Headache racks are great investments for any serious truck driver. The racks protect the truck and passengers, increase storage and truck accessory options. They also offer protection from breaks -inks and more. The truck racks act as a barrier between the driver and the load they’re hauling, offering the protection needed. Let’s learn more about its functions and why it’s called ‘headache.’
A headache rack is a vertical frame installed at the truck bed just behind the cab window. The headache rack is a u-shaped metal fabrication fitted across the bed’s width. Inside the U-shape, it is filled with mesh or left open for easy access to the rear window. The truck frame is of various materials, with common ones being aluminum alloy and steel. Aluminum alloy seems the best as it’s less heavy than steel and doesn’t rust.
What is the Point of a Headache Rack?
Headache racks are necessary when transporting cargo that can’t fit in a toolbox or under a tonneau cover. These frames are proper to help you tie the cargo down securely to prevent any accident to you, passengers, or other drivers. The truck racks also have other great benefits as follows;
- Safety – it’s the primary benefit of installing a headache truck. As mentioned earlier, the rack prevents the cargo you’re carrying or road debris from flying through the rear window and causing damage to your car or yourself. The frame also assures safety to other persons who are sharing the road with you.
- Thermal control: Again, the headache rack also reflects the sunlight (or at least reduces the amount getting through to the cab); thus, less heat enters your cab.
- Mounting lights – headache racks offer an additional surface for mounting lights and other accessories. You can easily mount LED beacon lights, radio antennas, brake lights, utility lights, sport lights, and off-road.
- Mounting toolbox-truck racks provide a sturdy mountable surface for a toolbox just behind your cab. It’s the best way to mount a toolbox without having to drill the truck bed.
- Modern look- some types of truck racks give your truck the style you have always been wanting, for instance, the beefy bed rails or LED light bar. Some drivers choose a frame that matches the rig to make their trucks look attractive. These attractive rucks also enhance the contours of the truck cab and rear window.
- Storage- the rack adds more storage to your truck. Again, the tire-downs to the frame make it easy to secure your load in the truck bed. Some racks also come with hydraulic tanks, which help haul liquid cargo. They may also have an oil separator to prevent oil from leaking along the way.
- Haul tools-headache racks help the driver to securely tow implements like rakes, shovels, axes, and brooms. Safety racks that sit higher are a good choice for transporting ladders.
- Protection from the sun’s rays –especially during hot summers, the rack helps to reflect the sun’s rays keeping the interior atmosphere cool.
- Prevent rear windows break-ins- the rack secures the rear window with bars; this is great for stopping any passerby from smashing your window.
Check this too: Best Floor Jack For Trucks
Types of Headache Racks
- Low Pro Rack- comes with custom jigs that fit any truck model. Provides a clean sharper appearance for your truck.
- High Pro Rack-it’s taller than low pro. It provides higher clearance of protection.
- Standard Truck Rack- simple rack that provides window and cab protection and matches a semi-truck’s style through round corners
- EC Rack- it’s fully assembled and has some options like a mill finish, mesh side panels, etc.
- Sport Rack-it integrates turn, stops, and tail lights in the design.
Why is it Called a Headache Rack?
The name headache originates from two theories. The first is that the rack prevents cargo from flying through the back glass and hitting your head. When a hauling truck, you can make a sudden stop, resulting in load flying through the rear window and causing injuries. The second is that the rack causes a headache when not careful as you climb your cab’s back.
Do I Need a Headache Rack?
You may need a headache rack if you carry oversized cargo or you want to mount additional lights for off-roading. Again, you may want it to prevent the moving load on the back of the truck from crashing through the rear windshield. Apart from safety, you may need to mount other accessories like brake lights, radio antenna, oil separator, and more. With the racks in place, you will drive stress-free knowing you are safe and other people on the road. The frames are suitable for both individual and fleet drivers.
Conclusion
Headache racks, also called truck racks, greatly benefit the driver, passengers, and other road users. The primary purpose is to provide safety if the truck suddenly stops and the load flies through the rear window. The rack also protects your cargo from dents, scrapes, and damage. For the best design of a headache truck, consult the professionals.