The Top 6 Drop-Down Ladder Racks for Cargo Vans

You’ve been eyeing a drop-down ladder rack as a cargo van upgrade. And a look at what’s available reveals an abundance of options; it can be an overwhelming choice. But, regardless of the product, all drop-down racks have these benefits in common:

  • Lessens Injury Risk: Reducing worker injuries is a top priority for every employer. A drop-down system eases the toll that ladder lifting takes on the body; there’s minimal stretching and no climbing.
  • Preserves Cargo Capacity: A van’s capacity isn’t limitless, and a bulky ladder doesn’t make things better. Storing the ladder on the outside maximizes inside space for tools and gear.
  • Protects Assets: An improperly stored ladder can get damaged or, worse, cause damage to the van. A drop-down rack locks everything in place.
  • Saves Time: Loading and unloading a ladder the old-fashioned way takes time. And this is something that happens multiple times a day. A drop-down arrangement provides ladder access in seconds.

Brand Close-Up: Top 6 Drop-Down Ladder Racks

With a greater understanding of what a drop-down lack rack can offer, let’s explore the details of the major brands.

Kargo Master / Holman Drop-Down Ladder Rack

  • Material: Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features: Easy installation, works with all sizes of extension ladders, and available conduit carrier.
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type): Chevrolet City Express & Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter, Nissan NV & NV200,  RAM ProMaster & ProMaster City, and service body vehicles.
  • Warranty: Three years. Up to six years, when purchased at Upfit Supply with Extend.
  • Pricing: Starts at $1,200, varies by vehicle.

Masterack Uplyft Drop-Down Ladder Rack

  • Material:   Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features:  Simple installation, handles extension ladder up to 32 feet, uses an optional crossbow for ladders under 8 feet, and available conduit carrier.
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type): Chevy Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, and RAM ProMaster
  • Warranty:   One year, three years for factory installations and products installed on new vehicles by an authorized installer. Up to four years when purchased from Upfit Supply with Extend.
  • Pricing: Starts at $1,900, varies by vehicle.

Weather Guard EZ Glide

  • Material: Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features:  Uncomplicated installation, optional cross crossbow for conduit carrier uses, ability to handle an extension ladder up to 40 feet and step ladders from 3 to 10 feet.
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type): Chevrolet Express, Ford E-Series, Ford Transit & Transit Connect, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter, Nissan NV & NV200, and RAM ProMaster & ProMaster City.
  • Warranty:  Limited lifetime.
  • Pricing: Starts at $1,300, varies by vehicle.
Photo courtesy Prime Design

Prime Design ErgoRack

  • Material: Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features: Easy installation, available extensions for shorter ladders, and options for an add-on security mirror and beacon/strobe lights.
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type): Chevrolet City Express & Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter, Nissan NV & NV200,  RAM ProMaster & ProMaster City, and service body vehicles.
  • Warranty: Three years.
  • Pricing: Starts at $1,500, varies by vehicle.
Photo courtesy Ranger Design

Ranger Design Max Rack

  • Material: Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features: No-fuss installation and a 32-foot maximum ladder length (depending on rack and vehicle type).
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type):  Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter, Nissan NV, and RAM ProMaster.
  • Warranty: Three years.
  • Pricing: Starts at $2,000, varies by vehicle.
Photo courtesy Adrian Steel

Adrian Steel ProLift Rack

  • Material: Powder-coated aluminum.
  • Features: No-drill installation with 40-foot maximum ladder length and 10-foot minimum step/podium ladder length.
  • Van Compatibility (varies by rack and vehicle type):  Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit, GMC Savana, Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter, Nissan NV, and RAM ProMaster.
  • Warranty: Three years for factory installations and products installed on new vehicles by an authorized installer.
  • Pricing: Starts at $1,200, varies by vehicle.

Talk to the Experts at Upfit Supply

The professionals at Upfit Supply are standing by to answer your questions about drop-down ladder racks. Call 888-522-3290 or message us for personalized help.

Trusted By The Pros At

  • Aire Serv
  • Roto-Rooter
  • Pop-A-Lock
  • ServPro
  • American Red Cross
  • Cintas
  • Federal Reserve Board