Pick-up Ladder Rack ??

[shaley]

Anybody built a ladder rack for their truck. Any comments good or bad on the tilted style as shown in this link. Ive got a 28ft ext ladder I need to haul around.
Amer-Rack Single Sided Light Duty Pickup Truck Racks

[EddieWalker]

I was looking at similar racks at Northern Tool, but kept thinking about how much nicer it would be to have a full rack. I'm also worried about that style bending at the attachment point. I haven't seen it happen, but I think it's likely.

I'm probably going to buy this one sometime soon.

Smittybilt Contractor Rack Kit, Model# 108601 | Cargo Haulers + Ladder Racks | Northern Tool + Equipment

It's $299 plus shipping. Over the summer, they had it on sale with free shipping and I didn't take advantage of it, so now I'm waiting for it to happen again.

Eddie

[Timber]

Well back when I owned a construction company I had wooden ladders and wooden ladder racks on my trucks. I did have one like the one Eddy is talking about. I would 1st ask what are you doing. Is this for work, once in a while. is this the only ladder you have or need. If I was contracting I would want a Ladder rack on my pickup that was compatible with pipe staging. I am a master of ladder jack staging,pump staging,pipe staging as well as the use of trestle ladders. My favorite planks are Stinsen wings. 24 footers are the most useful of all. In fact the most useful setup is a 24 foot stinsen wing and 2 16 foot extension ladders with aluminum jacks

[George2615]

I built this one for my pickup using 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangular steel. I bought the steel for under $150. I cut vees and bent the angles, Welded it all up and painted it. I hauled a 40' extension ladder (20' collapsed) many times by securing it with bungee cords to the rack and a couple to the front bumper. It slides in the pockets and attaches with a bolt in each corner.

[ultrarunner]

Nice Work... simple and elegant!

[2manyrocks]

The first rack you posted about, the tilted "arm" rack--I would say it may be easier to take off and store in a smaller space than the one built by George2615. I'm not familiar with that particular brand of tilted rack, but the one I've seen mounted to a plate in the bed of the truck and also bolted to the bed rail. There was an upper, removable section that then bolted to the base. If someone wanted to steal the upper section, then I guess they could unbolt it.

The rack posted by George2615 is well done. It appears wide enough to carry quite a bit. It looks like it would be very sturdy, and might be easier to mount to the bed rails than having to make holes in your truck bed.

[jimmysisson]

Originally Posted by George2615

I built this one for my pickup using 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangular steel. I bought the steel for under $150. I cut vees and bent the angles, Welded it all up and painted it. I hauled a 40' extension ladder (20' collapsed) many times by securing it with bungee cords to the rack and a couple to the front bumper. It slides in the pockets and attaches with a bolt in each corner.

In my state (Mass) you'd get busted for using just bungees, not considered "secure". Nice design on the rack, though. I've been using Rack Straps for a few years, work pretty well, never missing when you need it. Rack Strap Advanced Tie-Down System : Cargo Holders: Accessories: Online Catalog: American Van

Jim

[Bird]

That first picture also made me wonder just how far that rack extends beyond the side of the truck. Of course it says it's for "light duty" and I'd say that's sure right. The only time I've had one myself was in 1970 when a friend who was learning to weld (he learned well and quickly, too) made one for my truck similar to the one Eddie Walker mentioned. And the reason I needed it was just to haul my 17' canoe. But I'd definitely want the full rack.