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I was hoping to get some input on different brands of ladder racks, and level of satisfaction with them. I’d also love some input on those single ladder jobs, vs the ones over the entire truck bed. For what it’s worth, its going on a new full sized ford.
Thanks in advance,
Pete
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Replies
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Pete I use vanguard tube steel, strong, simple, headache fence for those flying 2 bys. They come thru black, but I painted mine the color of my truck looks good from what people say. Ford has some deal with the allum racks every new ford seems to have them. I'm not impressed, to many working parts plus I almost slit my digits off on day climbing down. no ex w/ those single jobs, can't put much lumber etc. on dave
*b TVMDCMessi, I have a "Rack-It" made from tube steel and welded to a steel angle that rests on the sides of the bed. The rear cross rail is easily removavble plus I got an intermediate cross rail for the middle which is also removable. The product is so strong that come with a warning: it is stronger than your bed sides so watch top loading. Rather than paint, I had it shot with Rhino Linings black polyurethane (Similar to Sika 1A.) Also had them shoot the bed, side walls and up and over the sides. Rhino is guarenteed for life.
*Pete, I too have been eyeing racks a lot lately, from prefab to custom made locally. One that caught my eye was by weatherguard, a division of Knaack. Seemed to have nice welds and a quality look in the finish. It was brand new, though.
*Bill Pickard,That is a GREAT IDEA! I used Rhino in my old truck's bed (when it was a new truck), and have strained my brain trying to figure how to protect a steel rack, but never put the two together. I bet the lumber and ladders don't slide around very much, either.I am eying the purchase of a new work van, and plan to rhino the floor and 30" up the walls in back. It has been 6 years since I dealt with them, and I seem to remember they had colors other than the black, for more money. White would be cool to match the truck, if it'll take the UV okay. Thanks again for a great idea! Bill B.
*b TVMDCThanks, Bill. Didn't mention that I also had them shoot the 1/4 panels, the roof, c-pillars and the back of the cab, top and sides of the cargo box and the floor of the box. It not only looks nice, but keeps the truck looking new a long time. It doesn't blow off on the freeway either like a drop-in bed liner.
*..i've used Topper Cargo Carriers from Racine ,Wisc. for about 15 years.... this is the first set i bought .. and it's on it's second truck... the rear bar can be unbolted...and i had a friend weld some side sway-brace gussetts to the front bar about 10 years ago...we put a lot of 24 ft. pics and poles on it... i've carried 20' steel beams.. .. i had a 10x12 deck of framing, stringers and trex on this set with the posts and hardware in the back.....200 miles to New Hampshire.the thing i look for is the load ability... and the extended frame... this one is 12 ft.Topper is the only one i know that hot dip galvanizes AFTER they weld them together...
*Don't buy these or any other rack that has a powder coat paint job. They will start rusting at the welds within a year and soon will be a MESS.
*Thanks for the input guys. I orginally was thinking about one of those little racks that would hold 1 ladder, and would come off easily. Now I'm about ready to ink up for one of the more heavy dudty model, like Mike pictured.
*If anyone in the Washington, D.C. area wants a used pipe/ladder rack for a full-sized chevy P/U, I have one for sale - cheap! I bought a used 1986 C-20 and I don't want the rack. It appears to be a custom built rack of square tubing and angle iron. It sits on the bed rails, and extends over the cab. Very sturdy!The overall dimensions are:Width: 63 3/4" inside, 69 3/4" outside (angle iron)Length: 98 1/2" over bed plus 39" extension over cabHeight: 32" (total) - top rail is 25"I can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected](Will consider a trade, or a swap for some work!)
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I was hoping to get some input on different brands of ladder racks, and level of satisfaction with them. I'd also love some input on those single ladder jobs, vs the ones over the entire truck bed. For what it's worth, its going on a new full sized ford.
Thanks in advance,
Pete