[brucepick]

I looked into pickup trucks because I'd like to have one for home improvement projects etc. I found the Ford Ranger/Mazda B-series had the best mpg ratings of the small trucks sold in the US market.

I think they came in different bed lengths; you'd have to figure out if one will hold your ladder without using a ladder rack. The only issue with a ladder rack as far as MPG is concerned is that it will add drag and so reduce your fuel economy.

A 'cap' that's tapered downward towards the rear actually improves fuel economy, if done right. If that's not possible then a flat cover over the bed is better than an open bed. See various discussions on this in the "Aerodynamics" subforums.

Hmmm. If the ladder doesn't fit in the bed laying flat, it MIGHT fit if you put the front of ladder up at roof level and the back end down on the floor. Not much aero penalty that way either, I would think. Especially if you put a tapered cap over the whole thing.

Definitely go for a manual transmission.