A drop down ladder rack is disclosed. The ladder rack has a first assembly and a second assembly configured to be mounted on top of a vehicle. The assemblies are coupled to a connecting rod, which is rotatable. The assemblies move between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position. Each of the first and second assemblies comprises a first support member fixedly secured to the vehicle, a second load carrying member configured to be slideably engaged with a first end of the first support member, and a third actuation member configured to enable the second load carrying member to move with respect to the first support member. A first end of the third actuation member is connected to the connecting rod by a drive rod and a second end of the third actuation member is pivotably connected to the second load carrying member, thereby enabling the second load carrying member to move with respect to the first support member. The first assembly further comprises a downwardly extending arm attached to the second load carrying member to lower the first assembly to a third, fully extended position.