How to Choose the Best Type of Ladder Rack for Your Profession
Posted on: 18 October 2017
If you are a tradesman, contractor or builder, then you will need a professional ladder in order to conduct your business. This will be one of your more indispensable tools if you are to be successful at your profession. However, these tools can be unwieldy and difficult to carry from place to place, and this is why you need to consider their transportation method when you are kitting out your van or truck for the work ahead. What types of ladder racks are available for your situation?
Why You Need Proper Storage
When you are providing your service, you have to make sure that you are as organised as possible if you are to be timely, efficient and profitable. If you've been trying to transport your ladder within your vehicle amongst all of your other tools and supplies, you're hardly making best use of your resources and are wasting valuable energy. Often, other supplies or tools can fall over during transit and impede your ability to pull the ladder out quickly when you get to your destination. Injuries can occur, and it's not likely to do much for your mood, either.
Internal Keeper
Instead, you need to consider getting a type of ladder rack that is best suited for your needs and type of vehicle. One of the most popular is also known as a "keeper." It's installed separately on the roof inside the work vehicle, which helps to protect ladders from the environment outside. If you work with wooden ladders, this might be the one for you.
Gutter Mounted
Alternatively, you can mount a rack on the gutter around the edge of the vehicle, and this is easy to install, as it doesn't have to be permanently attached to the roof. These are typically aluminium and resist corrosion, and you need to choose your gutter-mounted rack based on the size of the vehicle you have. You can also choose from rack bars that are straight or slanted.
Cargo Rack
You might want to compromise and get a rack that also serves as a cargo space. These are similar to the gutter-mounted options, but they are fully enclosed. This allows you to put the ladders into storage and also keep some of your longer tools or pipes in place securely.
Drop-Down
Finally, you could choose a "drop-down" rack that is probably the easiest option to deal with. This allows the ladder to be removed easily due to a hinged system that can be adjusted.
Meeting Your Needs
Have a word with your supplier to figure out which type of ladder rack system would be best for your specific needs.
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