Ladder rack, which one and where to buy?

[mattri]

Looking for a rack for my 2021 screw. Prefer one that goes over the cab like the one pictured.

Anyone have something like this on their ranger, recommendations?

Suggest a good place to buy from?

Thanks, Matt.

 

[dvdswan]

There are so many different brands/styles out there and the options available to fit your needs it would be best to start to GTS. Prices are wide varied as well.

It would help to state what you plan to use it for and your location.

 

[ericbphoto]

Many years ago, I needed one for my F150. I went to a local fab shop and told them what I wanted. Price was very reasonable and I was happy. One feature I needed was for the rear cross bar to be removable. Very helpful if you ever need to carry something tall.

 

[mattri]

Use will be general utility, the screw bed is pretty small so anything long/oversized may end up on the rack. No plans to move anytjing heavy, the rack in the puc is listed at 800lbs which is plenty.
I like the side rails, very convenient.
The only thing I don't love about that particular rack is the height. It lists as 35" tall and 24" would clear the cab just fine. The construction does nor appear to lend itself to a simple shortening of the uprights.

 

[Ranger850]

Many years ago, I needed one for my F150. I went to a local fab shop and told them what I wanted. Price was very reasonable and I was happy. One feature I needed was for the rear cross bar to be removable. Very helpful if you ever need to carry something tall.

I worked as in awning installer for many years and we built about 3 racks while I was there. One for an econline350. It was only about 6" tall but was handy as hell. The other two were for trucks with work boxes instead of regular beds. And cost of material plus paying two guys to fav it up was cheaper and faster for my boss. Great idea to suggest the fab shop. You'd be surprised at the skill and ingenuity you get from those guys. And a custom rack to show off. Guys like looking at custom racks.

 

[ericbphoto]

Sometimes good fab shop guys will have cool suggestions like cleats on the uprights that you can tie things to or hang stuff on.

 

[Roert42]

I will #3 the custom jobber.

I made my own headache rack, and made it to be exactly what I wanted. Was cheaper then any one I could find for sale.

It’s a good first project for learning to weld or what have your, but if you are not into that it would probably be on par with a store bought one.

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the suggestions guys but the rack pictured is only about $300, with others like it in the same ballpark.

Was hoping to find some folks who had purchased something similar and had suggestions on who to buy from, which particular models seemed to work a little better etc.

Elevate Outdoor Universal Steel Pickup Truck Rack

The Elevate Outdoor universal truck rack installs on full-size or mid-size pickups to transport ladders, wood, or long, bulky cargo. Get it today at Discount Ramps!

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[Uncle Gump]

Truck racks can get spendy... really quick. I've seen a few of the $300 ladder racks... not gonna say they're junk... but keep your expectations about as low as the purchase price.

I bookmarked one very similar to what's below... lost my hard drive and my book marks. But the "basket" come over the cab about 12 inches or so. I think it was a home built unit but it sure did stand out.

 

[broncc]

My ranger had a System One brand rack and that was really nice.

 

[Uncle Gump]

That system one rack is more like what I had seen.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

My ranger had a System One brand rack and that was really nice.

View attachment 61801

Nice rack

 

[bobbywalter]

I would build one.


After adding 14 inches to the frame and a flat bed.

 

[HenryMac]

I worked at a fab shop that built headache racks, ladder racks, bed rails etc. for oil field trucks. The biggest issue was a quality durable paint finish. Invariably after a few months of use the paint failed, the rack started to rust and that rust ended up as streaks on the finish of the truck.

If it's a work truck.. most folks don't care. And the oil field folks couldn't have cared less. Brand new trucks were beat to shit in short order.

If it's your personal vehicle that you want to keep the paint looking nice on... you need to spend the bucks to get an aluminum rack that is either clear coated or anodized.. and they are indeed high dollar units.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I worked at a fab shop that built headache racks, ladder racks, bed rails etc. for oil field trucks. The biggest issue was a quality durable paint finish. Invariably after a few months of use the paint failed, the rack started to rust and that rust ended up as streaks on the finish of the truck.

If it's a work truck.. most folks don't care. And the oil field folks couldn't have cared less. Brand new trucks were beat to shit in short order.

If it's your personal vehicle that you want to keep the paint looking nice on... you need to spend the bucks to get an aluminum rack that is either clear coated or anodized.. and they are indeed high dollar units.

What about powder coat for steel? Its way more durable than paint.