Ladder roof bars: a must-have for tradespeople, builders, and anyone else who needs to carry and secure a ladder on their vehicle.
Unsure of what ladder roof bars actually are and why they’re important? We’ll tell you in this blog. You’ll also find helpful information about installing and fitting ladder roof bars and handy tips for them — consider this your complete guide!
What Are Ladder Roof Bars?
Ladder roof bars are a type of rack that gets installed on the top of your vehicle – you’ll often see them on top of vans. Specifically designed just for ladders, they make it easy to carry and unload them during and after jobs. Tradies, builders, electricians, and roofers all have ladder roof bars.
Main Features
Roof bars have a bunch of special features that make them the perfect fit for ladders. Here’s what they typically include:
- Heavy Duty, Weather-Resistant Construction: Built for big roof ladders and designed to withstand transport and extreme environments.
- Secure Mounting: Your ladders are firmly locked into place thanks to integrated ladder rails that give extra grip during transport.
- Rear Roller and Slide Systems: Roof bars can be paired with a rear roller (usually purchased separately) for seamless loading and unloading.
- Compatible with Other Accessories: Roof bars aren’t just for ladders – you can also secure lumbar, pipes, conduit tubes, and other gear to them using clamps, straps, or eye bolts.
- Made for Commercial Vans: Most ladder roof bars are designed for commercial vans, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect match for your vehicle.
Types of Ladders for Ladder Roof Bars
Ladder roof bars are basically a one-size-fits-all tool — a bunch of ladder types can be mounted onto them. Here are the many ladders you can attach to roof bars:
- Step Ladder: Perfect for quick and straightforward jobs.
- Extension/Roofing Ladders: For getting up onto those hard-to-reach areas, like roofing and construction sites.
- Telescopic Ladders: A compact and convenient go-to for mobile trades.
- Multipurpose Ladders: The all-in-one solution that folds neatly and fits most ladder roof bars.
- Platform Ladders: A stable, trusty platform ladder designed for maintenance, construction, and electrical work. Best suited to heavy-duty ladder bars.
Why You Need Ladder Roof Bars
Ladder roof bars are an absolute must-have for anyone who regularly uses ladders, be it for roofing jobs, building maintenance, construction, electrical work, or plumbing installations. These handy accessories are needed for a bunch of reasons.
Not only do they make transporting ladders in between jobs smoother and easier, but they also make it much safer. They reduce the risk of work injury for you and those around you while also preventing your vehicle from getting damaged. Because they mount on the roof of your vehicle, they also free up space inside, so you’ve got more room to store other equipment in transit.
No one likes clunking sounds when they’re driving from job to job. Thankfully, roof bars keep your ladder firmly in place, so you don’t have to endure noise while you drive to jobs. This also ensures your ladder doesn’t get damaged in transit, giving you complete peace of mind!
Top Tips for Buying Ladder Roof Bars
These expert tips will ensure you choose the right ladder roof bars:
- Opt for heavy-duty bars — they are more reliable and last much longer.
- Always check compatibility with your vehicle before making a purchase.
- Choose roof bars with the right load rating for your ladder.
- Add extra accessories, like tie-downs, clamps, and eye bolts, to ensure an extra secure fit.
Ladder Roof Bar Installation and Fitment
When installing and fitting a ladder bar yourself, there are a few things to remember and be mindful of. You should always check the compatibility, ensuring the bars match your vehicle’s make, model, and roof type (such as gutter-mounted, fixed-point, or track systems).
Proper alignment is a key ingredient to properly installing roof bars. Even distribution is an absolute must to ensure the load is balanced and there’s no strain on your vehicle. You should also check the tightness of the bars once they’ve been fitted. Bolts and brackets have to be properly tightened to prevent unwanted movement while you drive around.
Before mounting your ladder and hitting the road, do a test fit and inspection to make sure it’s completely secure.
When to Call a Professional Team
Installing and fitting roof bars isn’t always as easy as it seems — it can get pretty technical.
If your vehicle’s got a complex roof design or existing roof racks that need adjusting, you’re best off getting an expert over with the right tools to handle it. If you’re unsure about the correct fitment or bar placement, don’t leave it up to guesswork. An expert will be able to fit everything in the right way for you.
For multiple installations of accessories, like a ladder loader, multi-slide systems, or eyebolts, you’ll need a professional, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Roof Racks and Roof Bars?
Ladder roof bars are straight crossbars that get mounted to your vehicle’s roof. They support and secure a ladder in place. Ladder racks have extra frames, multi slide systems, or ladder loaders — great for easier loading and unloading.
Versatility is the main difference between the two. Roof racks are simple and lightweight, so they’re great for quick and easy mounting and dismounting. Roof bars are more fitted to heavy duty jobs and even fit extra gear and accessories.
Are Ladder Roof Bars Safe for Heavy Ladders?
They absolutely are. Heavy duty ladder roof bars, from brands like Rhino Rack, are made just for bigger and heavier ladders, and extreme weather conditions. It makes transporting ladders in between jobs every bit safer, ensuring they’re firmly in place and securely fastened to your vehicle during transit.