If you're shopping for a semi headache rack, the first thing to sort out is what kind of cab you're mounting it to. Day cabs usually need a rack with a rear window. Sleepers usually don't. And if your truck has fairings, an 86" wide rack won't work, so you'll want to look at something narrower. Measure your cab width, cab height, and the open space behind the cab before you order.
Here's how the two cab types differ, and what that means for the rack you pick.
Day Cab vs. Sleeper Cab at a Glance
|
Day Cab |
Sleeper Cab |
|
|
Roofline |
Lower |
Taller, raised roofline |
|
Width |
Generally narrower |
Generally wider |
|
Back of the Cab |
Often has a rear window |
Flat back wall, usually no window |
|
Space Behind the Cab |
Tight, shorter wheelbase |
More room to work with |
|
Rack Style |
Window rack, usually with bars |
Solid rack |
Every truck is a little different, so treat this as a starting point and not a rule for every make and model.
Day Cab Headache Racks
Day cabs have a lower roofline and a shorter wheelbase than sleepers. That leaves less room between the back of the cab and the fifth wheel. If you swing a trailer or carry gear behind the cab, how you use that space really matters.
Most day cabs also have a back window. A solid rack would block it, so day cab racks come with a window opening. Two options to look at:
Iconic MetalGear jail bar window rack in 76" and 86" widths, built for day cabs.
Sturdy-Lite 68x80 three-door split vault with bar window, a vault-style rack for day cabs with fairings.
Window height and placement vary from truck to truck. If you need the opening in a specific area, send the details through our custom headache rack builder, and we'll take it from there.
Sleeper Cab Headache Racks
Sleepers are taller, with a raised roofline and a flat back wall. The bunk sits right behind the front seats, so most sleepers don't have a rear window. That's why sleeper racks are usually solid, with no window opening.
You'll find sleeper racks with fairings and without fairings, so filter for the one that matches your setup.
Fairings and Width
Fairings are the one thing that can take a rack off your list right away.
Racks that are 86" wide are not compatible with fairings.
Racks narrower than 86" are generally compatible with fairings.
If your truck has fairings, skip the 86" racks and look at the narrower ones. If it doesn't, you have more room to choose. 86" is the widest rack we list.
Height varies too. Many racks are 68" tall, and some Iconic racks are 70", so double-check the dimensions of the exact rack you're looking at.
Already Know Your Cab? Shop by Type
Our headache rack pages let you filter by cab type, fairing compatibility, and length. Start with the filter that matches your truck:
Day Cab Headache Racks – Compatible with Fairings
Sleeper Cab Headache Racks – Compatible with Fairings
Sleeper Cab Headache Racks – Not Compatible with Fairings
We offer two headache rack brands, both made in North America: Iconic MetalGear and Sturdy-Lite.
Can't find the exact headache rack you need? Use the custom headache rack builder to configure the exact rack you need.
Check Before You Buy: Choosing the Right Size
A headache rack has to fit two things: the cab and the frame. Grab a tape measure before you order.
Cab width. The rack width should match the cab width.
Cab height. Height typically matches the cab roof. Sleeper and day cab tractors use different heights.
Space behind the cab. This is the deck plate area. Leave room for the rack mounts, the fifth wheel, and the trailer to swing in turns. A rack that sticks out too far can hit the trailer nose in a tight turn.
Not sure what dimensions you need? Contact us to talk it through before you order.
Don't Forget the Mounting Kit
Your rack mounts to the truck frame, and you can buy the mounting kit with the rack or separately. Sturdy-Lite and Iconic each offer three options:
Sturdy-Lite: U-bolt kit, straight frame kit, and side mounting kit.
Iconic: 21" U-bolt kit, 17" U-bolt kit, and Quick-Mount kit.
Not sure which one fits your truck? Our guide to choosing a headache rack mounting kit breaks it down by brand. You can also browse everything on the Semi Headache Rack Accessories page.
Headache Rack Fit FAQs
Do day cab headache racks need a window?
Most day cabs have a rear window, so day cab racks have a window opening to keep it visible. Sleepers usually don't have a window, so they typically use solid racks.
Can I use a headache rack with fairings?
86" wide racks are not compatible with fairings. Racks narrower than 86" are generally compatible. Confirm compatibility on your specific product.
What size headache rack fits a semi truck?
It depends on your cab. Match the rack width to the cab width and the height to the cab roof. Many racks are 68" tall and some Iconic racks are 70", so measure first and check the product page.
What is the widest headache rack you offer?
86". Keep in mind that 86" racks are not compatible with fairings.
Does a headache rack come with a mounting kit?
You can buy the kit with the rack or separately. Sturdy-Lite and Iconic each have three kit options. Our mounting kit guide can help you pick.
How much room do I need behind the cab?
Enough for the rack mounts, the fifth wheel, and the trailer to swing in turns. Measure the clear space behind the cab before you order, because a rack that sticks out too far can hit the trailer nose in a tight turn.
Which mounting kit should I choose?
The U-bolt kit is the most popular and is recommended for most applications. A straight frame kit is for setups where something sits around the cab frame. Check our mounting kit guide or contact us if unsure.
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Not Sure Which Headache Rack Fits Your Truck?
Our product experts can help you match a rack to your cab, check your measurements, and set up a custom build if you need one. Call us at 866-444-9990 or request a custom rack.
