Welcome to our JET Rack FAQ with answers to every common question about JET Rack. Additional questions? Let us know! Contact information below.
2206 M Main St #134
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
info@jet-rack.com
+1 (888) 783-9229
Where can I find JET RACK® installation instructions?
You can find JET RACK® installation instructions in PDF format using download button below.
Where can I find instructions for the Optional JET Rack Mounting Kit, JRMP1420?
You can find JET RACK® JRMP1420 Mounting Kit installation instructions in PDF format using download button below.
I have a roof rack. Why do I need a JET RACK®?
The roof is a great place—and sometimes the only place—for both your largest ladders and occasional-use ladders. Only JET Rack® allows quick and easy access to your most frequently used ladder at all times and keeps it out of the elements and out of your way. With JET Rack®, your most frequently used ladder also becomes your most cared for; once you start using JET RACK® you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
What kind of ladders can I use with JET RACK®?
Typically, JET RACK® is used to mount A-frame fiberglass ladders with a tool hole in the top, with length anywhere from 2’ to 8’ long. JET RACK®’s design also allows you to pair up two JET RACK®s side-by-side for use with even larger A-frame ladders and extension ladders without needing more than a 10’ length of Unistrut®. See installed examples here
Ladders that are not currently compatible with JET RACK® are:
- Little Giant® and similar brands
- Industrial split-top ladders
- Some types of folding or collapsible step stools and ladders
Can I install more than one JET RACK® system in my vehicle or trailer?
Yes. Multiple JET RACK®s can be installed where room is available. The most common configuration is a 6’ ladder along the length of the vehicle accessible from the back and a second, smaller ladder along the width of the vehicle accessible from the side door.
Why is the strut channel not included / sold separately ?
In short, to save the customer time and expense. We purposely designed JET Rack® to work with strut channel, also known as “hanger strut” or “pipe channel” commonly found with trade brand names such as Unistrut(tm), Superstrut(tm), B-Line, and others. Strut channel has been around for more than 100 years and is among the strongest and most widely available types of mounting hardware in the world. While most people in the construction trades are intimately familiar with it, we understand than many who use ladders regularly may not be familiar with it at all. No Worries!
Compatible strut for your JET Rack can also be found at nearly any major home improvement stores,such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, or any Electrical, supply location and at a much better cost than we could ever sell and ship; Strut channel comes in 10 foot lengths which prevents us from shipping standard post. We would be required to ship using freight methods which greatly increases overall cost and shipping time. Instead, we pass the savings on to the customer, a key factor in why JET Rack® has become the hands-down, leading choice among its class of ladder racks. For additional details on strut see FAQ “what type and size strut should I use?”
Where can I buy hanger strut/strut channel such as Unistrut®?
Unistrut® is just one brand of strut that works with JET Rack®. Other compatible strut systems include, Superstrut® and B-Line. You can find compatible strut at any major home improvement store such as Home Depot and at almost any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing supply location.(Note: Kindorf® strut is NOT compatible with JET Rack® See FAQ below “What type and size of strut should I use?”
What size and type of strut channel should I use?
The width is standard at 1-5/8″, while depth varies. We recommend the shallow version, 13/16 (often measured and referred to as 7/8′) depth for ladders up to 8’. This maximizes your ceiling space and is strong and flexible enough to accommodate variations in your mounting surface from point to point. All strut is typically sold in 10’ lengths with a variety of finishes. A galvanized finish is the most common and we recommend that for most applications. Note that deeper strut creates a more rigid installation but reduces your clearance proportionately. Here is a very common brand strut typically sold at Home Depot stores across the US:
Are there any JET Rack® dealers in the UK?
YES! Stow A Stepladder UK LTD now stocks JET Rack® and ships throughout the UK.
Will JET RACK® work if my truck cap/vehicle has a bowed roof?
Yes. One of JET RACK®’s unique features is its ability to travel along the strut even where gentle curves are made to accommodate the bends and bows commonly found in many vehicles.
Can the JET RACK® system be mounted to a fiberglass cap?
Yes. Many people have installed JET RACK® using a wood to fiberglass epoxy to secure a 4″ x 1/2″ (minimum) strip of wood to the fiberglass and then securing the Unistrut® to the wood. You can also bend a 7/8″-depth strut to accommodate the irregular roof shapes often found in fiberglass caps.
Can the JET RACK® system be mounted upside down on the rooftop of a van?
No. JET RACK® was not designed to be used upside down (ladder above and rail below) in any location.
How much weight can JET RACK® hold?
JET RACK®’s main parts are cast using high-strength, tool-grade aluminum, and are very strong. The weight limitations depend mostly on the strength of the structure you are mounting to and the methods and fasteners you use to mount the strut (strut sold separately) Our new optional JET Rack Universal Mounting Kit JRMP1420 takes all the guesswork out sourcing the best fasteners for your hanger strut and is guaranteed to work. When mounted correctly JET RACK® will hold the weight of any compatible A-frame ladder.
What is the best mounting location for JET RACK® in a typical van?
Where there is a side door, JET RACK®s are best mounted on the opposite side, away from the side doors. See photos for examples, and if you have an example of your own, please share by emailing your photo to info@jet-rack.com.
How long does a typical JET RACK® installation take?
Approximately 30 minutes. Times will vary with skill, technique, and mounting location. It helps significantly to have another person assist with holding your ladder at the opposite end while you determine the best location for installation.
What tools do I need to install the JET RACK® system?
Most installations require a drill/driver, deep well socket set or nut drivers, screwdrivers, a hacksaw or reciprocating saw (to cut the hanger strut, sold separately) If using our optional JRMP1420 Universal Mounting Kit, you may also require a 1/2″ or up to a 5/8″ drill bit.
How is the JET RACK® ladder storage system secured to the ceiling or wall?
All JET Rack® components are secured to, or engaged with a piece of hanger strut also known as “strut channel”, “hanger strut” or “pipe channel”. It is widely available at stores such as Home Depot, Electrical and other General Supply Locations. Common compatible brands are Unistrut(tm), Superstrut, and B-Line. The method used to secure the strut to your vehicle or other location will vary depending on your particular application. Please use the appropriate fasteners, as your installation is only as secure as the method you choose. Our New optional JET Rack Universal Mounting kit, JRMP1420 takes the guesswork out of finding the best fastener for your strut and ensures a solid and lasting connection every time, Guaranteed!
What comes with the JET RACK® kit?
JET Rack® is a modular kit that includes all of the components necessary to work with a standard piece of hanger strut (sold separately) Together they combine to form your JET RACK® ladder rack. (See FAQ: Where can I find Unistrut?) You also need to determine which fasteners are best for your particular application as vehicle and storage situations vary greatly. New for 2017 is our optional JET Rack Universal Mounting Kit developed exclusively for JET Rack which takes the guess work out of finding an appropriate fastener.