1981 GMC C/K Pickup 1500 Truck and Van Ladder Racks

Are you looking to add a ladder rack to your truck or van? Check out our wide selection, including various styles, materials, and more.

Benefits of Adding a Ladder Rack to Your Truck or Van

Ladder racks are a stable and secure means of transporting oversized cargo with your truck or van. Objects like lumber, pipe, and—you guessed it—ladders that won’t fit in your pickup’s bed or van’s cargo area can be a nightmare to haul safely—without a ladder rack, that is. 

Ladder racks maximize the cargo space of your pickup or van, freeing the bed or cargo area for gear and smaller supplies while allowing you to carry oversized items on/above the roof. Ladder racks also protect your vehicle from scrapes and gouges while loading and ease the tying-down process.

How to Choose a Ladder Rack

Choosing the right ladder rack can be a hassle, especially with so many styles and materials available. Keep the following considerations in mind to ease your decision.

Fit For Your Vehicle

Ensure the ladder rack is compatible with your style and particular vehicle— you’d hate to waste money on a product that doesn’t fit. 

Also, consider the implication of vehicle-specific vs. universal racks. Vehicle-specific styles will typically offer a less labor-intensive installation and a better fit-and-finish. On the other hand, universal racks often require additional effort and don't net the aesthetics you desire.

Material

Ladder racks are typically manufactured from one of two materials—aluminum or steel. While aluminum racks are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, they generally aren’t as robust as comparable steel racks. Aluminum also isn’t magnetic, meaning magnetized accessories won’t be compatible.

Steel Racks, on the other hand, are highly durable and robust. Most steel racks receive a corrosion-resistant powder coat, epoxy, or enamel paint finish. Keep in mind that steel quickly corrodes if abraded or left unfinished.

Style

What's your preferred style of ladder rack? At RealTruck®, we offer numerous ladder rack styles, including:

• Low-profile: Protrudes minimally and provides a sleek appearance. Ex: ADARAC M-Series Truck Rack.

• Drop-down: Specialty van racks, like the Kargo Master Drop-Down Rack, allow you to effortlessly load and unload ladders and other cargo from the vehicle’s side.

• Permanent: Solid-mounted ladder racks requiring drilling into the roof or bed. Ex: ProRac Permanent Mount Rack.

• Removable: Simple, easy-to-remove designs ideal for part-time employees. Ex: Weatherguard Weekender.

RealTruck Expert Picks

Check out some of our favorite ladder racks for trucks and vans.

Top Truck Ladder Rack: Weatherguard Steel Truck Rack

Why we love it: 

• Constructed from heavy-duty steel

• Offered in three sizes for full-size and midsize trucks

• Impressive 1,000 lb. cargo capacity for full-size and midsize trucks

• 1,700 lb. cargo capacity for HD trucks

• No-drill installation—mounts to stake pockets

• Matte black powder coat finish

• Compatible with WEATHER GUARD truck boxes

• Limited lifetime warranty

Top Van Ladder Rack: VanTech H1 Van Rack

Why we love it: 

• Offered in steel, aluminum, or stainless steel constructions

• Includes ladder accessories

• 500–750 lb. capacity

• Available in multiple colors

• No-drill installation on most applications

• 5-year warranty