Solution for Wobble in Rack'em Fitz-All Enclosed Trailer Ladder Rack on 10 Foot Cargo Trailer

Updated 07/21/2016 | Published 07/20/2016

Question:

I installed these per the instruction but they feel unstable and wobble easily. Is this normal? How can I reinforce the racks? I have a 2016 Wells Cargo 6x10 Fast Trac. The roof is not reinforced.

asked by: DR. D

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your cargo trailer does not have a steel reinforcement that runs along the top of the trailer wall, you will want to reinforce the installation points so that the Rack'em Fitz-All Enclosed Trailer Ladder Rack # RA-28 installs securely. I spoke with my contact at Rack'em and he confirmed that if the self-tapping screws included with the rack for installation are only installed through the aluminum rain gutter and the trailer side, it will not be enough to fully secure the rack.

Some ways you can reinforce the installation points are by using a steel backer for the rack to install through in addition to the rain gutter and trailer side, or to use a wood backer, such as a 2x4. My contact suggested either of these types of reinforcements if your trailer does not have the steel reinforcement already running along the top of the trailer wall. He even suggested that if you choose to use a wood backer, installing the rack with nuts and bolts that will go all the way through the wood, rather than the included self-tapping screws, is a good idea.

expert reply by: Victoria B