Headache Racks: 5 Reasons Why Your Semi Truck Should Have One
What is a Headache Rack?
A headache rack is commonly fabricated using aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. They install right behind your truck's cab mainly to protect you and your truck from loose objects that may fly through the back glass. However, this is just one benefit to having one.
Why is it Called a Headache Rack?
It's unclear whether the name originated from the fact that they prevent cargo from flying through and hitting you in the head, or because they help prevent a headache you would experience if your truck is damaged. Another theory is that the rack itself can cause a headache if you are not careful when climbing around the back of your cab.
5 Benefits of a Headache Rack
Despite the potential for a self-inflicted head bump, there are 5 huge benefits to installing a truck headache rack.
1. Safety
Heavy-duty headache racks are the best way to prevent tools, cargo, or road debris from flying through your rear window and causing damage to your truck or to yourself. Another cool benefit is the fact that these products help reflect sunlight, so less heat gets into your cab.
2. Hauling Tools
Many semi truck headache racks come equipped with tool racks or trays that allow quick but secure access to your roadside tools and cargo securement supplies. This headache rack comes with two locking chain racks and a full tray to keep transport chains secured.
3. Mounting Lights
Installing this product on your truck also provides an additional mounting surface for lighting and other accessories. Once the rack is in place, it's easy to mount LED beacon lights, light bars, warning lights, or even radio antennas.
4. Mounting a Toolbox
Even though many semi truck headache racks have storage options built-in, there's no such thing as too much tool storage. And just like with lighting, a rack also provides a sturdy mountable surface for an additional toolbox. Since many semi truck toolboxes have locks, they are a great accessory to have right behind your cab.
5. Cool Looking
Last but not least, let's talk about how cool these look. A new rack adds a fresh look to any truck and can even be powder-coated to color match your rig (if you're not into the base metallic silver look). They add a more rugged look to your rig, while also serving multiple highly useful purposes.
Types of Headache Racks
These products are commonly made of aluminum, steel, or stainless steel (or a composite). Aluminum racks are popular due to their low weight, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Obviously, stainless will beat aluminum in overall corrosion resistance (ideal for those salty winter roads), but the low weight of aluminum will help keep your rig's total weight much lower.
