Tips To Select The Best Ladder Rack For Your Van

Outfitting your work van with a ladder rack is one of the best decisions you can make for your business. While most vans are factory made for cargo transportation, you can still optimize their capacity by outfitting them with the right equipment. Whether you are a construction contractor, plumbing contractor, landscaper or roofer, installing a ladder rack will revolutionize your trade. This is a game changer as a ladder rack not only maximizes available space but also enhances safety standards in your operations. A drop-down van ladder rack is just one of the many rack systems that you can select.

This article seeks to help you make the right choice when buying a ladder rack for your van. If you are looking for the most efficient ladder rack for your van, keep reading.

There are many reasons to install a ladder rack on your van the most important ones being:

• Increasing safety levels: A ladder rack secures bulky cargo safely and keeps everyone safe on the road. More importantly, loading and unloading your ladder and other bulky items are safer and you will not have to grapple with workplace injuries.
• Enhancing capacity: A good ladder rack allows you to double your van’s cargo capacity. A ladder takes a lot of space inside the cargo area but when securely fastened on a rack system, you have more room to utilize inside the van.
• Boosting productivity/ efficiency: A lot of time is normally wasted loading and unloading ladders but with an efficient ladder rack system, you can avoid this situation. Your crew does work that is more effective within a shorter time.

Buying a ladder rack system in today’s market is tough with so many brands building similar systems. To select the right ladder rack, consider the following:

Determine your transportation requirements

The best van ladder rack must suit your transportation need. Firstly, consider the size and number of ladders you will be transporting. If you normally transport other bulky items, consider whether they will comfortably fit on the rack system, you want to buy. To find the best ladder make sure you have a full understanding of your current and future business cargo transportation requirements.

Consider your van type

With so many van models in the market, truck and van equipment manufacturers are now building specialized outfitting accessories designed for specific models. The most common vans on the roads include Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, Ford E-Series, Dodge and Nissan NV Series among others. Ask your supplier whether they have a ladder rack specifically designed for your van model. These racks are easier to customize.

Check for safety features

When comparing different ladder racks, look at their safety features before making the final decision. One of the main reasons for outfitting your van with a ladder rack is to enhance safety and for this reason, the rack must come with features to facilitate this purpose. Look for a rack whose design and construction has passed necessary safety tests. The best racks come with easy-to-use operating systems and fasteners.

Durable and weather resistant material

The most efficient ladder systems fit on a van’s roof and are vulnerable to the elements. The material used to make your van ladder rack must be durable and weather resistant. Steel and aluminum are the most common materials used to make these racks. Aluminum ladder racks are now more popular as they are lightweight, corrosion resistant, easy to install and durable.

Eased of use

The best van ladder rack is easy to operate. Look for hydraulic rack systems, which require a minimal manual operation. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances safety standards in your operations. The best van ladder rack makes work easier for your crew, which in turn leads to higher productivity. In this regard, a drop down van ladder rack works perfectly because it is easy to operate and your crew will have an easy time loading and unloading ladders.

Compare different ladder systems

There are many ladder rack systems in the market and it is important to look at each before making your final choice. The most common are drop down, base racks, side access rotation racks, lockdown racks, aluminum cargo carrier, inside van racks among others. Each of these ladder systems comes with its own features and it is thus important to compare them before making your choice.

There are many van ladder racks on the market and finding the best is a daunting task. With these tips, however, you are good to go. Consider your transportation needs, choose an easy-to-use ladder, durable materials and of course buy the ladder rack from a reliable van and truck equipment supplier for the best product warranty.