Do Headache Racks Actually Work?

Ever wondered what those bars at the back of a truck’s cab are? They’re called headache racks, and they play a crucial role in protecting your vehicle and cargo. Let’s dive into what headache racks are, their benefits for daily drivers, and tips on choosing or building your own.

What is a Headache Rack?

A headache rack is a sturdy frame mounted at the rear of a truck cab. Its primary purpose is to shield the cab and its occupants from cargo in the bed that might shift forward. Protection from cargo is a great feature for trucks, especially when carrying heavy or unstable loads.

Protection Against Cargo Damage

• Cargo Can Move: A headache rack prevents cargo from crashing through the rear window and landing in your back seat.
• Body and Paint Protection: Headache racks also protects the truck cab from damage, dents, and scratches.
• Saves Money: Shifting cargo doesn’t have to be big and heavy to cost you money – a cracked rear window from a shifting lawnmower can be a major expense, and it’s something a headache rack can prevent.

What To Look For When Buying A Headache Rack For Your Truck

There are several features that are important to consider when selecting a headache rack.

• Material: Durability is key. Steel or aluminum racks are the most popular choices.
• Options and Add-ons: Some racks come with additional functionalities like molle panels, tool mounts, tie-down points, or mounts for lighting.
• Customization: Customization can be as simple as adding on some accessory mounts or choosing your own finish, or as complex as adding your own custom logo.
• Compatibility with other truck bed accessories: If you’re looking at a tonneau cover for your truck or a toolbox, you want to see how it’s going to work with the headache rack (or vice versa)

Can You Build Your Own Custom Headache Rack?

Yes, only you have some options.

You can fabricate a complete custom headache rack with a little bit of knowledge and hard work, but it’s time consuming and expensive. If you have a way to source steel plate and steel tubing – and you know how to weld – you can probably fabricate your own rack pretty easily. And if you’re willing to drill holes in your truck bed to mount the rack, mounting is pretty straightforward

However, if you want to mount a headache rack without drilling or welding – and you don’t want to spend the time and money to fabricate something from scratch – there’s another option. Nitnamic makes DIY headache rack kits:

• Each headache rack kit includes all the mounting hardware and most of materials you’ll need to build your own headache rack
• The kit does not include 1.5″ square aluminum tubing, which is needed to complete the rack. However, this tubing can be easily sourced from a local metal yard, Metal Supermarket (a national chain of local metal suppliers), or special ordered from your local big box hardware store.
• The rack is not finished – you’ll either want to paint it or have it powder coated

Nitnamic kits cost less than most quality headache racks, offer limitless customization options, and can be painted or finished in any color you like.

TIP: DIY bedliner “paint” is durable and looks great, and it’s also easy to apply. A can of Rustoleum brand bedliner paint – for example – costs less than $15, and was used to paint the custom headache rack in the photo above. Not bed, right?

Headache Rack Benefits for Daily Drivers

Even if you’re not hauling heavy loads daily, a headache rack still has several benefits:

• Added Protection: A rack behind the cab provides additional protection and peace of mind.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: They can add a rugged, professional look to your truck.
• Resale Value: A quality headache rack can increase your truck’s resale value.

Summing Up

Headache racks are more than just a truck accessory; they’re armor against loose cargo. Whether you buy a headache rack from a big brand or build it yourself, equipping your truck with a headache rack is a wise decision for any truck owner who hauls cargo.