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Truck drivers like you haul a wide range of cargo items with their vehicles. Although the bed offers a quick and convenient way to load up, using it alone is sometimes neither expedient nor safe. Ladder racks are an ideal solution for drivers who must carry large items on their trucks. In this brief guide, you’ll get the lowdown on ladder racks and how to choose one that best meets your needs.
There’s a wide selection of ladder racks, with most made from durable alloys. Hauler Racks models, for instance, are crafted from 6063 aluminum. Alloy 6063 exhibits higher heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and melting temperature. It’s frequently used in architectural applications such as window and door frames, piping, electrical components, and roofs. That level of durability is ideal for ladder racks. With that strength, they’re more than capable of hauling heavy gear in your truck.
Aluminum 6063’s lightweight durability is ideal for ladder racks. With that strength, they’re more than capable of hauling heavy gear in your truck. Many Hauler Racks products can hold and transport up to 1,000 pounds. Be sure to check each rack’s specs before you buy.
Ladder racks come in many different configurations. But they all share the same purpose – freeing up more room to carry cargo. While they were first designed for ladders, many models have been adapted to handle piping, sheetrock, lumber, and other heavy materials. You’ll typically see several types of racks on the market:
There’s one obvious reason to install a ladder rack: more cargo room. You get more usable space in your bed, on the side or on top of the roof. But that’s not the only benefit you gain from adding a rack to your truck. When you secure your gear with a rack, you also make it easier and faster to unload at your destination. You don’t need to shift other items to find what you need – simply detach it from the rack and you’re done.
Ladder racks also minimize the risk of scratches and dents on your truck’s finish. When secured, your cargo is less likely to break loose and fall out of your truck. Finally, you cut down on your risk of injury during loading and unloading. You’re less likely to strain your back and joints. Proper tie-down procedures can also reduce injury risk from falling materials.
You can technically carry a ladder on your truck without a roof rack. However, the most feasible solution is to tie it to your roof by passing rope or bungee cord through your vehicle’s open windows. Wrapped over and under the roof, the rope or cord secures the ladder. You should place some soft material such as foam or a thick blanket on your roof before placing the ladder on top.
Tying your ladder to the roof is just a short-term solution. In the long run, a ladder rack can save you time, money, and hassles. AmericanTrucks stocks an extensive inventory of truck and van racks plus tonneau covers to make cargo carrying easy and efficient.