A ladder rack may be light enough to facilitate quick, on-the-spot setup, or it might be of a more heavy-duty construction in order to bear the greatest possible load. Ladder racks that feature lightweight construction are not necessarily less strong, however -- technology has enabled manufacturers to produce lighter-weight racks with comparable load capacities in order to facilitate easier setup, particularly on quick-setup racks.
The type of construction you should choose depends on how you intend to use your ladder rack. If you plan to buy a rack system that can be dismantled when you don't need it, and you anticipate setting up and taking down the rack frequently, you will probably benefit most from a lightweight rack that is easier to handle. However, if you intend to set your rack up once and never take it down, and you plan on carrying heavy loads, you will want to ignore the rack's weight altogether and focus your attention instead at the load capacity for each rack you are considering.
There are many different models of ladder racks, but there are two basic kinds of styles: overhead racks, which enable you to carry a ladder or lumber horizontally above the truck's cab and bed, and side racks, which are ideal for smaller loads.
Overhead racks can carry the largest loads, but they are also heavier, more cumbersome, and often require a more permanent installation. Side ladder racks can be installed more quickly, often feature quick installation to allow you to dismantle them when you no longer need them, and are lighter and easier to carry and set up.
When shopping for a ladder rack for your truck or van, it is important to consider all of your options carefully. Think about how you will be using it, and make a selection that makes sense for you. When an appropriate choice is made, a ladder rack can give you many years of good use!
