You can’t afford to waste time searching for the right tools. Your vehicle is more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B — it’s a mobile workshop that supports your trade and livelihood. Whether transporting ladders, scaffolding, or bulky materials, keeping your gear organized and accessible is critical. An organized work truck can make a big difference in the ability to get the job done, but limited space options can compromise your safety and productivity.
That’s where a perimeter rack comes in.
When customizing your work truck, don’t leave the roof empty and unused. A perimeter rack, also known as a load runner rack, creates room for equipment and materials that don’t fit inside. With your roof serving as a secure storage space, the cargo bay and cab remain clutter-free, ensuring everything stays organized and secure, and you can remain productive and safe.
Make The Most of Tight Spaces with a Perimeter Rack
When transporting equipment like ladders, scaffolding, or HVAC ducts, fitting everything inside isn’t a realistic option. Perimeter racks, mounted along the rooflines of work trucks, are designed to hold long, bulky materials safely while maximizing interior space.
But the value of a perimeter rack isn’t just about creating more space. Its true strength lies in its low-profile design. Unlike bulky roof racks that add height, a load runner rack keeps everything close to the roofline, making it easier to navigate low-clearance areas that other systems can’t. The payoff? You can take on projects without worrying about what’s overhead.
How a Perimeter Rack & Other Roof Storage Solutions Stack Up
On the surface, all roof racks may seem the same. But not all systems are created equal. Look deeper and you’ll see that the only things conventional racks and load runners have in common are where they store equipment.
A full roof rack covers the entire roof, offering more space at the cost of a higher overall height, which can cause issues in low-clearance environments. Ladder racks, on the other hand, can be fitted to the side or roof of a vehicle, but their purpose-built design is also a limitation that makes it difficult to secure other items.
Where the other designs fall short, load runners stand out. Just like full racks, they can carry a wide range of equipment, with the added advantage of low-profile construction that keeps large items closer to the vehicle so everything remains stable even on rough terrain.
On-the-Job Convenience
The constant flow of people and machinery across a worksite can create chaos. If you’re forced to sort through disorganized gear that’s out of arm’s reach, the pressure and stress can build.
Perimeter racks allow you to load and unload items with minimal effort, especially when they incorporate slide-out or tilting features, making it easier to safely handle heavy or oversized items without the need for added strain and wasted time. Everything inside your mobile work station is organized and easily found, and the bulky items don’t require a ladder to access. Your gear is organized and secure, allowing you to focus on the job instead of hunting for lost tools.
What to Look for in a Perimeter Rack
When choosing a perimeter rack, it’s essential to think about what will make your day-to-day work easier and more efficient. Beyond carrying materials, a good system needs to support your work, provide quick and easy access to your gear, and be durable enough for everyday use. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Quick and Simple Adjustability
If you frequently haul materials of different shapes and sizes, look for a rack that offers components that can be adapted to whatever you need to carry that day. Features like adjustable arms, rollers, and tie down solutions make it easier to transport large and small items securely. This flexibility means no struggling with loading or unloading, especially when switching cargo.
2. Integrated Safety Features
While many racks are designed to secure your gear, some go a step further to improve safety during transport. Look for a perimeter rack with integrated safety features, like locking mechanisms or other work truck safety accessories. That extra layer of security means your gear stays put, giving you peace of mind and protecting your equipment.
3. Minimal Maintenance Requirements
A good perimeter rack has to withstand the elements without needing constant maintenance. The best systems are designed to resist rust and corrosion from daily exposure to rain, sun, and dirt. Look for a rack that uses powder-coating or galvanized steel to resist corrosion and weather damage to reduce the need for frequent maintenance and maximize its usable lifespan.
4. Vehicle Compatibility
Before you make a final choice on a load runner, be sure your vehicle can support it. Not all racks are compatible with every type of vehicle. Some systems are meant for specific makes and models, while others are more universal. Installing the right perimeter rack for your vehicle ensures maximum security, functionality, and improves work truck safety.
5. Load Distribution and Balance
Choosing the right perimeter rack is about more than keeping tools and equipment locked down. It needs to spread the weight of any load evenly across your roof. Keeping everything balanced prevents your vehicle from getting overloaded and keeps you stable, which means better safety on smooth roads and uneven terrain.
6. Clean, Effective Design
Racks that integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s structure give it a more professional appearance and avoid unnecessary bulk or awkward fittings that could impact visibility or safety. A well-designed perimeter rack should look like a natural extension of your vehicle, not an afterthought.
Upgrade Your Roof Space with a Perimeter Rack
Like every product that bears our name, Adrian Steel’s perimeter rack systems are designed to last. Made with two-inch, high-strength round tubing, these racks can handle heavy loads while ensuring your gear remains secure, even in challenging conditions.
Removable middle and rear crossbars can accommodate taller items or pallets, making it easy to adjust to suit different storage needs. And because cargo security is critical, integrated tie-down points and welded cleats keep large, heavy loads firmly in place.
Ready to outfit your truck with a load runner system? Find your nearest Adrian distributor to contact us today to start equipping your vehicle with a perimeter rack that works as hard as you do.