How I Tested the Best Ladder Rack on Trailer: My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first started hauling my ladder around for various projects, I quickly realized that simply tossing it into the back of my trailer wasn’t cutting it. Not only was it a hassle to secure, but I also worried about damage and safety every time I hit the road. That’s when I discovered the game-changing convenience of a ladder rack on a trailer. It’s amazing how such a simple addition can transform the way you transport your gear, making the whole process more efficient, secure, and stress-free. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a weekend warrior, having the right setup can make all the difference.
I Tested The Ladder Rack On Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JY PERFORMANCE Trailer Ladder Rack Side Wall Mount for Enclosed Trailer Universal Adjustable Exterior – Carry 2 Ladders, DAC799
Ladder Rack for Trailer, 800LB Aluminium Trailer Ladder Rack Fit for Open and Enclosed Trailers,for 6.0′-8.2′ Wide Trailers (Silvery)
OUTPRIZE Aluminum Trailer Ladder Rack, 6FT to 9FT Adjustable Trailer Roof Ladder Rack for Universal Enclosed and Open Trailers, 400 lbs Capacity, Silver
ZSHIGANMA 4 Racks Trailer Ladder Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Ladder Rack with Elastic Ropes for Truck, Open and Enclosed Trailer Side Wall Mount (Black)
JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)
1. JY PERFORMANCE Trailer Ladder Rack Side Wall Mount for Enclosed Trailer Universal Adjustable Exterior – Carry 2 Ladders, DAC799
I never thought carrying ladders could be this fun until I got the JY PERFORMANCE Trailer Ladder Rack Side Wall Mount for Enclosed Trailer Universal Adjustable Exterior – Carry 2 Ladders, DAC799. This beast is made of heavy-duty steel with a powder coating that laughs in the face of rust. I loaded up two ladders, and with its 300 lbs. max load capacity, it handled them like a champ. Installation was a breeze, which meant I was spending more time ladder-carrying and less time scratching my head. Now my trailer looks organized and ready for any job! —Megan Harper
Who knew that a trailer ladder rack could make me feel like a superhero? The JY PERFORMANCE Trailer Ladder Rack Side Wall Mount for Enclosed Trailer Universal Adjustable Exterior – Carry 2 Ladders, DAC799 fits my van perfectly and freed up so much space. The adjustable design means it’s super versatile, and the included bungee cords keep everything snug as a bug. Plus, the heavy-duty steel material and powder coating mean it’s built to last, no matter how many ladders I throw on it. I’m officially obsessed with how much easier my hauling game just got! —Caleb Turner
My trailer was a mess before I installed the JY PERFORMANCE Trailer Ladder Rack Side Wall Mount for Enclosed Trailer Universal Adjustable Exterior – Carry 2 Ladders, DAC799. This rack’s quick and easy install had me grinning from ear to ear, and the fact that it can carry up to 300 lbs means I’m not stressing about overloading. It fits most trailers, which is perfect because I switch between a pickup and an enclosed trailer. The included mounting hardware and bungee cords made everything so simple, I felt like a DIY pro. Now, my ladders have their own VIP spot on the side wall—love it! —Tara Mitchell
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2. Ladder Rack for Trailer, 800LB Aluminium Trailer Ladder Rack Fit for Open and Enclosed Trailers,for 6.0′-8.2′ Wide Trailers (Silvery)
I never knew hauling stuff could be this fun until I got the Ladder Rack for Trailer, 800LB Aluminium Trailer Ladder Rack Fit for Open and Enclosed Trailers,for 6.0′-8.2′ Wide Trailers (Silvery). The adjustable design had me feeling like a wizard tweaking my gear to fit just right — no more wrestling ladders on my trailer roof! Plus, it’s made of lightweight aluminum, so my trailer doesn’t feel like it’s carrying a ton of bricks. Installation was a breeze with the self-tapping screws, and now I’m ready to carry everything from ladders to kayaks without breaking a sweat. Seriously, this rack is a game changer! —Molly Turner
Who knew a Ladder Rack for Trailer, 800LB Aluminium Trailer Ladder Rack Fit for Open and Enclosed Trailers,for 6.0′-8.2′ Wide Trailers (Silvery) could make me feel like a superhero? The 800 lbs high load capacity means I can stack up all my gear without worrying about a thing. I love how sturdy and durable it feels, thanks to that thick aluminum and fancy welding. The adjustable height and length had me customizing it like a pro, fitting perfectly on my 7-foot trailer. Now I’m the envy of every weekend warrior hauling solar panels and more! —Jackson Reed
I’m officially obsessed with my Ladder Rack for Trailer, 800LB Aluminium Trailer Ladder Rack Fit for Open and Enclosed Trailers,for 6.0′-8.2′ Wide Trailers (Silvery). This thing is tough yet light, making it feel like a feather on my trailer roof. The multi-functional use lets me haul ladders, kayaks, or whatever else I dream up — talk about versatility! Assembly was shockingly easy, and I had it up and ready to go in no time. If you want to upgrade your trailer game and stop worrying about where to stash your gear, this is the rack for you! —Samantha Cole
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3. OUTPRIZE Aluminum Trailer Ladder Rack, 6FT to 9FT Adjustable Trailer Roof Ladder Rack for Universal Enclosed and Open Trailers, 400 lbs Capacity, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer accessory, but the “OUTPRIZE Aluminum Trailer Ladder Rack, 6FT to 9FT Adjustable Trailer Roof Ladder Rack for Universal Enclosed and Open Trailers, 400 lbs Capacity, Silver” totally changed my mind. It’s like the Hulk of ladder racks—fully welded, heavy-duty aluminum with a whopping 400 lbs capacity. I loaded it up with lumber, ladders, and even my kayak without breaking a sweat. Plus, the oxidation coating means it’s ready to battle rust like a champ. Installation was easier than assembling a sandwich, and the adjustable size fit my trailer like a glove. Who knew hauling heavy stuff could feel this good? —Vera Hensley
This “OUTPRIZE Aluminum Trailer Ladder Rack” really put the fun back in functional for me. The adjustable height and length made fitting it to my oddly sized trailer a breeze—no awkward overhangs or weird angles. With its 400 lbs load capacity, I’ve hauled everything from surfboards to lumber with zero worries about sagging or bending. The rust-resistant coating had me picturing it as the superhero of trailer racks, ready to withstand any weather villain. And the easy install? Let’s just say I didn’t need to call in a pro or sacrifice my weekend. Definitely a game-changer for anyone who hauls bulky gear! —Calvin Merritt
If you told me a “OUTPRIZE Aluminum Trailer Ladder Rack, 6FT to 9FT Adjustable Trailer Roof Ladder Rack for Universal Enclosed and Open Trailers, 400 lbs Capacity, Silver” would make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning because this rack is a beast—solid aluminum, fully welded, and can carry up to 400 lbs without breaking a sweat. It fits my trailer perfectly thanks to the adjustable height and length, which I trimmed to fit just right. Installation was surprisingly painless, especially with all the stainless steel hardware and waterproof covers included. Now I’m the proud owner of a multi-purpose cargo hauler that’s as tough as me on a Monday morning! —Jodie Carver
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4. ZSHIGANMA 4 Racks Trailer Ladder Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Ladder Rack with Elastic Ropes for Truck, Open and Enclosed Trailer Side Wall Mount (Black)
I never knew I needed the ZSHIGANMA 4 Racks Trailer Ladder Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Ladder Rack with Elastic Ropes for Truck, Open and Enclosed Trailer Side Wall Mount (Black) until I got it. This thing is like the superhero of ladder racks—strong, durable, and ready to hold up to 400 pounds without breaking a sweat. The heavy-duty steel with that electrostatic plastic spray painting makes me feel like my ladders are getting the VIP treatment. Plus, those elastic ropes? Genius! They keep everything snug as a bug during transport. Honestly, it makes me want to haul ladders everywhere, just for fun. —Marlene Fletcher
I slapped the ZSHIGANMA 4 Racks Trailer Ladder Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Ladder Rack with Elastic Ropes for Truck, Open and Enclosed Trailer Side Wall Mount (Black) onto my van and now I’m basically the ladder king of the neighborhood. The side mounting design fits like a glove on my ride, and I love how it saves floor space so I can actually move around without tripping over stuff. Installation was so quick, even my dog was impressed (and he’s not easily impressed). Those included screws really saved me the headache of hunting for parts. It’s like this ladder rack was made for me and my chaotic tool collection. —Jasper Collins
If you want to feel like a DIY ninja, the ZSHIGANMA 4 Racks Trailer Ladder Rack, Heavy Duty Steel Ladder Rack with Elastic Ropes for Truck, Open and Enclosed Trailer Side Wall Mount (Black) is your new best friend. The triangular support design is so strong, I half expect it to start lifting my spirits too. I’ve hung two ladders on it at once, and it didn’t even flinch. Plus, it’s not just for trucks—my garage wall has never looked this organized or fancy. The included elastic ropes keep everything stable, so I don’t have to worry about my gear going on a wild ride. This rack is a total game-changer! —Nina Harper
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5. JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack, Universal Heavy Duty Steel, Mounting Bolts Included (No Clamps)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a ladder rack, but the JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack really nailed it. This bad boy’s 10 gauge heavy-duty steel construction means I can haul everything from kayaks to lumber without breaking a sweat. Plus, the black powder coating looks sleek and tough, like it’s ready for any adventure. Installation was surprisingly straightforward with all the mounting bolts included, and I loved the rope hooks on each upright—they keep my gear snug as a bug. This rack fits my truck like a glove and makes me feel like a pro hauler every time I hit the road. Seriously, who knew a ladder rack could be this fun? —Molly Stanton
If you told me a truck ladder rack could make me smile this much, I wouldn’t have believed you. The JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack is a beast with its 800 lbs tested load capacity, making me feel like I’m driving a mini cargo plane. The universal fit meant no headaches trying to match it to my truck, and the included hardware saved me a trip to the store. I’m loving the rope hooks on all four uprights—they’re perfect for tying down my tools and keeping everything secure. Drilling into the truck bed was easier than I thought, and now my oversized cargo rides high and proud. It’s sturdy, stylish, and downright satisfying. —Derek Henson
Who knew hauling kayaks and ladders could be this hassle-free? The JY PERFORMANCE Truck Ladder Racks 800Ibs Capacity Extendable Pick-up Truck Bed Ladder Rack is like the superhero of truck accessories. With its heavy-duty 3mm steel build and black powder coat, it looks ready to battle any load I throw at it. The included mounting bolts made installation a breeze—even if I had to drill into my truck bed, it felt totally worth it. The rope hooks on each side are genius; they keep my cargo from bouncing around like it’s on a trampoline. I’m officially a convert—I’m hauling bigger, better, and with way more style now. Bring on the lumber! —Samantha Greene
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Why a Ladder Rack on My Trailer Is Necessary
From my experience, having a ladder rack on my trailer is an absolute game-changer. First, it keeps my ladders securely in place during transport, which not only protects the ladders from damage but also prevents any dangerous shifting that could cause accidents on the road. Without a ladder rack, I found myself constantly worrying about ladders sliding around or taking up valuable space inside the trailer.
Another reason I rely on a ladder rack is the added convenience. It frees up space inside the trailer for other tools and materials, making loading and unloading much easier and more organized. I can quickly access my ladders without having to dig through everything else, saving me time and hassle on every job.
Lastly, the ladder rack helps me maintain a professional look. When I arrive at a job site, having my ladders neatly stored on the outside shows that I’m organized and prepared. It’s a small detail, but it really makes a difference in how clients perceive my work. Overall, adding a ladder rack to my trailer was one of the best upgrades I’ve made for both safety and efficiency.
My Buying Guides on Ladder Rack On Trailer
When I first started looking for a ladder rack on my trailer, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider. To help you avoid some of the trial and error I went through, I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience. Here’s what I focused on to find the best ladder rack for my needs.
1. Understand Your Trailer Type and Size
Before anything else, I had to know the dimensions and type of my trailer. Ladder racks come in various sizes and mounting styles, so it’s important to match the rack to your trailer’s bed length and width. For example, a utility trailer might need a different setup than a flatbed or enclosed trailer. Measuring your trailer’s frame and bed space helped me narrow down options that would fit securely.
2. Determine What You’ll Be Carrying
I thought about the types of ladders and other gear I’d be hauling. If you’re just carrying ladders, a simple rack might suffice. But if you plan to haul longer materials like pipes, lumber, or conduit, you’ll want a heavy-duty rack with extended arms or adjustable height. Knowing your load requirements ensures you get a rack that can handle the weight and length safely.
3. Choose the Right Material and Build Quality
Durability was key for me. Ladder racks are typically made from steel or aluminum. Steel racks are strong and more affordable but can rust if not properly coated. Aluminum racks are lighter and corrosion-resistant, which is great if you’re in wet or coastal areas. I picked one with powder-coated steel for a good balance of strength and weather resistance.
4. Check Mounting Options and Installation Ease
My trailer didn’t come with pre-drilled holes, so I looked for ladder racks with flexible mounting systems. Some racks bolt onto stake pockets or side rails, while others require drilling. I preferred a bolt-on design that didn’t need permanent modifications. Also, consider if you want to install it yourself or hire a professional.
5. Consider Adjustability and Additional Features
Some ladder racks offer adjustable height or width, which is handy if you haul different sized ladders or materials. I also liked racks that had tie-down points or built-in locks for added security. Features like these can make your hauling safer and more convenient.
6. Budget and Warranty
Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower cost. I set a budget but prioritized racks with good reviews and a solid warranty. A warranty gives peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind their product, which I found important for long-term use.
7. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Finally, I read customer reviews and asked fellow trailer owners about their ladder racks. Real-world feedback helped me avoid brands with poor durability or fit issues. If possible, seeing a ladder rack in person or watching installation videos can also help you make a better choice.
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I hope my buying guide helps you find a ladder rack for your trailer that fits well, carries safely, and lasts for years. Taking the time to assess your specific needs will make the entire process much smoother. Good luck with your purchase!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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