Everything You Need to Know About Van Ladder Storage

Apr 24, 2023

If you regularly access rooftops or need to reach significant heights on the job, a ladder rack is the perfect upfit for your van or truck. Not only do ladder racks keep your ladders safe and secure (both during travel and on site), they reduce the risk of injury, increase storage space inside your vehicle, prevent exterior dents and scratches, and provide better visibility while driving, too.

How to Choose the Right Ladder Rack for Your Vehicle

Best Vans & Trucks for Ladder Racks

Who Uses Ladder Racks?

How to Choose the Right Ladder Rack for Your Vehicle

When it comes to choosing the right ladder storage solution for your van or truck, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. The type of ladder rack that’s best for you depends on a few factors, including:

The size and type of ladder you use
What materials your ladder is made of
Whether the rack will be a temporary or permanent addition to your vehicle
Your budget
Safety

As for the different types of ladder racks, these are some of the most common:

Utility Rack

This is a good option if you plan on transporting multiple ladders at a time. Additionally, utility racks are extremely versatile and are able to carry other long pieces of equipment or materials.

Lock-Down Ladder Rack

If you’re looking to use your rack exclusively for ladders, this could be the type for you. Besides being easy to load, another of its perks is safety — with this type of rack, ladders get securely locked into place.

Drop-Down Ladder Rack

The main benefit of this rack style is its ability to lower to a comfortable height for loading and unloading. If you travel to multiple job sites a day or plan to pack up frequently, this is a great option.

Interior Ladder Rack

Worried about theft or damage to your ladder from the elements? This type of rack is designed for interior installation and can be mounted to either the side or ceiling of your van.

Over-Cab Truck Rack

If you drive a pickup truck and are planning to use your rack for more than just ladders, this sturdy option (which holds more than 1,200 pounds) could be for you.

Over-Bed Truck Rack

These are particularly good options for truck owners who regularly carry large loads. They can support up to 1,000 pounds, and most are designed with adjustable posts and tie downs for ladders and other equipment.

Side-Mount Truck Rack

Side-mount rack with ladder on a black truck with other tools

This option is best if you work with full-size ladders, and the best part is that they don’t take up any room in your truck bed. Some other pluses: They can carry up to 500 pounds and feature adjustable posts and tie-downs.

Best Vans & Trucks for Ladder Racks

Some makes and models that are ideal for a ladder rack upfit are:

Who Uses Ladder Racks?

The industries that commonly use ladder racks include:

The Merchants Commercial Upfitting Process

We can connect you to commercial vehicle upfitting services at any time following your purchase from Merchants.

First, we’ll spec the best aftermarket equipment for your needs. Then we’ll choose the most qualified upfit vendors for the job and act as a single point of contact between you, your drivers, the OEM, and vendors.

Choose from one of our standard or customized upfit packages, and we’ll make all the necessary calls. If you aren’t sure exactly what you’re looking for, or if you have questions about certain upfits, our dedicated team can help steer you in the right direction.

Your Connection to Upfitting Services

Whether you’re looking to add simple touches or completely renovate your van or truck’s interior, we’ll ensure any type of upfitting is done efficiently and that your vehicles are exactly to your specifications.