If you’re choosing between a rear ladder rack only and a full front + rear ladder rack setup, the “right” answer usually comes down to one thing: how far forward your loads need support (and how often you carry that way).

The good news is the HSP Load Rack Pro is built to be configured either way, rear-only or a full kit, with height-adjustable legs, integrated accessory channels, and the option to mount directly to your tub or onto an HSP Roll R Cover (S3 and above). 

Rear ladder rack only: when one bar is enough

A rear-only ladder rack setup makes the most sense when your load is either:

• Short enough to be supported safely with one rack point, plus your tub/factory tie-down strategy, or
• Supported up front by another structure (like a factory sports bar) 

We specifically offer a Rear Ladder Rack Kit option designed to keep your factory a frame sports bar in place, which is exactly why rear-only setups are so popular on dual cabs already running a genuine A-frame style bar. 

Choose rear-only if you mostly do these jobs:

• Daily tradie runs with standard-length gear (short ladders, step ladders, toolboxes, pipe that stays behind the cab line).
• You already have (and want to keep) factory sports bars and just need the rear rack point to level out the tub end. 
• You’re mainly using the rack as an accessory platform (lights, recovery gear, mounting brackets) rather than carrying long overhang loads.
• You want a cleaner setup for weekend use while still having a serious rack system available.

Rear-only is usually not the best choice if…

• Your loads regularly extend over the cab (long ladders, conduits, timbers).
• You’re planning to mount heavier touring gear where two rack points are the safer, more stable option.

Full front + rear ladder rack: when you actually need both bars

A full kit (front + rear) is the right call when you need:

1. A second support point forward, and/or
2. More stability and load control across the full carrying span.

HSP’s full kit includes both racks and joiner bars for maximum load support, and it’s also the configuration tied to the headline weight ratings (when evenly distributed): 150kg dynamic and 300kg static. 

You need both bars if any of these are true

• Your load extends over the cab
  Long ladders, conduit, timber, kayaks, pipes ,anything that benefits from a forward rack point to reduce flex, bounce, and “see-saw” movement.
• You want cab protection as part of the setup
  We position the full rack kit as adding cab protection, which matters when you’re braking with long loads. 
• You’re building a work + touring crossover setup
  Two bars give you a better base for multi-accessory builds, and the system is designed to take add-ons from major rack/accessory brands via the built-in channels. 
• You want the “level deck” effect
  The Load Rack Pro’s adjustable legs are designed so you can match rack height to your cab/roofline or canopy height to create a flatter carrying plane (handy for long loads and roof-style mounting). 
• You specifically want the full-kit load ratings
  We list the dynamic and static ratings as applying to the full kit, with load properly supported and your vehicle limits considered. Don’t know what dynamic weight is? Find out now!

Why the Load Rack Pro works either way (and what makes it different)

Regardless of whether you run rear-only or full kit, the Load Rack Pro is designed as a modular system rather than a fixed “tube rack”.

Height-adjustable legs

You can raise or lower the rack to suit your cab height or the gear you’re carrying ,that’s a big reason people can confidently run rear-only or a full setup without being locked into one stance. 

Integrated channels for accessories

We build in mounting channels so you can attach accessories using channel nuts rather than drilling or custom fabrication. With 16 universal smart channels and provides a maximum channel nut size for compatibility planning. 

Tub-mounted or Roll R Cover-mounted

Unlike traditional racks that only mount to the tub, HSP offers kits to mount directly to your tub or to an HSP Roll R Cover for an integrated, OEM style fit, with compatibility noted for Roll R Cover S3 and above. 

Materials and finish aimed at Australian conditions

HSP describes the Load Rack Pro as being made with precision-extruded aluminium alloy for strength without unnecessary weight, and a powder-coated black finish for durability and reduced reflectivity compared to chrome-style racks.
Some vehicle pages also call out Bluescope GALVABOND steel (Australian made) used in inner leg components. 

Compatible ute makes and models in Australia:

We list the Load Rack Pro ladder rack options across a wide range of popular utes, including:

• Ford (Next Gen Ranger & Raptor, PX Ranger & Raptor & SuperDuty)
• Toyota (Hilux SR5 & SR incl. 2026+ SR5 & SR)
• Volkswagen (Amarok 2023+)
• Nissan (Navara 2021+ & 2015-2020)
• Mitsubishi (Triton MV)
• Isuzu (D-MAX Gen 3 & Gen 2)
• Mazda (BT-50 TF & UP+UR)
• GWM (Haval Cannon, Cannon Alpha)
• BYD (Shark 6)
• LDV (T60, Terron)
• Kia (Tasman)
• MG (U9) 

Because fitment varies by model and mounting type (tub vs Roll R Cover-mounted), always select your exact or call for help before ordering.

Quick decision checklist (use this before you buy)

Pick rear-only if:

• Most loads stay behind the cab
• You’re keeping a factory sports bar and just want rear support 
• You want a simpler daily setup that still has proper rack functionality

Pick full front + rear if:

• Loads regularly extend over the cab
• You want cab protection as part of your carrying setup 
• You want the full-kit weight ratings (150kg dynamic / 300kg static, evenly distributed, full kit) 

Confirm these fitment rules

• If you’re mounting to a HSP Roll R Cover, compatibility is available to a Roll R Cover S3 and above. 
• The ladder rack isn’t compatible with some sports bars in certain Roll R Cover-mounted configurations, so choose your kit based on your exact setup. 
• If you’re looking for something smaller, and more adept to a rooftop tent, try our Load Rack Jnr, a tub rack that follows the same design as the pro, just in a smaller package. Find out the difference between the two today!

FAQ

Does a full kit carry more than rear-only?

Yes. The published 150kg dynamic and 300kg static ratings are stated as applying to the full kit (and are dependent on correct support, even distribution, and your vehicle limits). 

Can I mount accessories like lights and recovery gear?

Yes, HSP highlights integrated channels and compatibility with accessory brands like Rhino-Rack, Yakima, Thule. 

Can it mount to the tub or onto an HSP Roll R Cover?

Yes, we list tub mounting or Roll R Cover mounting (with S3+ noted), and position the Roll R Cover option as an integrated, no-drill style fit using the correct kit feet. 

Is the rack height adjustable?

Yes, HSP describes the leg system as allowing the rack to be raised/lowered to suit cab height, canopies, and accessories. The lowest height it can sit is 450mm, and the highest it can be is 700mm. 

What warranty does it come with?

2 years on the Load Rack Pro for all Utes. 

Visualise your Setup today with the HSP 3D Ute Builder:

Build Now!