Best Ladder Racks

A truck bed ladder rack is a great investment whether you need one for work, or just to allow you to be able to do more fun things. There are a wide variety of uses for ladder racks, which include carrying canoes, kayaks, lumber, or almost anything that is too long to fit in your truck bed, so don't let the name fool you.

Along with the amount of space you're saving, ladder racks will allow you to haul extra long items that you normally can't fit in your truck bed. And it will take you a lot less time loading and unloading your truck, all while helping to keep your truck bed organized.

There's one problem though: with so many choices for ladder racks, which one should you go with? Well today I am doing all the work and research for you. I've compiled a list of the best truck bed ladder racks you can get your hands on. Keep reading to see which ones made the cut and to find some helpful information along the way.

Note: Most truck bed ladder racks are custom-fit to your vehicle, which means one rack will not fit multiple vehicles, so be sure to use our vehicle fitguide to select your vehicle and find the racks that are a fit for your truck.

Best Ladder Racks Overview

Thule TracRac SR

This is for you if:

If you're somebody who wants the most convenient, easy-to-use rack that will maximize your carrying capacity while still getting an excellent-quality rack, this is the one for you. And with a limited liftetime warranty, Thule has got you covered.

The TracRac has been around for quite some time now, and there's a reason why the SR is at the top of everyone's list. With features such as a lightweight, aerodynamic design and a unique T-track rail system, which allows for easy installation and back-and-forth adjustment, the TracRac SR is easily the most convenient system. Plus this sliding rack is also available in an option with a cantilever in case you need to carry extra long loads. Oh and did I mention, Thule products are made in the USA?

You can adjust this rack along the track to fit loads of any size, and with integrated quick-release load stops, you can have extra places to securely tie down your ladder or kayak. The Thule TracRac SR has the highest weight rating of almost any system out there (rated for up to 1,250 lbs), but it's also one of the most lightweight systems on the market, so it's very easy to take on and off.

Plus, if you are interested in also using a tonneau cover with your truck, this rack has got your back. The Thule sliding rack is a perfect fit for the BAK Revolver tonneau covers as they do not interfere with the uprights and sit inside the bed rails.

In conclusion... you need this rack.

This is NOT for you if:

Well, to put it lightly: it's pretty darn expensive. While the Thule TracRac SR may not be the most expensive option out there, it will probably make a dent in your wallet. It also doesn't adjust up and down, just back and forth. But if you want the ability to adjust your rack either above, below, or in line with your cab, check out our runner-up below.

When can I use a tonneau cover and a truck bed ladder rack together?

Most hard tonneau covers will not work with a ladder rack due to the contact between the cover and the ladder rack base rails. Alternatively, most soft tonneau covers that mount inside the bed rails will work with ladder racks that mount on top of the bed rails in the stake pockets.

However, if you do want to use a hard cover with a ladder rack, just make sure that the tonneau cover mounts inside the bed rails . This won't work all of the time, but if you want a confirmed fit, be sure to check the product description on the ladder rack's product page.

Ultimate confirmed fit combo for ladder rack and tonneau cover:

BAK Revolver X2/X4 Hard Tonneau cover

Thule TracRac SR Sliding Ladder Rack

Yakima OverHaul HD

This is for you if:

Yakima has made a name for themselves for being a great source for products that allow you to just have fun and be adventurous. From their high quality and well thought-out construction, to their added fun features such as a bottle opener on every rack, it's no wonder they are one of the leading brands in the rack industry. And like Thule, Yakima also provide a limited lifetime warranty on this rack so you know they mean business.

The OverHaul HD has everything the TracRac SR doesn't. It's the only rack on our list that has the ability to adjust up and down to achieve your desired height for each load, and it's tested for both on-road and off-road use so you can have more fun. This rack is also compatible with a tonneau cover, but it's only confirmed to work with the Retrax XR, Ford Embark LS, or select Pace Edwards UltraGroove tonneau covers (with the purchase of the adapter Y01155). The Yakima OverHaul HD is the solution to all of your problems - except for rush-hour traffic... nothing we can do about that.

Did I mention you can install and remove this in minutes? Yakima's QuickChange system doesn't require any drilling and secures the rack to your bed for a tight fit. The OverHual HD is also made out of aluminum, like the TracRac SR, so it has a very comparable rust-resistant and lightweight design. And if you have smaller items that you'd like to put up high, just add on one of Yakima's cargo baskets or to keep your kayaks from getting damaged, check out Yakima's convenient kayak carriers.

This is NOT for you if:

Since the Yakima Overhaul HD is such a high-quality rack, like the TracRac SR, it does have a pretty beefy price tag. You are getting an amazing quality rack that will last you at the very least the life of your truck, but if you don't want to spend a truck-load of money, keep scrolling down the list.

Although this is still a heavy-duty rack, it does have a lower weight rating than some of our other contenders, which may not be an issue for you if you are only hauling a ladder or a kayak. However, with a maximum on-road capacity of 500 lbs, it might not be enough for everyone.

Adarac Pro Series

This is for you if:

If you want most of the convenience of the first two systems, but without the price, this may be the rack for you. The Adarac Pro Series ladder rack has the ability to hold up to 500 lbs of cargo (250 lbs per bar), and is customized to fit your truck perfectly with no drilling required, just like our first two options.

The Adarac Pro Series rack can also be versatile, as it comes with four sliding, adjustable load stops to use with your tie-down straps, and include integrated hooks on the bottom to use as tie-down points for even more cargo possibilities. Its aluminum construction makes the Pro Series very lightweight, and it has an anodized finish to give even more corrosion resistance.

This Adarac ladder rack is compatible with Lomax hard tri-fold covers, Access roll-up covers, and most other tonneau covers that sit inside the bed rail, so you can have it all. And with a wide, streamlined design, the ladder rack will stay out of your view and out of your way by allowing extra room in your truck bed. The Adarac Pro Series is also made in the USA.

This is NOT for you if:

The Adarac ladder rack does not have the ability adjust at all, so where it ends up when you install it on your truck bed is where it has to stay. This may not be an issue for you since these are all custom-fit to your vehicle, but if you like the ability to adjust, stick with one of our top two choices.

This rack also features square crossbars, which will result in more wind drag and noise than the aerodynamic bars of the first two options. And like the Yakima Overhaul HD, the Adarac doesn't have as high of a capacity rating as Thule's TracRac SR. Another draw back of the Adarac Pro Series is its 1-year warranty, especially when compared to the lifetime warranty of our top two competitors.

Still have questions?

Give our experts a call at 800-298-8924, or contact us online. We're happy to assist any way we can!

About the Author

My journey with etrailer started as an Expert Service Representative, where I went through months of product training to make sure that I had all of the knowledge I needed to help our neighbors find a solution to any situation. I helped them with technical questions, troubleshooting, product information, and anything else they needed. Since it has always been my passion to write and express myself through words, I made the transition over to the content side of the website so I could combine my product knowledge and passion for writing.

In order to make sure that I am giving you the most accurate, current information, I am constantly doing research and talking with people who are doing what I am writing about every day. I am constantly striving to find out what questions you are asking, and to give you an answer to every one of those questions, plus answers to questions you haven't even asked yet - yes, I'm that good. Plus, I am constantly getting hands-on training with our vendors and asking them all of the hard questions, that way you can have all of the information you need before making a decision.

How to Choose the Best Tonneau Cover

How to Use a Roof Rack (Like a Boss)

Hard Tonneau Covers vs Soft Tonneau Covers

Related Products

Eye Bolts for Yakima HD Bar

Thule Load Strap Cinch Straps w/ Padded Cam Buckles

Tie-Down Loops for Rola Haul-Your-Might

Written by: Olivia M.

Updated on: 2/15/2024

Scott T.

8/15/2020

I own a 2002 Ford Explorer (4-door) with OEM roof rack. Is there anything available for my vehicle that's equivalent to a truck ladder rack that would enable me to carry 17 foot pieces of light lumber (window/door mouldings)?

Jon G.

8/27/2020

I'm guessing you mean so that you can use load stops like the Rola # 59794. In order to accomplish this you can use the Malone AirFlow2 # MPG216 which have the 165 lb weight capacity that I believe you're looking for.

Explore Expert Info

on Ladder Racks

Videos

for Ladder Racks

Help Articles

for Ladder Racks

Expert Answers

for Ladder Racks

Review of Dutton-Lainson Trailer Winch - Hand Winch Strap - DL24251

Review of Lippert Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - Axle Risers Single Square Torsion Axle - LC382741

Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack with Cantilever Review

Review of B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - BWRVK2402

Review of CURT Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom Brackets and Rails - C16427-204

Erickson Truck Bed Ladder Rack Review

Review of MORryde Fifth Wheel King Pin - Upgraded Pin Box - MR44VR

Lippert Electric Travel Trailer Leveling System Installation - 2019 Keystone Springdale Travel Trail

Lippert Electric Travel Trailer Leveling System Installation - 2018 Forest River Flagstaff V-Lite Tr

Lippert Electric Travel Trailer Leveling System Installation - 2022 Forest River Flagstaff Micro Lit

MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers Installation

Thule TracRac SR Sliding Truck Bed Ladder Rack Base Rails Review

RV Sway Control, Stabilization, and Suspension Enhancement

7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires

Roof Rack Information

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

Hard Tonneau Covers vs Soft Tonneau Covers

Pewag Snow Tire Chains

How to Choose the Best Tonneau Cover

Rooftop Cargo Carriers

How to Use a Roof Rack (Like a Boss)

Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Replacing The Entry Door Latch Kit On A 2000 Featherlite Trailer

RV manufacturers will typically just turn the handle 180 degrees for other orientation and the deadbolt will just be on the opposite side of the plunger. If your deadbolt sits above the plunger on yours and the cutout hole is 2-1/2" to…

view full answer...

Which Lift Kit Fits 2022 Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB

Based on the available information for your 2022 Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB it looks like you have Dexter #11 Torflex axles. Assuming that is accurate, you need the Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 2-7/8" Lift #K71-724-02. I recommend…

view full answer...

Can Hollywood Racks Safety LED Light Bar Be Used With Other Brand Bike Racks

The Hollywood Racks Safety LED Light Bar for Bike Racks #HLY54RR will work with any bike rack that has 1-1/4" square tubing. It was designed around the Hollywood Racks brand of bike racks but is definitely a universal option that will fit a…

view full answer...

Can Crossover Toolbox Fit with B and W Headache Rack Installed

You would have no problem setting your crossover style tool box on top of the rails of the B&W Custom Headache Rack #BWPUCP7522BA that you referenced. To allow the box to open though you'll need to move it towards the rear of the truck bed so…

view full answer...

The Pace Edwards Contractor Rig Rack Truck Bed Ladder Rack #311-CR4008 requires a tonneau cover with t-slots like the Pace Edwards JackRabbit Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover w Explorer Rails #311-JEFA05A28 in order to mount. According to Pace Edwards…

view full answer...

Truck Bed Ladder Rack Compatibility w/ a Truck Box on a 2014 Toyota Tacoma

You can use the Rola Haul-Your-Might T3 Truck Bed Ladder Rack - Aluminum - 800 lbs item #59799 with both your truck tool boxes on your 2014 Toyota Tacoma. It will not interfere with your side tool box. You will have to mount your truck box either in…

view full answer...

The bolts on the Demco Spare Tire Carrier for up to 4" Trailer Tongue - Silver #DM15851-52 are roughly 4-1/2" apart; this carrier is designed to fit on 4" x 4" trailer tongues, so it would also fit on a 4" square bumper but…

view full answer...

Lift Kit For Dexter #11 Torflex Axles on Airstream Tandem Axle Trailer

Thanks so much for the photo that was super helpful, and what the axle tag shows is that you have a #11 Dexter Torflex axle. We do have the correct lift kit for you, which is the following part: - Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle #K71-724-02 This kit…

view full answer...

Does MORryde Cushioned Pin Box for Trailers Over 18K Have Same Dimensions as Lippert 1621SHD

The MORryde Cushioned 5th Wheel Pin Box part #MR44VR will have dimensions almost identical to that of the pin box it replaces so there will not be any bed or cab clearance issues with the pin box swap.

view full answer...

Difference Between Lippert 1621 Pin Box And 1621SHD Pin Box

The difference between the 1621 and the 1621SHD is weight capacity and how many bolts is required to mount it. The 1621 uses 4 bolts for mounting. The 1621SHD requires all 6 bolts to be used.

view full answer...

How to Remove Locked Yakima SKS Lock Cores on Roof Rack Without the Key

According to our friends at Yakima, the Control Key for the Yakima Same Key System, #Y07204 will only work on lock cores that are already unlocked. If you know the key number, you can order a replacement using the page I have provided a link to. If…

view full answer...

Does B and W Patriot Hitch Require a Capture Plate

The B and W Patriot Hitch part #BWRVK3270 does not require a capture or locking plate to connect to fifth wheel trailer. The only hitches that do that are the ones that are auto-sliders where the head of the hitch locks to the pin box and turns with…

view full answer...