Modern Ladder Racks for Trucks and Work Vans | American Van Equipment

Ergonomics, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is the science of “designing the job to fit the worker” – instead of looking at it the other way around, as has been the case traditionally. When we talk about ladders and ladder racks, this definition makes a lot of sense because hauling, unloading, and handling heavy ladders is no child’s play.

Today, vehicle equipment and accessory manufacturers have realized the importance of building ladder racks that are not only strong and durable but also ergonomically designed so that people who actually operate them are at their productive best and safe from potential injuries.

Here’s your complete guide to buying contemporary ladder racks that are built to be mounted on all kinds of modern commercial vans and pickup trucks.

Types of Ladder Racks for Vans and Trucks

You can find a variety of ladder racks manufactured and sold by different companies, both online and at brick and mortar marketplaces today. Some of the bestselling types of ladder racks include –

  1. Utility racks
  2. Base racks
  3. Lock-down racks
  4. Drop-down ladder racks
  5. Rotation and lock-down combination racks
  6. Side access rotation racks
  7. Rear access racks
  8. Cargo carrier racks

While each type of ladder rack has its own set of advantages, picking one that suits your needs the best would depend on factors like –

  • The model, make, and the variant of your van or truck 
  • Your ladder and cargo handling needs on a day-to-day basis
  • The maximum weight you expect to haul atop your vehicle
  • The maximum space you require based on your needs

Apart from these factors, you may also want to look at the warranty and additional features offered with the ladder rack you choose. Let us look at what makes the different types of ladder racks so popular among van and truck users. 

  • Compact Utility Racks

Versatility and cost are perhaps the two most important factors that most van and truck users look at when shopping around for a ladder rack. Utility racks, in that sense, are an excellent choice because you can stow a variety of materials on them (apart from ladders, of course). Compactly designed to fit a variety of modern high-roof vans, utility racks are among the most affordable ladder racks in the market.

  • Drop Down Racks

Equipped with a user-friendly handle, a drop-down rack makes it very easy for you to pivot your heavy ladders to one side of the van. It is no surprise then these are among the top-selling designs at American Van. Designed to fit a range of pickup trucks and vans, drop-down ladder racks are incredibly safe and extremely easy to use. However, in terms of the price point, this type of ladder rack can be a tad more expensive than utility racks.

  • Lock Down Racks

Easy to use and tremendously dynamic, this type of ladder rack includes variants that are designed to fit full-size vans manufactured by auto companies like Ford, GM, and Nissan. The only downside to lock down ladder racks is that they cannot hold too many items. So, if you are expecting to haul a whole lot of cargo atop your van or pickup truck, this type may not be the best option for you.

Of course, these are just a few types of ladder racks – you are bound to find a massive range of options with varying features and functionalities. On that note, take a look at American Van’s top picks – 

DeployPro Ladder Rack for Pickup Trucks

A ladder rack that is built to be an ergonomic solution, this product by Prime Design allows you to stow and unload your ladders from behind the truck. DeployPro is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder that enables the easy, safe, and quick deployment of heavy ladders. The hydraulic design of this aluminum rack ensures that the user can operate the system with the minimal need for strength. 

Key features:

  • All-aluminum construction
  • Stainless steel hardware and attachments
  • Hydraulic operation
  • Adjustable bars
  • Can fit a variety of ladder sizes

Aluminum Curb Side Access Rotation Rack 

With ergonomics at the core of this ladder rack, the product features the exclusive “Hydraulic Assisted Rotation” design which helps you lower your heavy ladder without breaking a sweat. Equipped with a telescoping handle, Prime Design’s side access rotation racks are built to be flexible. 

Key features:

  • Hydraulic Assisted Rotation
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • Non-metallic bushings
  • Weight bearing capacity: Up to 150 pounds 

ErgoRack by Prime Design

Prime Design’s ErgoRack is a ground-breaking ladder rack that delivers an instant and easy solution to stow and deploy heavy ladders. As the name suggests, these racks are designed with ergonomics in mind. The rack features an innovative rotation system that prevents any risk of injuries to the user. With a hydraulic-assisted design, ErgoRack is made for enclosed service body vehicles. 

Key features:

  • Hydraulic assisted design and rotation system
  • Ideally suited for contemporary vans
  • Substantial maximum load capacity 
  • High on style and durability

Other products and categories that you can choose from include –

Most of these racks are customizable to a certain extent – you can visit the individual product pages to learn more about the options available for each of them. 

Customize Your Own Ladder Rack 

While there is absolutely no dearth of choices when it comes to selecting a readymade ladder rack for your pickup truck or van, American Van also gives you the option of custom-designing your own ladder rack based on your unique hauling and usage needs. Build your own rack with American Van.

Don’t forget to consider the cost, ergonomics, and weight of a ladder rack before you make a decision to purchase a ladder rack. Explore American Van Equipment’s wide selection of ladder racks for vans and trucks now!