Abstract: The roof rack is equipped with two parallel tracks having a roof section and a pivotal auxiliary section. For loading or unloading articles, the auxiliary sections are positioned to extend outward and downward from the ends of the roof sections for forming a continuous, rigid track. Sleighs can be displaced along these tracks. The sleighs are guided such that they are not tilted but retain their orientation during displacement. The roof rack is easy to construct and also suitable for heavy and high articles.

Abstract: A tip-off baggage carrier attachable to the top of a vehicle is comprised of a storage shell attached by struts and wheels to a track. The baggage carrier provides a shell which can be moved from a carrier position atop the vehicle, to a loading position adjacent a vehicle, and to a position completely removed from a vehicle, thereby, providing the baggage carrier user convenient access to the storage shell.

Abstract: A support foot for supporting the end of a railing tube on the roof of a motor vehicle. The foot is fastened on the roof of the vehicle and rests on a resting surface. An insertion pin is vertically and laterally spaced from the resting surface and produces a plug connection with the railing tube. At least one opening extending transversely though the foot. Cover plates cover both sides of the foot and at least one opening which passes through the foot. The support foot is a section cut off from an extruded profiled strip cut transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for carrying a craft such as a kayak or a surfboard. The arrangement includes a carrier bar extending across a vehicle roof which is fastened to opposite edge portions thereof. Holders are provided for engagement with the carrier bars. The holders are provided with arrangements for fixing the holders in selected positions along the carrier bars. Support members for the craft are made from a flexible material and are fastened to the holders pivotally about axes extending lengthwise of the vehicle. At least two arms are provided with each arm being fastened at a first end thereof to each holder and being pivotable about a pivot axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle. The arms have their free ends connected to the support member pivotally above an axis extending lengthwise of the vehicle such that pivoting of the arms adjusts the shape and position of the support members for a particular craft to be carried.

Abstract: A boat loading device including a first frame secured to a vehicle supporting a second frame selectively extendable to a launch/retrieve position and retractable to a carry position. The device is usable upon a truck or trailer and can be used to carry objects other than boats. The device is easily removed from the vehicle and includes safety devices preventing accidental launch.

Abstract: A vehicle coat hook assembly in which the coat hook is recessed into the header and is actuated to hanging and recessed positions by a simple push and release by the operator which linearly moves the coat hook to such positions. The actuation of the coat hook is controlled by a push-push mechanism.

Abstract: A sliding carrier comprising a frame and a sled, with the frame being mounted to the rooftop of a vehicle, and the sled adaptable for carrying certain objects being in sliding communication with the frame. The sled unlocks and slides out of the frame to a rearmost horizontal deployment position. The sled releases from the horizontal plane of travel into a pivoting plane of travel by lifting and pulling the sled over a stop block. The sled then pivots about a rearward wheel assembly until a landing gear assembly contacts the ground. A winch assembly is then used to control the further lowering of the sled from a grounded position to a loading position, at which time certain objects may be loaded onto the sled. The sled is returned to a locked traveling position atop the vehicle by reversing the steps above.

Abstract: The apparatus includes mounting brackets which are secured to the roof of a vehicle. Two elongated tubes are mounted parallel to each other extending lengthwise above the roof on the mounting brackets. An elongated support is slidably located in each tube. The supports each comprise a front section pivotally coupled to a rear section with the legs of the ladder pivotally coupled to the rear sections. The ladder and the supports cooperatively slide between a storage position and an operating position. In the storage position the supports are located substantially in the elongated tubes and the ladder is located on the mounting brackets. In the operating position, the supports are located substantially out of the tubes rearward of the vehicle with the front sections supported by the tubes and the rear sections moved and locked to a vertical position with their lowered ends supported by the ground. The ladder then may be pivoted against a building, etc.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying elongate materials of varying lengths comprises an outer container, an insert which fits and is slidable within the outer container, and a shelf assembly disposed within the insert for holding the elongate materials. The insert has top access ports (preferably, two) and side access ports for viewing and obtaining access to materials stored within the interior of the insert. The shelf assembly has, preferably, a T-shaped cross-section, and comprises a horizontal member for holding materials stored in an upper portion of the insert, and a vertical member dividing the lower portion of the insert into separate compartments. Further features include a retrieve handle connected to the insert and a pair of brackets for mounting the outer container to the top of a vehicle.

Abstract: A cargo rack is provided which is intended to supported on a support structure, such as the roof of a vehicle, and to be retractable to facilitate loading and unloading of the rack. The retractable cargo rack assembly includes a base frame adapted to be securely mounted to the support structure and a cargo rack that is supported by the base frame but which is movable between a retracted position, in which the cargo rack is positioned juxtaposed to the base frame, and an extended position for loading/unloading. To facilitate shifting of the cargo rack, a power drive mechanism is provided to automatically position the cargo rack in either of its retracted or extended positions upon actuation of the power drive mechanism. Once in the extended position, one or more platforms attached to the cargo rack can be shifted relative to the cargo rack. Once shifted, the platforms are substantially located in respective horizontal planes.

Abstract: A roof rack for use with vehicles. The roof rack includes a frame attachable to the roof of a car and an arm movable relative to the frame between a first position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned below the roof along the side of the car and a second position wherein a portion of the arm is positioned above the roof of the car. The device also comprises a lock for locking the arm in its second position. The roof rack includes a stop mechanism for stopping the movement of the arm at its first position and selecting the first position such that the arm, or the object mounted thereto, does not touch the side of the car. The device is well suited to mounting bicycles onto the roofs of cars.

Abstract: A pull down roof rack comprising a pair of parallel fixed rails secured to the roof of a vehicle, the fixed rails including a front fixed rail and a rear fixed rail, the rails adapted to extend from side to side of the vehicle each with a slot in its upper surface with rollers rotatable therein, and with their upper surfaces extending above the upper surfaces of the rail, each rail having lateral projections constituting bearing surfaces; two pair of movable rails slidable supported in pairs on the fixed rails and movable in pairs between a storage position where the movable rails are totally overlying the fixed rails and a loading position wherein the movable rails are slid outwardly from the center of the fixed rails, each movable rail having an upper surface, downwardly extending side surfaces and inwardly extending bearing surfaces located above and below the lateral projections of the fixed rails; and one pair of cross rails coupling each pair of movable rails, each pair of cross rails including a latera

Abstract: A commercial ladder and rack release system for use with utility vehicles such as vans, includes a fixed frame portion which is secured upon the roof of the utility vehicle and a slidable telescopic frame portion to carry a ladder or the like, in which the telescopic frame portion is pivotally connected to the fixed frame portion. Through the use of a double-acting piston, a pair of double-radius defining arms, an eccentric coupling between the fixed and telescoping portions, and a hand lever for providing a mechanical advantage to the user in releasing and deploying the supported load, a ladder rack and release of improved convenience and reliability is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for lifting and transporting vehicles, such as a snowmobile or other recreational vehicle. The system includes a frame member having a first rail member and attached to a vehicle, a second rail member moveable along the first rail member into a deployment position wherein it extends rearwardly of the frame, a moveable support member which can extend supportively between the second rail member and the ground, and a platform member slidable along the first and second rail members.

Abstract: A vehicle-top carrier for bicycles which allows bicycles to be attached alongside the vehicle, then pivoted up to its top. A base is attached to the vehicle. A rack pivots from the base about a generally horizontal axis, between a vehicle-top carrying position and a loading position extending horizontally outward from the vehicle. A bicycle can be attached to the underside of the extended rack and pivoted to the vehicle top for transport.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roof rack for vehicles which is provided with a mechanism for extension (11, 2, 3, 4) permitting to lower the surface of manipulation for the load laterally of the car, in order to permit easy manipulations of all types of load which one may wish to carry on the roof of the car. During the lowering, the surface of manipulation remains horizontal. After the fixing of the load on the lowered support surface, the mechanism is lifted again and shifted over the roof of the car by a combination of horizontal and vertical movements and thereafter latched in its final position.

Abstract: A rack assembly mountable to trucks for transporting sheet material and the like comprising a pair of generally vertically extending support rails positionable adjacent to one side of a truck and adapted to be coupled to the truck through components on the inboard side thereof. A lower support rail extends outboardly from each vertical rail and has an upper support surface for sheet material to be transported, each outboard end having an upturned end cap with the outboard lower edge of each vertical rail constituting an inboard end cap. Also provided is a pair of generally horizontal upper support rails coupled to the upper ends of the vertical rails and angled outwardly and downwardly from the truck, each upper support rail having an outboard end cap and an inboard end cap, the upper surfaces of the upper rails constituting support surfaces for ladders and the like.

Abstract: A new and improved carrier apparatus for mounting on the roof of a vehicle. The apparatus of the invention includes a housing, magnetic mounts for connecting the housing to the vehicle and for supporting the housing in a horizontal orientation, and a drawer for sliding in and out of the housing. A pivoted connection is provided for connecting the drawer to the housing. The pivoted connection is located between the far end of the drawer and the housing and pivots the far end of the drawer with respect to the housing when the drawer is pulled out from the housing. The pivoted connection permits the drawer to hang down vertically from the horizontally oriented housing when the drawer is pulled out completely from the housing. The drawer includes walls which define a storage space. Partitions are located within the storage space for partitioning the storage space into a plurality of storage subspaces. When the drawer is retained in the horizontally oriented housing, the drawer is in the horizontal storage mode.

Abstract: the roof top carrier of the present invention has a roof top platform that moves horizontally between a storage position at the center of the roof of a motor home and an extended position adjacent the side of the motor home. A drop cradle moves vertically out of the roof top platform in its extended position to a lower position at ground level to provide user access to equipment or luggage stored in the roof top carrier. Two separate motors power the horizontal movement and the vertical movement for moving the equipment and luggage from the roof to the lower position at ground level alongside the motor home.

Abstract: A device for loading, unloading and carrying a bicycle in an upright position on a motor vehicle roof provided with a pair of transverse carrier rails, comprising a shaped tube having its base pivotally connected to a support fastened to a first carrier rail, adapted to be rotated in a continuous manner from a lowered position for the engagement or disengagement of the bicycle frame, to a raised position for transporting the bicycle. There are further provided means for supporting and securing bicycle front wheel and bicycle frame, that are fastened to the second carrier bar and to the free end of the tube, respectively.

Abstract: A portable ladder rack is formed of a pultrusion composite and is used to support a ladder on a vehicle truck body. The ladder includes a horizontal support frame and spaced apart leg structures. A hold down device effectively holds the ladder on the ladder rack against movement in any direction but the hold down device is shiftable to a release position to permit loading from the side or rear.

Abstract: A gravity assisted lifting device which permits a load such as a folded wheelchair to be easily transferred between the cargo storage compartment of an unaltered passenger vehicle and the ground. The lifting device includes a pivotal frame, which raises and lowers the load between generally vertical and generally horizontal orientations, and a slide subassembly, which permits the load to be moved into or out of the storage compartment when in the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A freight stacking support apparatus is disclosed for supporting oversized freight above a tailgate of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises a support beam, a securing bracket with a locking mechanism, a triggering button for activating the locking mechanism, and a receiving bracket, where the brackets are affixed to opposing top rear edges of the side walls of a pickup truck and the ends of the support beam are received in slots in the opposing brackets such that the support beam resides parallel to and above the tailgate. When the apparatus is in position, it allows the user to safely transport freight without damaging the tailgate. In addition, it permits user access to the contents of the pickup truck bed through the pivotable tailgate without lifting or removing the supported freight.

Abstract: A rack for use in automotive vehicles or other storage areas for supporting a ladder or similar device hanging from an overhead support such as a ceiling. A roller track is provided for the movable support at one end of the ladder, and a sling supports the opposite end.

Abstract: A ladder support rack capable of holding a ladder in place on a vehicle and quickly releasing it for use. A bell crank is pivoted to cause latching arms connected to the bell crank to move into and out of latching position. The latching arms are positioned to move between the ladder rungs and to engage predetermined rungs when holding the ladder in place. The ladder can be set into place and removed either from the end or the side of the rack.

Abstract: A boat loading and storage apparatus comprising a load support frame having forward and rearward end for supporting a boat or similar load above a vehicle. The load support structure includes a pair of spaced apart adjacent telescoping beams adapted to be vertically pivotable, and horizontally rotatable, about a main support frame connected to a middle portion of a vehicle. A vertical support post is pivotally attached to the load supports forward end, and includes a lower end that is pivotally attached to a forward portion of the vehicle. During loading and unloading, the telescoping beams extend forwardly as the vertical support rotates downwardly toward a horizontal position. A pair of axillary supports have a ground contacting end and another end supporting the telescoping beams for supporting the latter. An attachment member is mounted for movement along a support member which in turn is mounted for movement along the telescoping beams. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the main support frame.

Abstract: A vehicular ladder rack comprising a stationary mounting frame including a pair of transverse frame members affixed to the roof of a vehicle, a positioning assembly including a pair of positioning members affixed to opposite end portions of an elongated longitudinal positioning element rotatable between a first and second position coupled to the pair of transverse frame member and a ladder support frame including a pair of ladder support members movable between a first and second position to support a ladder thereon operatively coupled between the pair of transverse frame member and the corresponding positioning member such that a ladder is supported over the roof of the vehicle for storage and transportation when the elongated longitudinal positioning element and ladder support frame are in the first position and the ladder support frame is moved from the first to second position when the elongated longitudinal positioning element is rotated from the first to second position to move the ladder support frame

Abstract: A truck rack mounted over the cab allows for front loading. A ramp lowers down to allow for easy loading. A winch and pulley can be provided for easing the actual lifting of the load along the ramp. The ramp lifts back up to hold the load in place above the cab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load platform translatable along rails mounted to the exterior of a vehicle, the platform being tiltably mounted upon an axle extending between the rails. Supported on the axle is a manually releasable locking mechanism in which the axle rotates, the locking mechanism acting to maintain the axle and platform in a given translational position along the rails.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting oversized freight above the tailgate of a pickup truck, while affording normal utilization of the tailgate. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises two brackets that sit upon opposing rear edges of side walls of a pickup truck bed, near the tailgatae. A support beam passes through an opening in one bracket and is received in a slot in the opposing bracket. Ends of the support beam lie within each bracket and are held by securing rods passing through the brackets and beam ends. The bracket with the opening has a pivotable cap covering the opening to afford rapid deployment of the support beam. The cap is on the side of the bracket facing away from the opposing bracket. To deploy the beam, the operator simply pivots open the cap, slides the beam through the opening until one end lies in each bracket and then closes the cap and inserts a securing rod through each bracket and beam end.

Abstract: A variable rate boat loader includes a frame having transverse front, rear-powered and rear-pivot rollers. Two pulleys are mounted on the boat gunwales between the boat's bow and center of gravity. Two winch lines are connected at one end to the powered roller in laterally spaced position. Each line extends forward atop the vehicle, upward around the front roller, and back over the frame and lengthwise of the boat to the pulleys. The lines extend through the pulleys, forward to the frame, over the pivot roller to be supported thereby, and down to the stern of the boat. The lines are supportingly connected to the stern of the boat. This arrangement provides a doubled mechanical advantage in lifting the boat from the ground up to the level of the frame. From this level, as the effective load being lifted decreases, the mechanical advantage decreases while the lifting speed increases. The winch lines automatically bind the boat to the front roller and pivot roller when the boat is fully loaded.

Abstract: A rack arrangement for supporting a load, for example above the roof of a vehicle body, comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate guide members 3 each having a lower upwardly extending portion 3a and an upper load supporting portion 3b. A load carrier member 4 is rockably connected to the guide members and is manually slidable from a lowered position upwardly along the lower guide member portions 3a onto the supporting portions 3b to a load storage position. Means is provided for releasably retaining the carrier member in the load storage position, for example a cup-like recess 17 which locates the base of a handle 12 for the carrier member.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting an elongate mast in horizontal position atop a vehicle and for pivotal movement of the mast into a substantially vertical position behind the vehicle includes an elongate support frame which is attached to the roof of the vehicle. The frame has elongate guides and the mast has wheels which run in the guides. The wheels are located between the lengthwise point of balance of the mast and the back end of the frame. The mast has an inboard position in which it is supported horizontally on the frame and it can be moved to an outboard position at the end of the frame in which it can be pivoted vertically about the wheels.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for carrying luggage on the roof of a vehicle which includes a luggage platform, first and second concentric cover sections, and apparatus for mounting each of the cover sections for movement in a first direction.

Abstract: A boat cradle and loading device attached directly to a roof carrier with two laterally positioned parallel horizontal support members the device including two parallel side members aligned along the sides of the vehicle top, to each of which are attached right triangle support boat members which are positioned to form a "V" shaped cradle, one to the front and one to the back for the hull of the boat to rest and the keel of the boat to rest directly on at least one of the horizontal carrier support members with a roller intermediately disposed on the top of one side member positioned such that the keel of the boat may ride on the roller to allow the boat to be pushed onto the top of the cradle device while pushing on the rear of the boat with the keel riding on the roller until the boat center of gravity passes the roller at which time the boat end can be swung around and the boat drops in to the cradle.

Abstract: Heavy materials such as ladders, pipes and the like are often carried on a roof rack secured to the roof of service trucks, vans and the like and of course are difficult to place on the rack and remove therefrom. The present device includes a carrier which can be extended and retracted relative to the rack and is hinged so that it drops down adjacent the sides of the truck when extended, to facilitate loading and unloading of the material carried by the rack. When hinged upwardly to approximately the horizontal position, it may be pushed towards the longitudinal center of the roof so that it telescopes inwardly thus supporting the material upon the rack. Automatic latches are included to detachably lock the carrier in the retracted position and snubbers are provided to space the carrier from the side walls of the van or truck when in the extended, substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A truck bed insert for pickup trucks including a wheeled receptacle for tools or other objects mounted to roll along tracks in a rigid sheet bedliner. The receptacle is movable between a forwardmost stowed position near the truck cab and a rearwardmost position near the tailgate for easy access. A handle is provided to facilitate movement and to releasably lock the receptacle in the forwardmost position. Sliding bolts are also provided to lock the receptacle against movement. A bedliner extension is hinged to the bedliner and covers the tailgate when down to permit the receptacle to be moved onto the tailgate. The handle is releasably retained in a groove in the bedliner when the receptacle is in the forwardmost position.

Abstract: A portable power-operated lift and presenting mechanism has a base that is placed on the floor of an automobile trunk. A carriage moves between an elevated position and a lowered, transport position when a scissors jack connecting the carriage to the base respectively expands vertically and contracts vertically, expanding horizontally. The scissors jack is selectively power-operated, by a reversible electrical motor, to expand and contract vertically. The carriage has drawer slide assemblies on which is mounted a platform capable of supporting a heavy and bulky article. The platform is movable by the drawer slide assemblies, when the carriage is in an elevated position, between a retracted position in which the platform is generally over the base and within the trunk, and a presenting position in which the platform extends out from over the base, generally out of the trunk.

Abstract: A vehicle top carrier having guide members rigidly mounted on top of the vehicle, a load carrying frame mounted on the guide members for movement from a generally horizontal position atop the vehicle to an inclined loading and unloading position displaced from the vehicle, and a support arm assembly pivotally mounted at each end respectively to one end of the carrier frame and a vertical surface on the vehicle. The support arm assembly includes a pair of pivotally joined segments releasably secured in a rigid and generally linear relationship to each other. After the carrier frame has been slidably displaced to a partially inclined position, the support arm segments are released from their locked engagement with each other and are allowed to pivot about their adjoining ends, resulting in further inclination of the carrier frame to a more accessible loading and unloading position.

Abstract: A dumper of the type that attaches to the bed of a pick-up, trailer or the like, and adds the dumping feature to the fixed-bed locomotive, and comprises a bin riding over a set of rollers secured to a framework affixed to the bottom of the pick-up bed.

Abstract: A device for loading and transporting elongate objects on vehicle roof-tops. A lower tubular member connected to a vehicle in an upright position and further stabilized by a support disposed between the vehicle and the lower tubular member rotatably receives an upper vertical member so that these members are aligned coaxially. A horizontal load bearing member attached substantially at its midpoint to the upper end of the upper vertical member includes rollers which allow elongate objects to be rolled onto the horizontal load bearing member. A supporting pin is placed through the lower tubular member in one pair of a plurality of pairs of holes located at 180-degree spacing for supporting the upper vertical member and allowing height adjustment of the device. Eyebolts are secured at each end of the horizontal load bearing member in one pair of a plurality of pairs of holes to provide adjustable tie down points for the elongate objects.

Abstract: An improved car top carrier designed particularly for carrying boats and which allows a single person to both load and unload the boat unassisted while providing secure transportation for the boat. It comprises basically a three point support system including a generally triangular support at the front of the vehicle, for example mounted on the front bumper with an apex at the top, which constitutes a pivot point for both the loading and unloading of the boat. The second two points of support are provided by a cross bar support secured to the top of the vehicle whereby opposite gunwales of the boat are supported and may be secured to the cross bar support. In one embodiment, the cross bar support is a box for carrying long objects such as fishing rods.

Abstract: A device for simple and easy loading and unloading of a small boat or other similar device onto the roof of a conventional automobile, such that, in the loaded position, the boat is centrally located on the automobile. A base structure is securely fastened to the roof of the automobile. A rack is pivotally attached to the base assembly so that the rack can pivot between an inclined position where the rack is angled downwardly and rearwardly from the roof of the automobile for loading and unloading, to its loaded position parallel to the roof of the automobile. The boat is pulled onto the rack by means of a rope and winch system.

Abstract: This tool box serves to prevent a truck owner or user from climbing in and out of the truck for tools. Primarily, it consists of a frame having rollers which are received in a pair of channels fastened to the inside of the truck bed. It further includes a pole with a hook for pulling or pushing the box, and the pole also serves to render the box stationary when the truck is in motion.

Abstract: An outboard boat motor handling and storing apparatus which may be mounted in the back of a vehicle, i.e., pickup truck, van, sportwagon, etc. for the field handling, transporting and storing of an outboard motor. The apparatus comprises an elongated member which is mounted for translation between a stowed position within the confines of the vehicle to a deployed position where it extends beyond the confines of the bed of the vehicle and the lowered tail gate if the vehicle is a pickup truck; and motor attachment member which is attached to and rotates longitudinally relative to the elongated member, the attachment includes a base which pivots vertically relative to the elongated member attachment. With the elongated member in a deployed position, the motor is attached to the base, which is positioned perpendicular relative to the elongated member; the base member is then pivoted substantially parallel with that elongated member, and the motor attachment member is then rotated approximately 180.degree.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle includes a pair of strips extending from front to rear. Each strip forms a pair of V shaped ends which are twisted so that the load carried by the support assembly is spread over each strip and an outer surface for the vehicle.

Abstract: A loader permitting a boat to be conveniently lifted from an upright position alongside a vehicle to an inverted position atop the vehicle includes a pair of tracks extending transversely across the top of the vehicle and downwardly along the side of the vehicle, and a carriage mounted for travel along the tracks between a raised transport position and a lowered loading and unloading position. A cable is connected with a winch and extends around a pair of sheaves located on opposite sides of the carriage to extend from the winch to a lower or far side sheave, then to an upper or near side sheave, and then to the boat. In loading a boat, retracting the cable first tilts the boat sideways into contact with the carriage and then raises both the carriage and the boat to the transport position. The apparatus permits a boat to be loaded onto or unloaded from the top of a vehicle used to tow another vehicle such as a camping trailer without the need to first unhitch the trailer.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier attachable to the underside of a trailer or other vele not equipped with an interior spare tire storage space. The carrier includes three or more transversely extending roller support units located to underlie a surface of the tire when it is in its stored position. During manual movement of the spare tire to or from its stored position the rollers turn on their rotational axes to facilitate tire motion. The carrier can be constructed in different sizes for use with different vehicles and spare tire sizes. The carrier is preferably formed from standard commercially-available structural components, such as rods, bars and tubes, thereby facilitating use on military vehicles where the low volume usage does not warrant an expensive tooling investment.

Abstract: A method of carrying a wheelchair externally of a vehicle without first folding the wheelchair. The wheelchair is placed so that its rear wheels rest against the rear of the vehicle; it is then lifted by a bumper-attached carrier, and the rear wheels roll up the rear bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle roof comprises a sub-frame having clamps for releasable attachment to the roof of a vehicle. The sub-frame carries front and rear ladder support assemblies each comprising transverse rollers for engaging the stringers of a ladder spanning the two assemblies. Each support assembly further comprises a respective ladder-retaining member manually pivotable about a transverse axis from a lowered inoperative position to a raised rung-engaging position. The front and rear ladder-retaining members are operated by a handle or handles pivoted at one side of the rear support assembly, either independently or simultaneously. Furthermore, the rollers of the front support assembly are mounted to be manually raised and lowered. A ladder spanning the assemblies may be brought into a downwardly and rearwardly inclined orientation for off-loading from the rear of the vehicle.