Ladders can be awkward and cumbersome to transport, but with a little bit of planning, it can be done relatively easily. There are several different ways to transport a ladder, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. -Picking up the ladder with a crane: This is the safest way to transport a ladder, but it can be expensive and time consuming. Loading and unloading ladders require significant effort, which is why you should invest in a high-quality ladder rack. Regardless of the task at hand, the Little Giant 17-Foot Multi-Position ladder is likely a welcome tool to help you reach high-up spaces inside your home or out in the yard. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Keep in Mind: Because it's a commercial-grade ladder, we don't recommend it to anyone who uses a ladder infrequently. Why You Should Get It: This small but mighty step ladder can hold up to 500 pounds. ADDRESS: 2933 Pershing Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA, Where to Place Ladder When Cleaning Gutters | Safety Advice, 10 Different Types of Ladder | All You Need to Know, Who Invented the Ladder | A Brief History of Ladder, How to Hang a Ladder From the Ceiling | Tips & Tricks. Do not attempt to transport a damaged ladder. Best to call the State Police with any questions and if you are transporting a large shipment to consider renting a truck or hiring a professional with a full Liability policy. You should ask for extra hands to ensure you do not damage the ladder or your car. This is important as a protruding ladder is not only dangerous, especially if somebody runs into you where it can cause serious injury, it is also illegal. break strength). The Surprising Answer, Can a Fiberglass Ladder Be Stored Outside? When people start moving a ladder manually, they tend to forget how to transport a ladder. Werner. Nobody expects you to carry out this part all by yourself. By following these simple tips, youll be able to transport your ladder in a way that ensures its safe arrival at its destination and minimal damage. Its the safest and most practical way to transport your ladder. (The Truth Revealed! If youre hauling a large load of long lumber, dont rest it on a raised gateit just cant handle that kind of weight. Regardless of the type of vehicle you use, you can accomplish the task safely employing a number of techniques. Were showing you an extreme example by loading 4 x 12-ft. drywall in a 6-ft. bed. If this is not an option, the best way to transport it would be to take it apart and transport each section separately. Another important factor to consider is how the ladder will be transported. When testing the best ladders in our lab, we found that aluminum ladders tended to be the easiest to transport since the material is lighter than steel or fiberglass ladders. load limit/3,000-lb. Buy heavy-duty ratchet straps (1-1/4 in. Nov 28, 2010. You will be exposed to so many things during the process of transportation that if you are not equipped to handle it can prove difficult. In California, 155 people were killed in a two-year period by objects spilled onto roads. They are technically non-conductive, but they can be conductive when wet and some have metal bearings that are conductive. For 8 ft ladders, you also have to ensure you use stronger cables and ropes to fasten it, to ensure that the ladder does not tilt forward or backward when you are in motion. With the seats down, many steps can be transported in cars too, but they should be secure as again, sudden braking could see the ladder shoot forward, injuring drivers, passengers or other road users if it goes through the windscreen. However, you do need to be aware of how far you load is hanging out of your vehicle. If that is the case, they ought to lease or borrow whenever they need to complete a certain task. The benefit of a telescoping ladder is its collapsible design, making it easier to transport and store when not in use. Use a ladder rack that fits into a truck bed or roof and use distinct clamps and bolts to secure the ladder to the rack. They are sold in pieces that are evenly numbered, measured in feet, i.e., 20 feet, 24 feet, 30 feet, etc. When extending and retracting this ladder, our testers found that it was super smooth and user-friendly to operate. Compare. I am a senior member/board-certified diplomate in forensic engineering through NAFE. 12-foot ladder = 16-foot reach Multi-Position Ladders Multi-position ladders, or folding ladders, are ladders that can be manipulated into any position. To avoid difficulty when transporting a ladder, make sure to use the correct equipment. Make sure that youre aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself if necessary. Why You Should Get It: This ladder can convert into 13 different positions to suit different projects and needs. Compared to other ladders we tested, the DeWalt ladder has extra-wide steps that allow for better footing, so you won't feel as unstable when you stand on it. Start by laying out two or more ratchet straps along the bottom of the bed and load the longest and heaviest lumber over the straps. of road debris is the result of improperly secured loads. This article will teach you everything you need to know about how to transport a ladder safely. Tying down a ladder to a transport vehicle, it is essential first to measure the distance between the two items. The first step is to assess the weight of your load. As for 8 ft ladders, the key to transporting them using your car is by folding up the ladder before fastening it on the roof of your car. Lift your ladder on to the truck or van so that it down to the closed tailgate and leans on the cab. Type 3 ladders start at a weight capacity of 200 pounds and are recommended only for indoor household use. Inspect the ladder for any damage such as cracks, splits, or sharp edges that could potentially cause injury. The truth is, no matter what type of lumber youre transporting the process is the same. Discount does not apply to Parcel, Volume, Custom Quotes or FTL shipment. If your car has a large trunk, you can fold down the back seats and fit the 6 ft ladder in the car through the trunk. If you are placing it between the front and back . If there is an overhang of at least 2 meters, there is no action required. If you dont have access to a dolly or lift, you can also use a lift to move your ladder. Therefore, we chose not to include it on our list. If you dont have a rack of any sort, use pillows or foam to protect your paint job. You can also use a ladder carrier if you have one. When placing the ladder on top of a car, make sure it is held securely by ratchet straps. First and foremost, make sure the car has enough space to accommodate the ladder. Made from fiberglass, the Bauer Corporation Lightweight Folding Step Ladder is a great investment if you frequently embark on new home improvement projects or you have a lot of yard work that requires a ladder. For your ladder, you might try placing the foot in the bed with the tailgate up. Add to Cart. Tie it down. One person should carry the ladder while the other holds open doors or moves obstacles out of the way. Why You Should Get It: This ladder has grips on its feet, making it super sturdy and resistant to slipping. Many SUVs have the option to put the back seats down, which can be useful when transporting ladders. You may want to consider one of the modern ladder racks featuring easy-to-use mechanisms. Find My Store. When driving with a ladder in the car, make sure to move slowly and carefully. In essence, the most important thing to consider when transporting a ladder is safety and convenience to accomplish the job without any issues. There are a handful of reasons to consider investing in a good quality ladder rack which is as follows: Using a ladder rack when loading and unloading a ladder or other bulky items reduces the risk of accidents to a considerable extent. As you very well know, ladders come in different sizes for different purposes. This will minimize the amount of space it takes up and decrease the chances of it falling off during transport. Keep in Mind: It's only 5 feet tall, so it won't be tall enough for projects higher than 9 feet off the ground. Ladder Type: Step ladder | Ladder Height: 5 feet | Duty Rating: Type 1 | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Aluminum. It's also approved for both indoor or outdoor use, so you'll be able to use it for just about any project under the sun. If youre dealing with eight-foot lumber, you might be able to transport it inside your car if you lay down your back seats. If you must use a car, cushion and protect the roof. Consequently, they are not getting the proper benefit from it. By using a rack, you spend less time and energy while loading and unloading your ladder. If none of these options work for you, you can always try carrying your ladder yourself. Ladders are used to reach high places, so they can be quite tall and heavy. This will reduce the chances of the ladder falling and causing injury or damage. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you can select the best ladders for your project based on its duty rating and weight capacity. How to transport a 32-foot extension ladder, 4. When handling ladders in a truck, safety becomes even more important. At 4 feet long and weighing 14 pounds, it's a bit bulkier than some of the other step ladders we tested. The ladder rack for vans and trucks allows you to create more space in the truck bed or inside your van for carrying more cargo. And finally, always use caution when using the ladder always use proper safety equipment, and stay clear of edges and other dangerous obstacles. The 2x4s will also protect the drywall from any water, rocks or crud on your truck bed. home improvement and repair website. After youve secured your load, make sure you attach a red flag on the end. R. Kevin Smith, I am the founder and editor of The Ladder Lab. They could crash and cause severe injuries if not handled properly. If youre hauling a heavier load of lumber with your tailgate down, lay your first ratchet strap down on the tailgate and your second strap on the floor of your truck bed. You dont want to risk injuring yourself or damaging your ladder in any way. After collecting detailed insights from each of our testers, we created a final list of the best ladders for indoor and outdoor use. However, you can also purchase this ladder in six other lengths, up to 40 feet long. Since the Louisville fiberglass extension ladder is less conductive than steel or aluminum, it's safer to use for any electrical work you may be doing. After testing this ladder in her own home for a month, our long-term tester found that the Rubbermaid Lightweight Aluminum Step Stool came in handy for more projects than she was initially expecting. Ladders can weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds, so make sure the transporter is able to carry it safely and without damaging the ladder. Because it's only 5 feet in height, the Rubbermaid ladder is best suited for projects no higher than 9 feet off the ground. Here are the most common mistakes people make when transporting a ladder in a pickup truck: Not Securing the Ladder. This will hold the ladder securely in place while driving. Because of its length, lumber can sometimes be awkward to haul. These are typically very heavy, so it is best to have two people when transporting. To use this method, first remove the front bumper of your truck. Multi . Discount will be applied to your first LTL shipment. Here are some tips on how to transport a ladder in the most safe and efficient way possible. The extension ladder should be placed against the back of the car or in between the front and rear seats. A rack of this kind boosts work efficiency and reduces the risk of workplace injuries. It's no secret that homeowners need a variety of tools for home improvement projects. If it's a relatively small load and under 250 lbs you can leave the tailgate up. 1 in safely securing your load is to buy a set (four minimum) of heavy-duty 15-ft. ratchet straps (minimum 1,000-lb. When transporting a ladder, it is important to take into account the potential dangers that could occur. As a result, your crew accomplishes more work. 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