Understanding Your Vehicle

Posted on: 18 April 2018

Different types of ladder racks, such as drop-down racks and utility ladder racks, exist on the market. There are so many options that it may be hard for an inexperienced person to select the most suitable type for his or her needs. This article discusses some of the questions which you should answer as you narrow down your options of ladder racks.

What Will You Keep In The Ladder Racks?

You should evaluate the range of materials which you intend to keep on the ladder racks once they are procured and installed. The nature of cargo will determine the best racks for your needs. For example, opt for utility ladder racks in case you plan to carry more than just ladders on the racks. This is because utility racks are versatile and can carry different things on them.

How Many Ladders Are You Planning to Carry?

The number of ladders which you intend to carry on your vehicle will also play a role in determining the type of ladder racks which you should buy. People who plan to transport one or two ladders can buy any ladder rack which catches their fancy. However, those who intend to carry many more ladders may be well advised to select utility racks due to their superior carrying capacity.

What Is The Height of Your Van?

You should also think about the height of your vehicle before you select ladder racks to buy. It can be hard to access some types of ladder racks if the roof height is great. Drop-down racks are the ideal choice for such situations. Vans which have a shorter height (vans whose roof can be touched by someone standing on the ground, for instance) can have lock-down racks or any other type of rack installed.

How Often Will You Access Those Ladders?

Select a drop-down rack if you will need to remove the ladders from the rack frequently each day. Drop-down racks are ideal for such applications because they are more ergonomic than other rack types. Lock-down or utility racks should only be used if the ladders will be removed once in a while from a vehicle with an average roof height.

What Is Your Budget?

Drop-down ladder racks are generally more expensive when compared to the purchase price of other kinds of racks. Utility ladder racks tend to be the most affordable. Lock-down racks are in the middle of drop-down and utility racks in terms of price. Select the type which doesn't exceed your budget.

Ladder racks come with a whole range of additional features, such as conduit carriers and auxiliary steps. Visit different suppliers and see what they have to offer before you make a final decision.