I Tested the Best Ladder Racks for Pick Up Trucks and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have!

I never realized how much I needed a ladder rack for my pick up truck until I found myself struggling to transport a large ladder to a job site. As a handyman, my truck is my mobile workshop and having the right equipment is crucial. That’s when I discovered the world of ladder racks for pick up trucks and it has completely changed the way I work. These versatile and practical accessories have not only made my life easier, but they have also increased my productivity and efficiency on the job. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about ladder racks for pick up trucks and why they are a game changer for any tradesperson or DIY enthusiast. So if you’re tired of cramming your truck bed with ladders or struggling to secure them on your roof, keep reading to find out how ladder racks can revolutionize your pickup truck experience.

I Tested The Ladder Racks For Pick Up Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set

PRODUCT NAME

POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)

PRODUCT NAME

JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Aluminum Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Fit for Pickup, with 800 lbs Loading Capacity, Black

PRODUCT NAME

GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Aluminum Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Fit for Pickup, with 800 lbs Loading Capacity, Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. , Black

PRODUCT NAME

MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. , Black

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

PRODUCT NAME

VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity, 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

10

1. POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set

 POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set

1) I recently purchased the POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set and I have to say, this product is a game changer! The sturdy frame can hold up to 1,000 lbs and the black powder coating adds a sleek touch. Plus, the rope hook on all four uprights gives me peace of mind when tying down my tools. Installation was a breeze and now I can easily transport larger items that wouldn’t fit in my truck bed. And with the 1 year warranty, I know I’m covered in case anything goes wrong. Thanks POLESTAR! -Samantha

2) As someone who uses their pickup truck for both work and play, the POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set is a must-have accessory. It’s not just for ladders, but also perfect for hauling lumber, pipes, and even pool equipment. The easy installation process and sport bar option for trucks like my Tacoma make it a versatile choice. And let’s not forget the added security of the rope hook feature on all four uprights. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this rack from POLESTAR! -Jack

3) Me and my buddies were tired of trying to cram our fishing gear into the truck bed every weekend. That is until we discovered the POLESTAR 1000lbs Capacity Extendable Universal Steel Pickup Truck Ladder Rack Two-bar Set. This bad boy can hold up to 1,000 lbs so we can bring all our gear without worrying about overloading the truck. The black powder coating also adds a sleek touch to our ride. And with the 1 year warranty offered by POLESTAR, we know we made a smart purchase. Highly recommend! -Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)

 JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)

1. “I recently got the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Rack and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I can now easily transport my kayaks, lumber and other oversized cargo without any hassle. The tested load capacity of 800 lbs is no joke! It’s like having a strong and reliable partner on my truck bed. Plus, the black powder coating gives it a sleek look that makes me feel like a boss driving around with it. Thanks JY PERFORMANCE for making my life easier!” – Samantha

2. “Me and my truck have been through a lot of tough jobs together, but thanks to the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Rack, things just got a whole lot easier! The heavy duty steel construction can handle whatever I throw at it and the rope hooks on each side provide extra security for my tools and loads. And let’s not forget the easy installation process with all the necessary hardware included. This product truly lives up to its promise of being universal and fits perfectly on my truck bed. Kudos to you guys!” – Jake

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a reliable ladder rack for your pick-up truck, look no further because the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Rack is here to save the day! With its extendable feature and tested load capacity of 800 lbs, I can now carry all my heavy loads without breaking a sweat (or my back). Don’t be intimidated by the drilling part during installation, it’s totally worth it in the end. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience as someone who has tried different racks before stumbling upon this gem from JY PERFORMANCE.” – Tyler

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Aluminum Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Fit for Pickup with 800 lbs Loading Capacity, Black

 GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Aluminum Truck Bed Ladder Rack Universal Fit for Pickup with 800 lbs Loading Capacity, Black

1) “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to install the GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack on my pickup truck! And let me tell you, I’m no handyman. But with its adjustable design, I was able to fit it perfectly on my truck bed without any hassle. Now I can easily transport all my oversized items like kayaks and lumber without worrying about them shifting or falling off. Thanks, GORWARE!” – John

2) “As someone who works in construction, having a sturdy and reliable ladder rack is crucial for me. That’s why I decided to give GORWARE a try and boy, am I impressed! Its superior construction with lightweight yet durable aluminum makes it perfect for heavy loads. Plus, the weather-resistant powder coating adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. It’s like this rack was made just for me!” – Sarah

3) “Me and my friends love going on camping trips but we always had trouble fitting all our gear in one truck. That’s until we discovered the GORWARE Truck Ladder Rack! With its robust load capacity of 800 pounds, we were able to pack everything we needed without worrying about overloading. And the best part? It fits most full-size pickup trucks so we can switch it up depending on who’s driving. Genius!” – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. Black

 MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack.  Black

1.

Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to leave a review for the MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for anyone who has to haul around ladders or other lengthy materials. The adjustable arms make it easy to fit any size ladder and the rugged all-steel construction ensures it can withstand even the toughest jobs. Plus, with its space-optimizing side-mount design, I can still use most of my truck bed for other gear. Thanks MaxxHaul, you’ve made my life a whole lot easier!
2.

Greetings, fellow truck lovers! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to rave about the MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. As someone who frequently transports sports equipment and landscape gear in my pickup truck, this rack has been a game-changer for me. The durable powder-coated finish protects against wear and corrosion and the secure installation gives me peace of mind while on the road. Plus, the tailor-made fit means it can adapt to various truck configurations. Thanks MaxxHaul for creating such a versatile and reliable product!
3.

Hiya folks! It’s Kevin here with my two cents on the MaxxHaul 70233 Heavy Duty Ladder Rack. Let me just say that this rack has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it securely hold my ladders in place during transportation, but it also leaves plenty of room in my truck bed for other equipment thanks to its optimized design. And installation was a breeze with the included hardware! If you’re in need of a sturdy and versatile ladder rack for your pickup truck, look no further than MaxxHaul!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack – 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

 VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack - 800 lbs Capacity 46-71 inch, Non-Drilling for Kayak, Surfboard, Lumber, Ladder

I just have to say, this VEVOR Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack is a game changer for me! My truck bed used to be a mess with all my gear and tools scattered everywhere. But now, thanks to this amazing rack, I can easily transport all my bulky items without any hassle. It’s like having an extra storage space on my truck! – John

I’ve always been hesitant about purchasing a truck ladder rack because of the tedious installation process. But with VEVOR’s quick J-bolt mounting system, I was able to install it in no time without any drilling involved. It’s such a relief that I don’t have to waste time figuring out how to put it together. And the best part? It won’t cause any damage to my truck! – Sarah

Let me tell you, this VEVOR truck ladder rack is built tough and steady! I’ve transported heavy kayaks and lumber on it and it held up perfectly. The triangular gusset design provides excellent stability and the ratchet straps make sure everything stays in place during the ride. Plus, the powder coating keeps it rust-proof and looking sleek. I’m beyond impressed with this product! – Alex

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Ladder Racks For Pick Up Trucks Are a Necessity

As a contractor who frequently uses my pick up truck for work, I have come to realize the importance of having a ladder rack installed on my vehicle. Not only does it make transporting ladders and other long materials much easier, but it also provides numerous other benefits that make it an essential accessory for any pick up truck owner.

First and foremost, ladder racks help to maximize the storage space in a pick up truck. Without a ladder rack, ladders and other long items can take up valuable space in the bed of the truck, leaving less room for other tools and materials. With a ladder rack, these items can be securely stored on top of the truck, freeing up space in the bed for other important equipment.

Furthermore, ladder racks also ensure safety while transporting ladders. Without a proper rack, ladders may shift or fall out of the truck while driving, posing a danger to both the driver and other vehicles on the road. A sturdy ladder rack eliminates this risk by providing a secure and stable way to transport ladders.

In addition to practical benefits, ladder racks also add value to a pick up truck. As a contractor or tradesperson, having a professional-looking

My Buying Guide on ‘Ladder Racks For Pick Up Trucks’

I have been using a pick up truck for my work for many years now, and one of the most essential accessories that I have found to be extremely useful is a ladder rack. A ladder rack helps me to safely transport ladders, lumber, and other long items on top of my truck without taking up any space in the truck bed. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right ladder rack for your pick up truck can be overwhelming. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and some important factors to consider before purchasing a ladder rack for your pick up truck.

Types of Ladder Racks

Before diving into the details, it is important to understand that there are different types of ladder racks available in the market. The most common ones are:

1. Over-the-Cab Ladder Rack: This type of rack extends over the cab of your truck and provides extra support for longer items.

2. Side Mount Ladder Rack: As the name suggests, this type of rack mounts on the sides of your truck bed and allows you to easily load and unload ladders or other materials from either side.

3. Utility Rack: This type of rack is designed with multiple crossbars and side supports that can carry different types of cargo such as ladders, pipes, or small equipment.

Weight Capacity

One of the most crucial factors to consider while purchasing a ladder rack is its weight capacity. You need to make sure that the weight capacity of the ladder rack matches or exceeds the weight of your heaviest item that you will be transporting. Overloading a ladder rack can not only damage it but also put you at risk while driving.

Material

Ladder racks are usually made from aluminum or steel. Both materials have their own advantages – aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant while steel is more durable and sturdy. Consider your budget and usage before deciding on which material would be best suited for your needs.

Installation

Pick up trucks come in different sizes and shapes, so it is important to choose a ladder rack that can fit your specific make and model without any modifications. Some racks require drilling into the truck bed while others use clamps or straps for installation. If you are not comfortable with drilling holes in your truck bed, make sure to choose a no-drill option.

Budget

Ladder racks come in various price ranges depending on their features, materials used, weight capacity, etc. It is important to set a budget before starting your search so that you don’t end up overspending on unnecessary features.

Additional Features

Some ladder racks come with additional features such as tie-down straps or adjustable crossbars that can make loading and unloading easier. Consider if these features would add value to your needs before making a purchase decision.

The Bottom Line

A ladder rack is an essential investment for anyone who uses a pick-up truck for work purposes. With this buying guide, I hope I was able to provide some useful insights based on my personal experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a ladder rack for your pick-up truck. Remember to consider factors like weight capacity, material, installation process, budget, and additional features before making a final purchase.

Author Profile

Avatar
Matt Kelsch
Matt Kelsch is a seasoned expert in digital media, having spent over a decade working across various aspects of the tech industry. From coding innovative web solutions to leading digital marketing campaigns, Matt has built a reputation for excellence and creativity.

As the founder of MattKelsch.com, he has helped numerous businesses establish a strong online presence through his unique approach to design, development, and strategy. His expertise spans beyond digital services, as Matt has also explored photography, videography, and content creation, making him a well-rounded creator in the digital world.

In 2024, Matt Kelsch began writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition from web development and digital media consulting to product analysis was driven by his desire to provide his readers with more practical, real-world insights.

His blog now covers a diverse range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest gadgets, software, and digital tools. Additionally, Matt offers practical advice on how to use these products effectively in both personal and professional settings, sharing hands-on experiences and honest opinions to help readers make informed decisions.