Transit Standard Roof Rack Ladder Adapter Plate Kit

The bracket that lets a Transit side-mount ladder attach to a standard roof rack — or to the 80/20 rack you built yourself.

A side-mount ladder has to terminate at the top into something solid. On a purpose-built rack that mounting point exists. On a standard roof rack, or on a DIY 80/20 rack, it does not — and improvising it with hardware store angle is how ladders end up flexing under load.

This adapter plate kit is that mounting point, made properly. It takes an Unaka Transit side mount ladder and attaches it to a standard roof rack or a DIY 80/20 roof rack.

What it is for

• Mounting an Unaka Transit side mount ladder to a standard roof rack.
• Mounting the same ladder to a DIY 80/20 roof rack.
• Any Transit build where the ladder and the rack came from different places.

Compatibility

Specifications

What's included

• Transit standard roof rack ladder adapter plate kit

Working with it

A ladder is a fall-risk component. Whatever else you take shortcuts on in a van build, do not take one here. Mount the adapter to a rack member that is properly anchored to the vehicle — not to an unsupported span of extrusion between two mounting feet.

Load-test it before you trust it. Stand on the bottom rung with your full weight and have someone watch the top mount for movement. Then load it again with everything you plan to carry up.

• Anchor to a supported rack member, never to an unsupported span.
• Load-test with your full weight and watch the top mount for flex.
• Threadlock every fastener. A ladder cycles load on every use.
• Re-check the fasteners at your first service interval and then annually.

Questions we get asked

Will it work with any ladder?

It is designed around the Unaka Transit side mount ladder. If you have a different ladder, send us photos of the top mounting bracket and its hole pattern before you order.

Will it work on a DIY rack?

That is one of its two intended uses — a DIY 80/20 roof rack is explicitly supported. The important thing is what your rack is anchored to, not who built it.

How do I know if my extrusion is 15 series?

Measure across the flat face of the profile. A 15 series extrusion is 1.5 in wide (or a multiple — 1.5 × 3.0, and so on) and the T-slot takes a 5/16-18 fastener. If your rack came from Unaka, 80/20 Inc., or most van rack makers in North America, it is 15 series.

Pairs well with

• Van roof rack, ladder and 80/20 hardware

Sold and shipped by Campervan Parts R Us, the parts counter of Noke Van Co. — a working van conversion shop in Roanoke, Virginia. If you are unsure whether this fits your van, email us the year, model and wheelbase and we will check it against a build sheet before you order.