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches and it weighs 17.6 pounds. It is painted in sandy black and it is fixed, not folding.

What’s to like?

• It is inexpensive
• It is practical
• It is easy to install
• It mounts on the roof of the van
• It has a steel construction
• It has adjustable cross bar
• It has high-strength steel mounting base
• It has 4-inch total height clearance
• It has 2 bars
• It comes in sandy black

What’s not to like?

• It doesn’t include accessories
• It requires drilling for installation

EAG Adjustable Truck Contractor Ladder Rack

If you are looking for a seriously advanced ladder rack that can be used to transport all kinds of equipment that a contractor might need with ease, then this is the option that you should consider most. Its price is higher than most products in this list, but let’s not forget that it is designed for professional use and that it is made of the highest quality materials.

This product has some great features that should be taken into consideration before deciding on other model. First of all, it is fully adjustable, which means that it can be customized in any way the user wants. Second, it has the highest capacity seen in this list so far. It supports a total weight of 1000 pounds. Its third advantage is that it is made of 2-inch tubing.

This product isn’t only practical and strong, but it also has a gorgeous design. It has a glossy black finish that screams care and professionalism. Another advantage worth mentioning is the fact that it comes with a removable rear bar. Also, it has a gusseted corner that offers extra strength. Last, but not least, it includes a built-in air deflector that helps eliminate cab noise. If you want to buy a product that is highly convenient and versatile in the context of any contractor type of work, you just found your match.

What’s to like?

• It is made of the highest quality materials
• It is fully adjustable
• It supports up to 1000 pounds
• It is made of .120 wall 2-inch tubing
• It has glossy black finish
• Its rear bar is removable
• It includes gold zinc plated hardware
• It is easy to install
• It has built-in air deflector
• It has built-in tie down in every leg

What’s not to like?

• It only fits compact trucks