Suggestions - For Van Roof Rack Storage Box for Step Ladders

[mac sparrow]

Hello,

I carry a set of 6 tread steps in the back of small van and I store them at an angle as the van isn't long enough to store the ladders in a front to back orientation if that makes sense? I've finally installed a roof rack on the van so I can relocate the ladders onto the roof rack. This will be a game changer for me.

My challenge is I need to keep the ladders clean and can't just clamp them to the roof rack as they'll get dirty very quickly (I work in hospitals often). I was going to make a simple box for the roof rack that will house the ladders but I'm not sure what to make the box out of? The go to would be marine grade plywood but I'd still need to treat it with something (which I'm happy to do). I'm also considering hexaboard but I assume I'll still need to treat the cut edges with something so I'm not sure what benefit it is to use hexaboard.

• The ladder box will live on top of the roof rack full time so it needs to last as it will be exposed to the elements all of the time
• I'm not sure what to do about a finish
• Should I consider a curved end on the edge that faces the wind direction for obvious reasons. The roof bars are shaped so the wind easily flows over them, so something similar for the box.
• I don't know what to do about a lock of some sort
• Piano hinge with a simple gasket and some kind of hinged lid. I would access the ladder box from the back of the van and the ladders would roll on a rear load roller which you can see in the photo.
• What about a lock for the "lid"
• I'll probably use a couple of lengths of unistrut to clamp the ladder box down to the roof rack so that way I can still store light things on top of the ladder box and have a method to clamp things down. Though I'm not sure I'll ever need to do this.

Here is a photo of the roof rack:


Your input would be greatly appreciated with some ideas and guidance from experience.

I don't see product availability being an issue but some Foggers suggest putting your location so people can suggest products available in your location. I am based in the UK.

Thank you for any help.

 

[Packard]

Lots of commercially made options.

ladder van rack roof - Google Suche

 

[peter halle]

Hello,

I carry a set of 6 tread steps in the back of small van and I store them at an angle as the van isn't long enough to store the ladders in a front to back orientation if that makes sense? I've finally installed a roof rack on the van so I can relocate the ladders onto the roof rack. This will be a game changer for me.

My challenge is I need to keep the ladders clean and can't just clamp them to the roof rack as they'll get dirty very quickly (I work in hospitals often). I was going to make a simple box for the roof rack that will house the ladders but I'm not sure what to make the box out of? The go to would be marine grade plywood but I'd still need to treat it with something (which I'm happy to do). I'm also considering hexaboard but I assume I'll still need to treat the cut edges with something so I'm not sure what benefit it is to use hexaboard.

• The ladder box will live on top of the roof rack full time so it needs to last as it will be exposed to the elements all of the time
• I'm not sure what to do about a finish
• Should I consider a curved end on the edge that faces the wind direction for obvious reasons. The roof bars are shaped so the wind easily flows over them, so something similar for the box.
• I don't know what to do about a lock of some sort
• Piano hinge with a simple gasket and some kind of hinged lid. I would access the ladder box from the back of the van and the ladders would roll on a rear load roller which you can see in the photo.
• What about a lock for the "lid"
• I'll probably use a couple of lengths of unistrut to clamp the ladder box down to the roof rack so that way I can still store light things on top of the ladder box and have a method to clamp things down. Though I'm not sure I'll ever need to do this.

Here is a photo of the roof rack:
View attachment 379461

Your input would be greatly appreciated with some ideas and guidance from experience.

I don't see product availability being an issue but some Foggers suggest putting your location so people can suggest products available in your location. I am based in the UK.

Thank you for any help.

What is the length of your ladder folded? I ask that only because vans vary in interior length.

Peter

 

[mac sparrow]

Lots of commercially made options.

ladder van rack roof - Google Suche

None of these options are what I'm after. I can't find a commercially available sealed step ladder storage box.

 

[mac sparrow]

What is the length of your ladder folded? I ask that only because vans vary in interior length.

Peter

Hi Peter,

It's just a standard Werner 6 tread step ladder.

How will the ladder length help in your thinking? I'm happy to get the length, no problem there. Just wondering why you'd need it. Please let me know if I haven't made my post clear. Curious to know you're thinking.

Thanks for your time.

 

[peter halle]

Hi Peter,

It's just a standard Werner 6 tread step ladder.

How will the ladder length help in your thinking? I'm happy to get the length, no problem there. Just wondering why you'd need it. Please let me know if I haven't made my post clear. Curious to know you're thinking.

Thanks for your time.

I was just wondering if instead of a box, there might be a weather resistant/proof bag that might be found and size might matter. Related, but not what you are looking for, when I bought my van and wanted to have a clean and dry step ladder I bought one of the Little Giant ones that would work as a step ladder to 8' and a longer ladder if unfolded.

Peter

 

[luvmytoolz]

The only thing I've seen that comes close to an enclosed storage unit for roof racks are the Rhino and Thule cargo/luggage boxes:

https://roofrack.com.au/?s=cargo+box&post_type=product

I'd say making your own from some aluminium sheet and steel tube would be the better route for something that fits your needs.

 

[Packard]

Most ladders are made from materials impervious to the elements. An enclosed rack seems like it would complicate things.

And if your ladder is made from wood, then it would probably be cheaper to replace the ladder than to finde an enclosed rack.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Most ladders are made from materials impervious to the elements. An enclosed rack seems like it would complicate things.

And if your ladder is made from wood, then it would probably be cheaper to replace the ladder than to finde an enclosed rack.

The OP said he needs an enclosed unit to keep the ladders clean.

 

[rst]

l would make one for 1/4 (6mm) or 3/8(10mm) ply and epoxy glass the exterior. It would be light and weather proof. The process is fairly simple and inexpensive, tons of YouTube Tube videos to explain the process. Total Boats is the company I buy epoxies from, I have not actually needed to glass a project, but have watched the process on various boat building and repair videos

 

[rst]

l would make one for 1/4 (6mm) or 3/8(10mm) ply and epoxy glass the exterior. It would be light and weather proof. The process is fairly simple and inexpensive, tons of YouTube Tube videos to explain the process. Total Boats is the company I buy epoxies from, I have not actually needed to glass a project, but have watched the process on various boat building and repair videos

I would use 1/8(3mm) aluminum angle for connections

 

[Packard]

The OP said he needs an enclosed unit to keep the ladders clean.

Walmart sells a ladder storage bag for $16.00. Others sell theirs for up to $180.00.

Bag the ladder first, then mount it on a roof rack.

Google Search

Telescoping ladders are another approach. The one pictured below goes to a claimed 19 feet.



Little Giant and others make folding ladders that stow easier than conventional ladders. Little Giant makes the premier versions, others sell less expensive alternatives.

Hoisting a ladder to the roof of a van single-handed is a chore. Putting it in a case would make it doubly difficult. I would try to engineer around the issue.

Home | Little Giant Ladder

Investing in the right ladder can ensure you get the job done safely and efficiently. Shop ladders, cages, and accessories from Little Giant Ladder systems.

www.littlegiantladders.com

 

[mac sparrow]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm still deliberating what to do. I'm leaning towards sticking with a wooden box and @rst makes a good suggestion about using aluminium angle for the edges.

 

[P_K]

Have someone with a CNC and a brake (e.g.: a sign shop) fabricate a box out of 6mm Dibond. Corners could be tabbed for fastening with pop rivets.

 

[luvmytoolz]

@Packard Whenever I see those telescoping ladders, I just think yeah, nah!

Never owned one so I'm probably wrong, but I just can't see something that crappy and flimsy looking being able to support a decent weight at a fair height.

 

[Packard]

@Packard Whenever I see those telescoping ladders, I just think yeah, nah!

Never owned one so I'm probably wrong, but I just can't see something that crappy and flimsy looking being able to support a decent weight at a fair height.

Werner, a traditional ladder producer, now offers a 15’ telescoping ladder rated for 300 pounds. ANSI certified per their site. I have not used that ladder, but have used another. Seemed sturdy while on it.

Extension Ladders

Werner Extension ladders handle a wide range of tasks at varying elevations. They are used to reach roof tops, higher elevations on construction sites, and can be designed for unique applications.

www.wernerco.com