Racks (the kind for vehicles, that is) are indispensable accessories to fit to any truck or off-roader if you’re planning to enhance its versatility and aesthetic. But did you know that a certain kind of truck rack, known as the headache rack, can benefit the safety of your truck’s occupants as well? In this article, we’ll take you through what headache racks are, why they’ve gained this name, and why you should consider investing in one. Is a headache rack worth it after all? Let us answer that question for you.
Looking for racks? We’ve got a whole bunch of 4×4 racks on offer. Browse online, or visit one of our stores. But headache racks aren’t a typical kind of rack. Why is that? Read on.
What Are Headache Racks?
Headache racks aren’t your typical roof-mounted luggage rack that sits on the roof of your truck or SUV. In fact, they aren’t used for luggage storage at all, although they can be used to mount lights and other accessories. A headache rack sits just behind the rear window of your truck, vertically instead of horizontally as a normal roof rack would.
Why Are They Called Headache Racks?
Imagine you’ve packed your truck’s bed with loose cargo. You’re on the interstate, doing 70mph when a careless driver suddenly swerves into your path at 50mph. You slam on the brakes with all your might.
Sadly, some loose cargo comes flying forward, smashes the rear window, and smacks into your headrest. You’ve got a headache. A literal headache because you’ve just been clocked in the head by something hard and heavy, as well as a metaphorical one because your truck needs repairs.
As the name suggests, a headache rack is designed to protect trucks and their occupants from loose cargo from flying forwards, breaking the rear window, and entering the cabin. Headache racks can also protect your vehicle from debris and low-hanging branches on the trails, as well as cargo getting jostled when the going gets enthusiastic.
Wondering why manufacturers don’t include these as standard fitments? Don’t worry; there are plenty of aftermarket alternatives. Roof-mounted headache racks mount to your vehicle’s roof and hang down, while bed-mounted racks mount to your truck’s bed and stand upright. Both kinds can offer full or partial protection, windows, and mount spotlights as well as high-mounted stop lights if desired.
Are Headache Racks Worth It?
Contrary to popular belief, headache racks won’t necessarily give you a headache when your credit card bill comes calling. You can find options from $350, and we’ve given you five options further down in this article that are all in the three-figure price range. Of course, if you go all out, it’s easy to hit $1,000 or even double that. Are they worth it? Read the following section and make up your mind.
Why You Should Consider Investing in One
Do you carry cargo in your truck’s bed frequently? Is it an open bed with no protection? Do you hit the trails often? If you can answer yes to even one of those questions, it’s worth seriously considering investing in a headache rack. Everyone thinks that the worst may not happen to them until it does. Think, do you really want to be clocked in the back of your head with a two-by-four just because you had to emergency brake for someone else’s safety? What if your significant other, kids, or parents are in the truck too? Isn’t that enough of a case for investing in one of these? Think of a headache rack like an airbag – you don’t need it until you do, but when you do, it’s going to save your life.
Let’s Look At Some Headache Racks
Let’s look at five headache rack ranges from our inventory, to help you decide. All five come in at three-figure prices, making them relatively affordable.
ZROADZ Overland Headache Racks
Starting at a very wallet-friendly $350, the ZROADZ Overland Headache Racks range accepts most MOLLE panel mounts and accessories and sports a low-gloss black textured finish. Made from heavy gauge milled steel, it’s designed and manufactured in the USA.
Dee Zee Cab Racks
Priced from $377, Dee Zee Cab Racks offer clear-coated aluminum with heavy-duty ultra mesh and complete coverage of your truck’s rear window. Note that rearward visibility will be reduced though.
Fab Fours Headache Racks
Starting at a decent $410, Fab Fours is a renowned brand, and their range of headache racks are 100% made in the USA, in matte black powder coat, or bare steel. These don’t fully block the rear window but offer less protection as a result. You can also install Rigid Industries Surface Mount 2×2 Dually lights on them.
Westin HDX Heavy Duty Headache Racks
The Westing HDX range of heavy-duty headache racks starts at $416, and offers a black or white powder-coated finish, with the mounting kit and all hardware included. The bars are lower profile than the Dee Zee offering, improving rearward visibility.
B&W Hitch Cab Protectors
This range of B&W Hitch Cab Protectors starts at $678 but offers integrated high mount stop lights, a high gloss powder coated framework, and is offered in black or white. The mounting kit, tie-down bracket, and grab handle are included too.
4WP for Racks and Everything Else for Your Truck or Off-Roader
For all your truck or off-road needs under one roof, it’s hard to top us at 4 Wheel Parts for a comprehensive value package. We’ve built up an inventory of thousands of SKUs from hundreds of the world’s best brands, and we carry it all at over 100 stores nationwide. Want to shop from your home or office? Not to worry, browse, compare and purchase online as you wish.
We’ve got a price matching policy, honor any applicable warranties, and top-notch after-sales service, including expert advice at any point in your customer journey. Once you go 4WP, you’ll never want to go anywhere else again.
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