Need a ladder rack - help me pick the best (least worst) option.

[smatthew]

I'm travelling across the US with my Dodge Dakota and a 6x12 V Nose cargo trailer. I've got two ladders that I need to bring with me that won't fit in the trailer so I need a ladder rack.

I know ladder racks are pretty bad for fuel efficiency - so I'm wondering if attaching the ladders to the side of the trailer would be better?

ie.


versus

[DonR]

If you attach them to the side of the trailer you could build a box around them with tapered leading & trailing edges.

Just covering them tightly with plastic may help also.

Don

[aerohead]

If this is just a 1-shot relocation you might skip the rack altogether.Stack the ladders,tape 'em together,cover with cardboard over the "steps".Buy a $7 plastic mixing pan from the masonry section of your local building center,cut one end off it and use what's left to create a nose fairing for the ladders.------------ Strap them to the roof with the good 3-inch cinch-down straps.------ You'll have less frontal area,air won't be able to get underneath,and you won't be stuck with the rack.

[Wonderboy]

If it's just a one time trip, or a roundtrip with only one stop, then I'd take aerohead's suggestion. Try to fair it with cardboard, maybe even try to get them mounted to the top of the trailer.

For future reference: I'm often required to have a ladder at my disposal for the work I do sometimes, and I decided to buy a 22' little giant ladder. When it's folded up it's only 5 1/2 feet and it fits into my 2 door civic with the back seats folded down. You should probably be able to fit the largest one (26') into the bed of your truck and not have to bother with a ladder rack. Awesome ladders.

I am in no way affiliated with whoever makes and sells little giant ladders. I got mine on the cheap from ebay.

Good luck, show us what you come up with.

[aerohead]

PS,I really like DonR's mention of the cardboard rear fairing behind to streamline the ladder's wake.Do it if you can.