How does everyone tie them down? I don't know why but I am always worried about how secure they are. I use normally 3 bungee straps( the ones that can stand up to the environment), and a ratchet strap. I was hoping there is a better way.

Our truck ladder racks has a built in securing ratcheting system on both rack sides. Two strapping systems per ladder. As secure as one can get. As long as the ladder racks are secure to the truck bed the ladders will be as well.

I felt the way you do TJP. That's why all of our vehicles have LOCKING LADDER RACKS. They are only for ladders. The kind you're talking about are equipment racks. I have seen everything imaginable on equipment racks. What I like about the locking ladder racks is that even if you're too dumb to lock 'em, the ladder will still probably stay on the top of your vehicle until you figure it out.

I've had bungies snap and 1 even slung forward breaking one section of my rear window.

NOW, I use 2 ratchet straps AND a chain with a snap link as a safety.

My helper likes to hook the cachet straps to the ladder but nothing else.

Good habit to get into. Ladder is either off the truck or strapped down, no in between. Once and only once have I set the ladder on the truck and then went to load something else. When it hit the asphalt I liked to have crapped myself.

Warrior I meant he thought it was strapped down to the rack, it was strapped to itself and nothing else.
I'm with you though as soon as it hits the rack the straps go on.
Anyone know a competent person down in San Diego?

Saw a guy one time that used boat trailer transom lock downs. Easy to use, spring loaded and lockable.

Chains with padlocks (fairly theft-proof) or the built-in ladder locks.
What David said x2 about locking the ladder: take it off as soon as you unlock it and lock it as soon as you put it back.

I'm a slow learner at times. Took two flying ladders for me to learn. Ladders on truck, ladders secured! Then move on to other things.

Whew, good to know I'm not the only one who learned the "tie it down immediately", lesson the hard way. Quite a few years ago I had a very annoying, overly needy customer who asked way too many questions. She interrupted my ladder ops with another flurry of questions and in my rush to get down the street I forgot to go back to the ladder tie down part of my checklist before firing up the truck and throwing it into gear. Discovered my mistake on the interstate when the 24'er slid off the back and stopped perpendicular to the road. Blocked all 3 lanes of traffic. Just glad I didn't have the whole truck company signage on that old truck like I do these days, or I'm sure I would have gotten a few nasty cell calls. Since then I've made it a policy to ignore customers and other distractions until the ladders are tight on the roof. My departure checklist includes a final walkaround to check for obstacles (kids, dogs, neighbors) behind the truck, all topper door handles locked, and ladders snugged down.

Simple heavy duty ratchet strap is what I use.

It gets weaved around the ladder and the ladder rack so even if the ratchet fails the straps will prevent the ladder from falling off the truck. I knot the end of the strap so no matter how much force you use you can not pull the knot through the ratchet.

I've got a competitor that....has 2 trucks...all 2005 plus models...all with homemade PVC ladder racks.
Know one.. with NO ladder rack but hauls a 32 and a 40 with cinder blocks holding the front of the ladders in his truck with a tie down and red flag on the back.
I can't understand why these guys can't se spending the money on the proper equipment.
I always make sure that the tips of my ladders go far enough that I can see them if I look up while driving. Kind of OCD after almost loosing all my ladders one day.
Learned my lesson about cheap ladder racks as well....pulled in to a drive way hauling my 60..32..& 40..looked back and the rack broke as I hit a bump in the drive. Spent 3 hours removing ladders..ladder rack and installing a new one..2 hours from home..in the rain on a Friday. If this had of happened while on the road it could have been disastrous.

I drive like a turtle two bunges plenty . You put a ladder on you tie it down . After almost getting killed by a drunk when my last ladder I forgot to tie down came off and me trying to recover it double checking rule number one hasn't been a problem . Someone wants to steal my ladders at night and they don't trip the dog alarm and don't end up shot dead in the driveway there welcome to them .