Moving vans help get things around. They’re excellent for camping, transporting tools, getting a small business running, and generally all kinds of hands-on work. Though they aren’t perfect. If you’ve ever needed to transport a ladder on a ladder rack, you know this all too well.
Though, that doesn’t mean vans can’t work for ladder transportation. Buying a ladder rack for your van can turn an annoying problem into something simple. In fact, you’ll probably end up using that ladder rack more than you’d imagine. The amount things we need ladders for always astounds us.
So to help you get started, we’re bringing you our quick guide to the best ladder rack for your van.
Ladder Racks 101
Ladder racks come in several different configurations; each works better under different circumstances. Depending on your needs, your options come down to one of three things; standard roof racks, off roof racks, and side roof racks.
Standard Roof
The standard roof rack attaches to the top of your van on either side of the roof. It consists of two steel beams (one on each side) and rollers that run between both beams. It’s designed to stay low-profile as to not interfere with your van’s aerodynamics and thus gas mileage.
The benefit of the standard roof rack is undoubtedly the rollers. They make loading and unloading ladders extremely easy. Just slide ladders on and ladders off. Some racks come with their own way of securing the ladders, while others rely on bungee cords.
Standard racks are best for people looking for versatility.
Off-Roof
Off-roof racks are very similar to standard racks in that they’re composed of two steel beam attached to either side of your van’s roof. Though instead of relying on rollers, off roof racks have extended mounts that lift ladders off the van’s roof.
These racks are excellent for those looking for a little more space on their van’s roof. You can squeeze out some extra storage by storing things below the ladders. Plywood and other flat items fit easily underneath off roof racks.
Side
Side roof racks attache to either the roof itself or sides of your van’s roof. They overhang onto the side of your vehicle to maximize roof space. This ladder rack makes the roof perfect for storing and transporting larger materials.
Side racks also help with your van’s aerodynamics. Nothing attached to the van’s roof helps reduce wind drag. Though, they do cause an issue if you’re planning on driving in bumper to bumper traffic. You’ll need extra room between cars on either side of the van.
Choosing a Ladder Rack
Selecting a ladder rack means understanding the difference between the racks above and which rack works best for your needs. You need a high-quality rack supplier to help you get started shopping.
That’s where we come into play. We carry a variety of different van racks suited to anyone’s needs. If you’re in the market for a new ladder rack, get in contact with us. Our experts can set you up with the best ladder rack for your unique needs.
