ladder rack trouble
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Joined: Aug 2019
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ladder rack trouble
My van came with a heavy duty ladder rack and I've had it a few months now but it's starting to come unbolted and I need advice on the best way to secure it back down. They used what looks to be body screws right down through the roof but they're coming undone. I tried these carriage bolts from ace hardware but the bolts and or nuts keep stripping once they get to a certain tightness. Any idea what I can use that'll work? Thinking about putting some sort of adhesive under it too or maybe some jb weld or something but I just need to know it's not coming off going down the highway. I literally have it strapped down with ratchet straps fight now to keep it on the van. Lol PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If you actually have screws through the body sheet metal those need to be replaced with suitable strength and coated bolts, fender washers and locking nuts. Since you don't include any photos of your existing set-up its tough to give good advice.
I've not seen too many if any modern day ladder rack that's attached to a van in any other way than gutter rail clamps---no drilling holes through anything. That's always been a big no-no for as long as I can remember---and I ain't young by any chance.
Any fasteners you buy from Lowes, Home Depot etc etc tend to be grade 2 cheap parts--they're not intended for much beyond homeowner use. Those outfits do have "specialty" fasteners better suited for more demanding applications such as your ladder rack mounting.
You could also contact a local retailer or installer of ladder racks---they'd be able to aim you in the right direction.
I've not seen too many if any modern day ladder rack that's attached to a van in any other way than gutter rail clamps---no drilling holes through anything. That's always been a big no-no for as long as I can remember---and I ain't young by any chance.
Any fasteners you buy from Lowes, Home Depot etc etc tend to be grade 2 cheap parts--they're not intended for much beyond homeowner use. Those outfits do have "specialty" fasteners better suited for more demanding applications such as your ladder rack mounting.
You could also contact a local retailer or installer of ladder racks---they'd be able to aim you in the right direction.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Lowe's or home depot either one have up to grade 8 fasteners or stainless if rust may be an issue. My '88 bought new and my '99 used the roof rails. Never seen one bolted through the roof.
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I know me either and I noticed it when I bought the van but didn't think anything of it at the time. You see a ladder rack on the roof and usually just assume that it's mounted correctly. I really can't believe they have stayed up there this whole time
. Thank god I noticed it shifting around a little bit or it could have went really bad this isn't a lite aluminum rack. It's steel and heavy as hell
. Thank god I noticed it shifting around a little bit or it could have went really bad this isn't a lite aluminum rack. It's steel and heavy as hell
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