Recommended Ladder Rack And Load Bar Crossbar Setup For Utility Trailers

Question:

Question with regards to: Yakima Overhaul HD with 78” bars. My plans are to mount the HD on the side rails of a utility trailer. My question: what is the widest measurement at the base or distance between trailer rails using the XL-78” bars? Thank you.

asked by: Thomas C

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, however, the Yakima OverHaul HD Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack for Tonneau Cover - 78" Crossbars # Y01151-5955 is designed to mounted to specific tonneau bed covers and will not work for a utility trailer. For your utility trailer I recommend looking into a few other crossbar and ladder rack options that are specifically made for utility trailers.

If you want a ladder rack, then you could use Rack'em Fitz-All Enclosed Trailer Ladder Rack # RA-28. This fits most trailers that are 4 feet to 8-1/2 feet wide. The upright height is 22" and it has a 400lb weight capacity. It installs by using the 8-1/4" long x 1-5/8" tall mounting brackets along with the included hardware. This includes two crossbars in the kit, but you can buy more if you would like to add 2 more crossbars to your setup.

If you are looking for more of a crossbar setup to carry crossbar accessories like kayak carriers, bike racks, cargo basket etc. then you will want something like the Malone TopTier Load Bar Kit # MPG493. This is designed to be used on utility trailers that have rail height of 2-1/4" or less and rail width of 3-1/2" and also the trailer width (rail to rail) must be between 4 to 5 feet. This has a weight capacity of 250lbs and has crossbars that are 78" long.

I have attached detailed demonstration videos for these products.

expert reply by: Andrew N