How do you strap a ladder to a roof rack?

Short answer

Lay the ladder flat across the rack's crossbars, strap it so it cannot slide forward, tie it down at the sides, then lock it: on a Wedgetail Trade rack that is the ladder strap kit, the side ladder tie down strap kit and the ladder lock kit, and on Commercial Max or Oval Steel it is the Safeclamp ladder clamp pair. The ladder and fittings count against the rack's rating, and every Wedgetail is rated 100% off-road to its full rating. Wedgetail Trade solutions are rated 100 or 150 kg dynamic.

Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated 15 October 2026.

Stop forward movement

Trade ladder strap kit, single pull cam-lock

Tie the sides

Side ladder tie down strap kit

Lock against theft

Ladder lock kit, steel cable lock

Commercial Max and Oval Steel

Safeclamp ladder clamp pair

Steps

1. Check the load first

   The ladder, plus anything else on the roof, must be within the rack's dynamic rating and the vehicle maker's roof limit. Check how far the ladder will stick out at the front and rear before you load it.

2. Fit the strap and lock hardware

   Fit the ladder strap kit under the crossbar, the side tie down straps in the Wedgetail Trade mounting channels and the ladder lock to a crossbar or the side of the platform, following each kit's fitting instructions. On Commercial Max or Oval Steel, fit the Safeclamp ladder clamps instead.

3. Lay the ladder on the rack

   Lift the ladder onto the rack with a helper and lay it flat and centred, resting across at least two crossbars, with any overhang shared front and rear as your ladder allows.

4. Strap it against forward movement

   Wrap the ladder strap over the ladder and pull the single pull cam-lock tight so the ladder cannot slide forward under braking.

5. Tie down the sides

   Pass the side tie down straps over the ladder and tension them so it cannot shift sideways in corners or crosswinds.

6. Lock it

   Run the ladder lock's steel cable through the ladder and lock it to the rack, so the ladder cannot be lifted off when the vehicle is parked.

7. Check it and re-check on the road

   Push and pull the ladder in every direction: it should not move. Stop and re-check the straps after the first few kilometres and after rough roads.

Straps, locks or clamps: what each one does

• Ladder strap kit: a single pull cam-lock strap that mounts under the crossbar and stops the ladder moving forward. It comes in a 1 m kit and a 1.5 m strap. The product page says it is often used with the ladder lock kit for anti-theft securing.
• Side ladder tie down strap kit: securing straps that mount in the Wedgetail Trade mounting channels, so they stay on the platform ready to use.
• Ladder lock kit: a plastic sheathed, intertwined steel cable lock that mounts to the crossbar or the side of the platform, with mounting hardware for a Wedgetail Trade platform included. It is there to stop theft, not to hold the load.
• Safeclamp ladder clamp pair: the ladder clamp pair sold for Commercial Max and Oval Steel racks.

The Wedgetail Trade ladder lock kit guide shows the lock in use, and securing a ladder with the Technician adapter covers the Technician ladder rack.

Long ladders and overhang

A long extension ladder often sticks out past the front or rear of the vehicle. Keep any overhang within the projection rules where you drive and mark it if those rules require it; the overhanging materials guide covers this.

Choosing the rack

If you carry ladders every day, a ladder rack with slides and rollers makes loading easier. The best ladder rack for a van and best ladder rack for a ute guides compare the Wedgetail options.

Video

Questions people ask

How do you strap a ladder to a roof rack?

Lay it flat across the crossbars, strap it so it cannot slide forward, tie the sides down, then lock it. On a Wedgetail Trade rack use the ladder strap kit, side ladder tie down strap kit and ladder lock kit.

Do I need a ladder lock as well as straps?

Yes, if you leave the vehicle parked with the ladder on it. Straps hold the load; the ladder lock kit is a steel cable lock that stops the ladder being taken.

Which ladder strap length do I need, 1 m or 1.5 m?

The one that goes around your ladder, or your stack of ladders, with room left to tension it. The strap kit comes in a 1 m and a 1.5 m version; ask a stockist if you are unsure.

Are bungee cords enough for a ladder?

No. Use cam-lock or ratchet straps tensioned against the rack, not elastic cords, which stretch and let the ladder move.

What do I use on a Commercial Max or Oval Steel rack?

The Safeclamp ladder clamp pair, which is sold for Commercial Max and Oval Steel racks.

Does the ladder count against the roof load rating?

Yes. The ladder, straps and lock count against the rack's dynamic rating and the vehicle maker's roof limit. Wedgetail Trade solutions are rated 100 or 150 kg dynamic.

If I tell you my vehicle and ladder length, can you narrow the rack down?

Yes: search your make, model and year in Find My Vehicle, then compare the van and ute ladder rack guides for the length you carry.