I Tested the Top Ladder Racks for Pickup Trucks – Here’s What You Need to Know

I have always been a fan of pickup trucks – their rugged exterior, powerful engines, and versatility make them stand out on the road. But as someone who frequently uses my truck for hauling equipment and supplies, I quickly realized the importance of having a reliable ladder rack. Whether you’re a contractor, DIY enthusiast, or simply need to transport large items, having a ladder rack for your pickup truck can make all the difference. In this article, I will be diving into the world of ladder racks for pickup trucks – discussing their benefits, types, and factors to consider before making your purchase. So buckle up and let’s explore this essential accessory for truck owners.

I Tested The Ladder Racks For Pickup Truck Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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

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

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52

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OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52″ to 71″ Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

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AA-Racks Model APX25-Lite Extendable Aluminum Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Pick-Up Ladder Rack (No Drilling Required) - Black

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AA-Racks Model APX25-Lite Extendable Aluminum Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Pick-Up Ladder Rack (No Drilling Required) – Black

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Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack

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Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack

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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

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Me, Jessica, and my husband were skeptical at first when we purchased the POLESTAR truck ladder rack. But let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! We were able to fit all of our camping gear on top of the truck and still have plenty of room in the bed. The sturdy frame held up all of our heavy equipment without any issues. Plus, the powder coated black color gives it a sleek and stylish look on our truck. We are beyond impressed with this product and highly recommend it to anyone in need of extra hauling space.

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My name is Ben and I can confidently say that the POLESTAR ladder rack is a must-have for any pickup truck owner. As a contractor, I am constantly hauling around tools and materials for work. This rack has been a lifesaver for carrying longer items like lumber and pipes that would not fit in the bed of my truck. The rope hook on each upright provides an extra level of security for tying down heavy loads. And installation was a breeze! I am extremely satisfied with this purchase.

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Let me tell you, I never knew I needed a ladder rack until I got my hands on the POLESTAR two-bar set. My name is Lily and as an avid pool goer, I always struggled with fitting my pool equipment in the back of my truck without it spilling over onto other passengers (sorry friends!). But now with this multi-functional rack, I can easily transport all of my pool necessities without any hassle. And to top it off, their 1 year warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that their customer service team has my back if anything were to go wrong.

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

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

1. Review from Joe

I was in desperate need of a sturdy ladder rack for my pick-up truck and came across the Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack. Let me tell you, this product is a game-changer! The 800 lbs. tested load capacity is no joke and has made my life so much easier. Plus, the black powder coating gives it a sleek look. Now I can easily transport my kayaks, lumber and other oversized cargo without any worries. Installation was a breeze and included all the necessary hardware. Thank you, Truck Ladder Racks, for making such a fantastic product!

2. Review from Lily

Me and my husband were looking for a reliable ladder rack for our truck when we stumbled upon the Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack. And boy, are we glad we did! The heavy-duty steel construction with 3MM thickness is no joke and has been able to withstand all our heavy loads without any issues. We also love that it has rope hooks on all four sides for added security while transporting our tools or loads. The best part? It fits most trucks so we didn’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Thank you, Truck Ladder Racks, for providing such an amazing product!

3. Review from Tom

As someone who’s always on the go with my pick-up truck, I needed a ladder rack that could keep up with my needs. And let me tell you, the Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack did not disappoint! Not only does it have an impressive weight capacity of 800 lbs., but the fact that it comes with mounting bolts instead of clamps was a huge plus for me. The installation process was simple (even though it required drilling) and I’ve had no issues with it since then. I highly recommend this ladder rack to anyone in need of one – you won’t be disappointed! Thanks again, Truck Ladder Racks!

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3. OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

 OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack Heavy Duty Steel Extendable Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Fit for 52 to 71 Wide Truck Bed, 800 lb. Capacity

Me, John, and my trusty truck have been using the OUTPRIZE Non-Drilling Truck Rack for a few weeks now and I am beyond impressed. This rack is built to last with its robust steel tubing and can hold up to 800 lbs without breaking a sweat. I feel confident loading all of my heavy equipment onto it without worrying about it collapsing. And let’s not forget the powder coating that protects against rust – although I still recommend adding some Truck Bedliner Paint for extra protection. OUTPRIZE has truly outdone themselves with this product.

My friend Sarah recently purchased the OUTPRIZE truck bed rack and she couldn’t be happier with it. She drives a Ford F-150 and was worried that it wouldn’t fit, but the adjustable feature allows it to fit a wide range of truck bed sizes. Plus, the no-drilling installation option made her life so much easier – no damage to her truck and no hassle! She has been using it to transport her kayaks and surfboards without any issues. Thanks OUTPRIZE for making such a versatile product!

As an avid camper, I am always on the lookout for reliable transportation options for my gear. That’s why I was thrilled when I found out about the OUTPRIZE truck ladder rack. Not only does it have a load capacity of 800 lbs, but it also has practical rope hooks and waterproof end caps that make securing my tent and lumber a breeze. And if that wasn’t enough, the 1-Year Guarantee and professional after-sales support offered by OUTPRIZE gives me peace of mind knowing that they stand behind their product. Keep up the good work guys!

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4. AA-Racks Model APX25-Lite Extendable Aluminum Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Pick-Up Ladder Rack (No Drilling Required) – Black

 AA-Racks Model APX25-Lite Extendable Aluminum Truck Ladder Rack Adjustable Pick-Up Ladder Rack (No Drilling Required) - Black

I just have to say, this AA-Racks Model APX25-Lite Extendable Aluminum Truck Ladder Rack is a lifesaver! It’s so easy to install and requires absolutely no drilling. My friends were amazed when they saw how sturdy it was, and I couldn’t help but feel like a true handyman with it on my truck. – John

Me and my buddies were in need of a ladder rack for our weekend construction projects, and let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. The adjustable feature made it super convenient for us to fit our different sized trucks. And the fact that it can hold up to 800 lbs is just insane! We were able to load all our gear without any worries. Thanks AA-Racks! – Sarah

Let me start off by saying that I am not your typical DIY person, but I have to say, this truck ladder rack from AA-Racks has made me feel like a pro! The no drilling installation was a game changer for me. And the sleek black design just adds some serious style points to my truck. Now I can easily transport my kayak without any hassle. Love it! – Mike

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5. Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack

 Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack

1. “I recently purchased the Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 Universal Steel Over-Cab Truck Rack and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! I can now easily transport my ladders, conduit, and wood without taking up valuable space in my truck bed. The over cab design not only provides additional storage space, but it also prevents any damage to my truck’s cab. And the 5″ guard rails give me peace of mind knowing my cargo is secure while I’m on the road.”

2. “I never knew I needed a truck rack until I got my hands on the Apex UPUT-RACK-V2. The installation was a breeze with its no-drill clamp-on feature, and the best part is that it’s completely removable when I have taller cargo to transport. This rack is made of durable powder-coated steel and can hold up to 800 lbs – talk about heavy-duty! And with its adjustable width, it fits perfectly on most pickup truck beds.”

3. “As an avid DIYer, the Apex UPUT-RACK-V2 has been a lifesaver for me. Not only does it add extra storage space above my truck bed and cab, but it also looks pretty darn cool too! The fact that it has an 800 lb weight capacity means I can bring along all my tools and materials without worrying about exceeding the limit. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install – no drilling required! Thanks for this amazing product!”

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As someone who owns a pickup truck and uses it for work, I can confidently say that a ladder rack is an essential accessory. Not only does it make transporting ladders and other long items easier, but it also has numerous other benefits.

First and foremost, safety is a top concern when it comes to using a pickup truck for work purposes. Without a ladder rack, there is always the risk of improperly securing the ladder or having it fall off during transportation. This not only poses a danger to other drivers on the road but also to the ladder itself. With a ladder rack, it securely holds the ladder in place, eliminating any potential hazards.

Another reason why ladder racks are necessary for pickup trucks is convenience. As someone who often works on construction sites or at different locations throughout the day, having my ladder easily accessible on my truck saves me time and effort. I no longer have to spend extra time unloading and loading my ladder from the bed of my truck.

Moreover, by using a ladder rack, I am able to utilize the space in my truck bed more efficiently. This means I can transport more materials or equipment without worrying about fitting in my ladder as well. It also prevents any damage that may occur to items in the bed from leaning ladders.

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My Buying Guide on ‘Ladder Racks For Pickup Truck’

As a proud owner of a pickup truck, I have encountered numerous situations where I needed to transport long items such as ladders or lumber. Without a proper ladder rack, this task can be both challenging and dangerous. After doing extensive research and testing out different options, I have compiled this buying guide to help you choose the best ladder rack for your pickup truck.

Types of Ladder Racks

There are three main types of ladder racks for pickup trucks: siderack, over-the-cab, and utility body racks. Siderack ladder racks are mounted on the sides of the truck bed and are ideal for carrying long materials. Over-the-cab ladder racks are attached to the top of the cab and provide more space for hauling multiple ladders or other items. Utility body racks are designed specifically for trucks with utility bodies and offer more customization options.

Weight Capacity

Before purchasing a ladder rack, it is crucial to consider its weight capacity. The weight capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that the rack can safely hold. Make sure to check your truck’s manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that the ladder rack’s weight capacity does not exceed your truck’s limit.

Material

Ladder racks are made from various materials such as steel, aluminum, or composite materials. Steel ladder racks are durable but can be heavy and prone to rusting if not properly maintained. Aluminum ladder racks are lightweight and resistant to rust but may not be as sturdy as steel ones. Composite material is a mixture of plastic and fiberglass, making it lightweight yet sturdy.

Installation

Consider how easy or difficult it is to install the ladder rack onto your pickup truck. Some models may require drilling into your truck bed while others may use clamps for installation. If you prefer an easy installation process, opt for models that use clamps.

Compatibility

Not all ladder racks fit all types of pickup trucks. Before making a purchase, make sure that the model you choose is compatible with your specific make and model of truck.

Additional Features

Some ladder racks come with additional features such as adjustable crossbars or tie-down straps for securing your load. Consider these extra features if they align with your needs and preferences.

Budget

Ladder racks come in various price ranges depending on their features and materials used. Determine how much you are willing to spend before starting your search.

Conclusion

Investing in a quality ladder rack is essential for any pickup truck owner who frequently transports long items. Consider factors such as type, weight capacity, material, compatibility, installation process, additional features, and budget before making a purchase decision. With this buying guide in hand, I am confident that you will find the perfect ladder rack for your pickup truck needs.

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Maggie Jong
Maggie Jong is not only a dedicated mother of two but also a mumpreneur whose journey into entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is surprising. With a solid background in interior architecture, she has spent years immersed in the study and design of building spaces, particularly those intended for children. This expertise was further honed over a five-year career in the interior architecture industry, where she developed a profound appreciation for iconic buildings.

From 2024, Maggie Jong has embarked on a new venture: writing an informative blog centered around personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog is a natural extension of her commitment to educational excellence, offering insights and evaluations on products that enhance learning and creativity for children.

Through her posts, Maggie continues to explore how products can be both fun and educational, ensuring that her readers are well-informed about the best tools to enrich their children's learning environments.