Which components run the entire length of a ladder?

The beams are the primary structural components of a ladder that run the entire length. They provide the ladder's strength and support the overall framework. Made from sturdy materials, the beams ensure stability and can handle the weight of the firefighter and any equipment.

In contrast, the rungs are the cross members that provide footholds for climbing, but they do not run the length of the ladder; rather, they are placed horizontally between the beams. The rails refer to the outer edges of certain types of ladders, but it's the beams that create the main vertical structure. Stops serve a different purpose, acting as features that prevent the ladder from being pulled too far out of its designated position, but they do not extend the length of the ladder itself.