Ladder rack

46921 Views 76 Replies 25 Participants Last post by RLworktruck, Dec 14, 2021

This_guy

Discussion Starter · Sep 27, 2016

Had anyone installed a ladder rack in the bed yet? This will be a necessity for me but I don't see any posts about it yet. The invis-a-rack is my favorite addition to my current truck but they haven't gotten back to me on whether or not they are making one for the RL.

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phineas

· #2 · Sep 27, 2016

This_guy said:
Had anyone installed a ladder rack in the bed yet? This will be a necessity for me but I don't see any posts about it yet. The invis-a-rack is my favorite addition to my current truck but they haven't gotten back to me on whether or not they are making one for the RL.

So far, the only ladder racks I've heard about are ones that install in conjunction with tonneau covers or caps. I am not sure whether they are proprietary or whether they struck deals with various rack makers. I'm no expert on ladder racks, but most of them either install their own rail system or make use of the vehicle's built-in track system on trucks like Toyota, Nissan and Dodge from what I can see. Have you tried calling invis-a-rack and some of its competitors?

You know what the truck world needs? It needs a common specification, short-profile truck rail add-on for adding accessories like racks, tonneaus, caps and the like. The major manufacturers and parts makers should have an industry group whose job it is to meet and figure this out. That's how we get things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and most recently Thunderbolt 3 in the computer world.

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longboat

· #3 · Sep 27, 2016

Until the aftermarket provides an elegant solution, you may be able to easily build your own using some u-channel bolted to the bed tie-downs. Bolt another u-channel or angle iron across the top for your cross supoorts. Plasti-dip it for a custom look.

Jeffbens0n

· #4 · Sep 27, 2016

I use a rack that hooks into the tow hitch and then the ladder rests on my roof rack. Used the same setup with my 06 ridgeline as well

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This_guy

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 27, 2016

Jeffbens0n said:
I use a rack that hooks into the tow hitch and then the ladder rests on my roof rack. Used the same setup with my 06 ridgeline as well

Do you have any info on the hitch piece? I didn't know something like this existed.

Papa D

· #6 · Nov 20, 2016

Just wondering if you found a solution to your problem. I, too, am looking for a ladder rack for mine.
Need something to carry 10'+ surfboards.

Chrisesler

· #7 · Jan 30, 2017

I just got a rack from US Rack. I actually drove over and let them use my truck to check the fit of their prototype and photograph it for their website. Go to usrack.com, click on the Gen 1 Ridgeline racks, scroll down and you see info about ordering the Gen 2 rack and a photo of my truck with rack installed. I am pretty pleased with it. It kind of matches the chrome trim around the windows. It is also quiet up to around 80 mph.

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Chrisesler

· #8 · Jan 30, 2017

Photos of my new rack from Us Rack. This is pre powder coating of the base rail.

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PhatDaddy

· #9 · Jan 30, 2017

Chrisesler said:
Photos of my new rack from Us Rack. This is pre powder coating of the base rail.

Nice. Have any pictures of the 'track' or installation points?

Chrisesler

· #10 · Feb 4, 2017

Here are a few photos of the bed rail. The rail basically cups the truck rail and the angle of the aluminum legs gives enough force to hold the rack in place. I gave the rack my best Irish construction worker test ( a hefty push on the rear legs on both sides) and I am more than satisified with the structural integrity. There is also a cross bar at the front of the bed which prevents the rack from moving inwards towards the center of the bed. These photos were taken with my phone so aren't great quality but hopefully gives you some idea of how it's put together.

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Papa D

· #11 · Apr 14, 2017

I ended up getting the same rack due to delay after delay from VanTech. Very solid.

My only suggestion if anyone goes this route is the same advice I've heard from other forums and reviews; go out and buy your own hardware. The bolts that came with mine were covered in either powder coating or paint and practically unusable.

There were a few missing parts when it arrived but USRacks were diligent and quick to send the missing parts.

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phineas

· #12 · Apr 14, 2017 (Edited)

So essentially this uses a rail that attaches to the upper tiedown bolts? Or is there no rail? Some of the pictures make it look like there's a rail and some of them don't.

phineas

· #13 · Apr 14, 2017 (Edited)

This_guy said:
Do you have any info on the hitch piece? I didn't know something like this existed.

This is just a hitch extender (usually used for carrying 12 foot or longer pieces of wood) inverted to go up instead of back. Most of them do this. The one I like is made by Lund but there are several other makers. I think they are in the $100-$150 category. But you probably can find cheaper ones if you look.

Papa D

· #14 · Apr 15, 2017

phineas said:
So essentially this uses a rail that attaches to the upper tiedown bolts? Or is there no rail? Some of the pictures make it look like there's a rail and some of them don't.

There is a rail that hooks under the existing rail. I know, I had my doubts too. There is no drilling or connection to the tiedowns. But, I've swung on it, shook it, lifted on it a little, etc. and it's pretty solid.

There's a bar in front that acts like a spreader to keep the rails from collapsing and then there are two space bolts that are attached to the rear upper tiedowns that do the same. Here are some photos:

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phineas

· #15 · Apr 16, 2017 (Edited)

Papa D said:
There is a rail that hooks under the existing rail. I know, I had my doubts too. There is no drilling or connection to the tiedowns. But, I've swung on it, shook it, lifted on it a little, etc. and it's pretty solid.

There's a bar in front that acts like a spreader to keep the rails from collapsing and then there are two space bolts that are attached to the rear upper tiedowns that do the same. Here are some photos:

Thanks for the info and pics. That is pretty elaborate design for the rail system, but a rack has some extra forces to contend with.

ETinVT

· #16 · Apr 28, 2017

Thanks for the photos, pretty nice and functional looking ladder rack. Have you taken it off since you originally mounted it? Curious if it's easy to remove/re-install quickly as I'd probably only use it when transporting a canoe and other toys.

Phil W

· #17 · Apr 28, 2017

For info. VanTech shipped my rack today! Delivery is set for next Friday. I will take pictures of the install next weekend.

Phil

Papa D

· #18 · May 2, 2017

ETinVT said:
Thanks for the photos, pretty nice and functional looking ladder rack. Have you taken it off since you originally mounted it? Curious if it's easy to remove/re-install quickly as I'd probably only use it when transporting a canoe and other toys.

No, I haven't taken it off yet. I have no problem just keeping it on until I MUST take it off. My philosophy is, if it fits in the garage as-is ...

Once I need to, I'll post my experience/difficulties if any.

ETinVT

· #19 · May 4, 2017

I don't blame you one bit! Gives the truck a great look too. I was hoping for a tonneau/rack combo but I'm pretty sure we'll have to wait a year or two for any big companies to start manufacturing such a product. Thanks again for the info!

ETinVT

· #20 · May 4, 2017

Phil W said:
For info. VanTech shipped my rack today! Delivery is set for next Friday. I will take pictures of the install next weekend.

Phil

Looks like a nice rack, big fan of the ability to make fine adjustments. I'm curious to hear how the install goes. Do you know if you can use it in conjunction with a tonneau cover of any sort? Looks like it should work well with a few of them.

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