Truck Bed Guide

Truck Headache Racks. Do you really need them? All Types Reviewed

Jackson Reid
truck headache racks

Transporting heavy and large cargo in your truck bed is riddled with dangers. You may think the danger is only to other road users but you overlook the exposed cab rear. When you slam on your brakes the inertial will carry that load only to hit the cab rear. If the cargo is really heavy, it can pierce through making it lethal to the driver as well as the passenger. The easiest to protect is with a headache rack. It is especially necessary for the trucks with a rear glass window.

Do you really need truck headache racks for your pickup truck? Yes, if you frequently carry large cargo such as lumber and piping on the truck bed you would want to protect your rear glass window from getting smashed. It will also protect you and your passenger from potential danger.

Installing a headache rack will not only give you more cargo hauling capacity but will change your truck’s looks. Manufacturers design headache racks keeping in mind that it should make your truck cab look cool, as well as sturdy enough to protect your rear glass and cab. It can also be custom made or fabricated from metal parts to enhance the look of your truck.

Why Do You Need a Headache Rack?

Protect your Cab: Headache racks prevent your cargo from hitting the cab. This is especially useful when you are carrying larger items such as lumber, furniture, chairs, etc. Your cargo can lean on the headache rack, thereby protecting the back of the cab and preventing your cargo to scratch off your cab’s paint. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the back glass getting damaged.

Rollover Protection: Headache racks will protect the cab of your truck in case it rolls over. High-quality racks are made from sturdy metal that can take the force of a rollover.

Increases Truck Value: More than being functional it has some aesthetic aspect as well. A headache rack will give a tough rugged look to your truck. Plus, if you ever decide to resale it, you can do it at a higher price.

Protects Passenger: Headache racks are made from industrial grade metal which protects the driver and the passengers from accidents in the rear. It also prevents the cab from getting direct sunlight making the cab a cooler place to travel. Some racks keep the glare down, thereby improving the visibility of the driver.

Increased Cargo Hauling Capacity: With a headache rack you will be able to carry large items easily which otherwise would not fit in your truck bed. It gives you more cargo space as well as enables you to carry loads on top of the cab.

Compatible with other truck bed accessories: Almost all headache racks are compatible and will work with other truck bed accessories. You can install lights and other accessories, install a tonneau cover, bed rail racks, tool boxes, etc. Plus, most racks feature no-drill installation and can be done at home.

Common styles of headache racks available in the market

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However, headache racks can be broadly classified into three groups:

Commercial grades – These racks are made from thick steel component and are typically powder-coated instead of painted to make it corrosion resistant and weather resistant. They also come in louvred horizontal slats which protects the rear window as well as provides shading to the cab, leaving a cooler interior. Many of these racks provide upright posts to haul additional cargo such as lumber, piping, ladder etc.

Stainless Steel – These type of headache racks come in tubular steel structure which are polished to give a piano finish surface. Truck owner chooses these racks to make their truck stand-out in the crowd and it really does. These racks are comparatively wider and are waterproof. Plus, it will accommodate various other truck accessories such as toolboxes, light bars, and other bed rack kits.

Painted – Some truck owners just want the added protection and don’t care much for the aesthetics. For them, the painted rack is the best bet. They don’t have matte black or chrome finish but do their job well. These racks are typically painted with UV resistant paint which provides weather protection, still manages to look good.

Here are Some of the Best Headache Racks in the Industry

01. DEE ZEE MESH HEADACHE RACK
Price: $300 to $600

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02. ARIES SWITCHBACK HEADACHE RACK
Price: $500 to $700

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03. WEATHER GUARD LOUVERED HEADACHE RACK
Price: $400 to $700

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04. ROYALTY CORE RC88X HEADACHE RACK
Price: $900 to $1500

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05. HAULIER HEADKNOCKER HEADACHE RACK
Price: $370 to $400

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06. CARGO EASE ORIGINAL HEADACHE RACK
Price: $360 to $400

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SEE ALSO: Know How to Cut A Rubber Truck Bed Mat

07.  HUSKY LINERS LOUVERED HEADACHE RACK
Price: $300 to $600

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08. ARIES ADVANTEDGE HEADACHE RACK
Price: $500 to $700

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09. HIGHWAY PRODUCTS HONEYCOMB HEADACHE RACK
Price: $600 to $900

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10. DEE ZEE OPEN HEADACHE RACK
Price:$100 to $500

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11. DIAMONDBACK HEADACHE RACK
Price:$500 to $550

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12. HIGHWAY PRODUCTS T-HEX HEADACHE RACK
Price:$950 to $1040

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13. ROYALTY CORE RC88 HEADACHE RACK
Price:$1020 to $1050

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14. HIGHWAY PRODUCTS OPEN POST HEADACHE RACK
Price:$800 to $850

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15. BACKRACK HEADACHE RACK
Price:$100 to $400

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16. BACKRACK LOUVERED RACK
Price:$380 to $420

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SEE ALSO: How to mount winch in truck bed

17. BACKRACK SAFETY RACK
Price:$100 to $500

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18. GO INDUSTRIES LIGHTED HEADACHE RACK
Price:$750 to $800

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19. TRIDENT HEADACHE RACK
Price:$210 to $250

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20. STEELCRAFT HEADACHE RACK
Price:$100 to $500

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RELATED QUESTIONS

Aluminum vs Steel Headache Rack? Which is Best?

Answer: Steel Headache Racks

Most truck owners prefer steel and have been a favorite choice for a long time among American truckers. It provides extreme strength and handles heavy weight loads. You can install and steel headache rack and be confident that it will stand up to its reputation.

However, some grade of steel corrodes and shows visible rust within a few months. Therefore, manufacturers either galvanize the steel they use or powder-coat it. If you prefer steel racks, you have to consider routine maintenance to keep it in mint condition.

Aluminum Headache Racks

Aluminum headache racks are great and are corrosion resistant but they are naturally too soft. Natural aluminum cannot handle the cargo load in extreme condition. However, manufacturers combine it with other material to create a sturdy alloy, which is as strong steel. On the other hand, many companies use special industrial grade aluminum that is as good as steel. Aluminum alloys are even stronger than its steel counterpart.

A majority of headache racks are made from high-strength aluminum which is capable to withstand heavy cargo loads. Most importantly it is corrosion resistant. Another great advantage is that it’s easy to maintain.

CONCLUSION

Installing a headache rack with literally save you from a lot of cargo and safety-related headaches. It has become a standard accessory among American trucker; many even add it more for the aesthetics than its use. However, it does improve your cargo hauling capacity, protects your cab and facilitates using a number of other accessories to make your truck work like a tank.

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