Aluminum Ladder Rack for Flat Roof Enclosed Cargo Trailers — 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, 8.5 ft, or Adjustable Widths
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Heavy-duty aluminum ladder rack for flat-roof enclosed cargo trailers. Lightweight extruded aluminum construction with a lifetime rust-free guarantee — won't corrode, won't bend, and won't need repainting every few years like a steel rack will. Available in 5 fixed widths (5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, 8.5 ft) plus an adjustable width version that spans 6 ft to 8.5 ft, covering the full range of standard enclosed cargo trailer widths.
Bolt-on installation, mounts to the roof rail of any flat-top enclosed cargo trailer, and carries ladders, conduit bundles, lumber, pipe, kayaks, or anything else you need to keep off the trailer floor and out of the weather.
⚙️ Why Aluminum Over Steel
- Rust-free for life — no paint chips, no rust bleed, no annual refinishing. Critical for trailers that see salt, moisture, or coastal use.
- Roughly half the weight — aluminum is ~3 lb per section vs 10-15 lb for comparable steel. Easier to lift onto the roof, less payload capacity consumed.
- Cleaner appearance — mill aluminum finish looks factory-fresh for years. No flaking or fading.
- Doesn't gall hardware — aluminum is gentler on stainless or zinc-plated bolts than bare steel; easier to disassemble years later.
📏 Choosing the Right Width
- 5 ft — fits standard 6' wide enclosed cargo trailers (the rack mounts inside the rooftop rails, so a 5 ft rack on a 6 ft trailer leaves clearance). Best for small 5x8, 6x10, 6x12 trailers.
- 6 ft — fits 7' wide enclosed trailers (7x14, 7x16, 7x18). The most common trailer size on the road.
- 7 ft — fits 8' wide enclosed trailers (8x16, 8x20, 8x24), including most contractor-grade and car-hauler enclosed trailers.
- 8.5 ft — fits full 8.5' wide enclosed trailers (8.5x20, 8.5x24, 8.5x28), the largest common enclosed cargo trailer size.
- Adjustable (6-8.5 ft) — telescoping / extendable design that fits anywhere from 6 ft to 8.5 ft roof rail spacing. Perfect if you're not sure of exact measurements or you may move the rack between multiple trailers.
Tip: measure from the outside of one rooftop rail to the outside of the other — that's the dimension you're matching. Leave 1–2" of clearance for mounting hardware.
📐 Specifications (all widths)
- Material: Extruded aluminum — mill finish
- Style: 1-section flat-roof ladder rack (single crossbar section)
- Mounting: Bolts to roof rail — standard hardware, no welding required
- Application: Flat-roof (non-curved) enclosed cargo trailers
- Width options: 5 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft, 8.5 ft (fixed) or Adjustable 6–8.5 ft
- Vendor: Forest River
- Weight: Typically 3 lb per section (fixed widths); 5 ft version may vary based on configuration
🛠 Typical Uses
- Contractors — extension ladder + step ladder + conduit, all above the load
- Landscapers — rake/shovel/rake combos and extra trimmer line tubes
- Painters — multiple ladder sizes plus extension poles
- HVAC techs — ductwork runs, copper line sets, longer pipe material
- DIY / homeowner — lumber, PVC, kayaks, canoes, SUP boards
- Mobile mechanics — floor jacks, creepers, longer tools that don't fit inside the work area
🔧 Installation Notes
- Confirm your trailer has a flat roof (not a curved or rounded roof). This rack is designed for flat-top enclosed trailers only.
- Measure the outside-to-outside distance of your roof rails; match that to a width option (add 1–2" clearance for hardware).
- Position the rack squarely on the roof rails and mark the mounting bolt locations.
- Drill through the roof rails for through-bolts (3/8" hardware typical; sold separately).
- Install with oversized fender washers on both sides of the rail to distribute load and prevent pull-through.
- Seal around each bolt hole with marine-grade sealant to prevent water intrusion into the trailer interior.
- Torque to snug — aluminum is softer than steel, don't over-crank.
💡 Pro Tips
- Two racks are better than one. For carrying a ladder, you need a front and rear rack — one keeps things from rolling, two keep them from sliding. Consider ordering a matched pair.
- Add tie-down points. The top of the rack accepts aftermarket tie-down eyes; straps secure cargo.
- Adjustable is safest for multi-trailer shops. If you run more than one trailer, the adjustable version fits anything. Fixed widths are simpler and slightly lighter.
- Keep lag bolts out. Never use screws into wooden roof framing — only through-bolt to the aluminum rail. Roof screws will pull out under load.
❓ FAQ
Q: Will this fit my curved-roof trailer?
No. This is designed for flat-roof enclosed cargo trailers only. Curved roofs (common on recreational trailers and some older cargo units) require a different rack design.
Q: How much weight can it carry?
The rack itself is rated for a typical ladder or pipe load (~150 lb across the section). Total capacity is usually limited by your roof rails, not the rack — check your trailer manufacturer's roof load rating before loading heavy cargo.
Q: Is mounting hardware included?
No. Through-bolts, fender washers, and nylock nuts sold separately. Any standard 3/8"–1/2" trailer hardware works.
Q: Can I install one at each end of the trailer?
Yes — this is how most ladder/conduit hauls work. Order two of the same width, install one near the front and one near the rear of the roof.
Q: How do I know what width to order if my trailer is between sizes?
Go with the Adjustable (6-8.5 ft) version. It telescopes to fit anywhere in that range and eliminates the risk of ordering the wrong size.
Q: Will this fit a V-nose trailer?
Yes, as long as the roof is flat (not curved). V-nose only affects the front of the trailer, not the roof profile.
📞 Call/Text: 517-225-1991 🌐 AAATrailer.com
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- Address: 4675 East Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
- Phone: (517) 225-1991 (Call or text)
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