A headache rack has the simple function of preventing large items from sliding into the rear window of your truck cab. However, many headache racks for trucks also have additional functions like supporting long loads or holding items upright. A truck headache rack is definitely one of those must-have items for any truck that's hauling large cargo in the bed on a regular basis.

What Is a Headache Rack?

Truck headache racks are also simply called truck racks. These are accessories you can add to your truck bed to assist in carrying and securing cargo. A headache rack is often made from aluminum or steel and usually sits on the truck's bed rails directly behind the cab.

As previously mentioned, headache racks for trucks have a pretty simple function in keeping cargo from sliding into the rear window, but they still come in a wide variety of styles with additional functions.

Why Is It Called a Headache Rack?

You might be wondering why something as simple as a truck rack ended up being called a headache rack. It's not because they're difficult to work with. In fact, the reason is pretty simple.

If your cargo goes through your rear window, it's very likely to also hit you in the head. Thus, these racks prevent literal headaches and also the figurative headaches you might get when shelling out money for damage repairs to your cab. It's also possible that headache racks get their name from people hitting their heads on them when loading or unloading.

It's certainly easy to do if you stand up too quickly and smack your head on the cross bars. Either way, these racks are better at solving headaches than creating them.

Do You Need a Headache Rack?

If you transport any heavy or large cargo in your truck bed, then getting a headache rack is a very good idea. A sudden stop can easily send the cargo through the rear window of your cab, which may cause injuries to the passenger and/or driver as well as damage to your truck.

With a headache rack, the cargo is prevented from going forward by leaning on the headache rack. Headache racks also have a number of other benefits including:

• Rollover protection
• Increasing your truck's resale value
• Increasing your cargo hauling capacity
• Generally always compatible with other truck bed accessories

Mounting and Installation

Generally, it’s best to prevent installation headaches by professionally installing a headache rack at any Action location.

However, in either case, you will likely have to purchase an installation hardware kit for the rack separately to ensure that it fits your specific truck model. If you have a truck toolbox you may also have to purchase installation hardware kits to fit the rack around the toolbox.

Common Types of Headache Racks

There are quite a few different types of headache racks available on the market. Some of these include:

• Stainless steel headache racks
• Headache racks with lights
• Mesh backing headache racks
• Aluminum headache racks
• Headache racks with a winch
• Headache racks with storage
• Louvered headache racks

Headache racks also come in different finishes. Commercial-grade racks are usually made from thick steel and are powder-coated to resist weather and corrosion. Stainless steel racks are polished for a glossy finish, and some racks are painted with UV-resistant paint.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular brands on the market for truck racks.

BackRack

A BackRack headache rack is one of the top choices on the market. BackRack offers a number of models to fit a variety of needs. The basic BackRack headache rack offers a low-profile design, tiedown points, light mounts, and no-drill installation.

Truck owners can easily use this rack with bed liners or 21-inch or 31-inch toolboxes with no additional modification. BackRack also offers a louvered rack that comes in either full or half rack types. This rack keeps your cab cool by blocking direct sunlight from your rear window. The low-profile design comes in a powder coat finish for an attractive look.

Dee Zee

You'll have plenty of choices if you go with a Dee Zee headache rack. One type is the Dee Zee Mesh Headache Rack. The heavy-duty mesh of this rack provides better protection and rear visibility. It's constructed from octagonal aluminum tubes and comes in silver, black gloss, and textured black powder coat finishes. All finishes are corrosion-resistant. This rack is also made to be compatible with other truck bed accessories.

Another Dee Zee rack model is the Open Headache Rack. This rack can also be used as a ladder rack and is available in black, textured black, or silver powder coat finishes. The Open Headache Rack offers 300 pounds of weight capacity and no-drill installation.

Aries

Another top brand is the Aries headache rack. One model is the Aries AdvantEDGE Headache Rack. This rack features thick octagonal tubes, no-drill installation, compatibility with fuel transfer tanks and tonneau covers, and a choice of carbide black or silver chrome finish. One great feature of this rack is a track system that gives you an instant mounting solution for tie-downs or lights.

You can find these brands and many other brands of headache racks on the Action online shopping portal or at any Action location. Rely on Action Car and Truck Accessories for a wide selection of performance and practical upgrades for your car or truck.