What is a headache rack?

To all the truck owners out there: your safety is our priority. With this in mind, a good way to help protect yourself, your truck and your investment is to equip your heavy duty truck with a custom headache rack from Trebor. The name itself sounds a bit weird—perhaps even misleading—but it’s an important semi truck accessory. As you’ll soon find out, these racks are called “headache racks” for a reason: by installing a headache rack, you’ll really save yourself some headaches in the long run!

So, what is a headache rack? Well, it’s an aluminum cab guard that fits securely on your truck. Not only does it provide extra storage, but it could also help save your life when you’re out on the road. Trucking is a risky business and, according to the Willis Law Firm, all semi-trucks have design defects which make it more difficult to maintain a stable centre of gravity during emergency braking. Truck racks help act as a barrier between the driver and the load they’re hauling. In the event that your truck comes to a sudden stop, your headache rack can help prevent objects in the trailer from being launched toward the rear window of your cab. It also lets you haul heavy or awkward loads more safely, helping to protect your truck from being dented or scratched.

Note that although a headache rack can provide some extra measure of security, it is not considered a foolproof safety device.

Trebor offers four different types of headache racks to fit your unique needs: standard, enclosed, logging and closet. Here’s what you can expect from each of them.

1 – Standard headache rack

The standard customizable flat semi headache rack can be sized to fit your heavy duty truck’s needs. Made from powerful yet lightweight aluminum, this type of rack helps provides maximum cab protection, all while helping you save on fuel costs. Even though it’s the most straightforward of all our headache racks, you can still add features like a chain rack or a lid. It’s no wonder that this product is the bestseller out of our four designs!

2- Enclosed headache rack

Trebor’s enclosed headache rack offers additional storage within the rack unit. With this feature, you benefit from space for extra equipment, such as chains or straps, without adding too much weight to your truck. These racks can accommodate any of your needs, whether you have wiring running through your truck bed rails or have limited space behind your cab. In the interest of safety, even though this is our “enclosed” model, we still offer the option of customizing your rack with a window. You can choose from a light bar option, a grill or a single larger opening for your rack window. No matter what type of gear or equipment you haul, this semi headache rack will do it all for you!

3 – Logging headache rack

Safety is a top priority at Trebor Manufacturing, so we recommend that every logging truck be installed with this type of headache rack to minimize potential risks. These racks act as cab guards and are DOT-certified for the logging industry when installed properly (according to Trebor’s installation guide). You can therefore rest assured that they are designed, down to every last detail, to protect you and your truck as much as possible.

4 – Closet headache rack

This headache rack is intelligently engineered to efficiently store a lot of equipment while still allowing you plenty of space to maneuver. It features an overhead door that lifts up to double as a roof, thereby protecting you from the elements. Our multiple storage options include extra storage area, a chain rack and adjustable shelves. 

No matter which type you choose, Trebor’s semi headache racks are fully customizable to your unique needs.

Now that you’re familiar with our different options, here are four reasons why we at Trebor Manufacturing believe that every truck owner should invest in an aluminum semi headache rack.

1. 
   

   Security

   
   Here at Trebor, driver security is our main concern. By equipping your truck with a headache rack, you will not only help improve driver and passenger security, but also the security of every person sharing the road with you. The main safety benefit of this equipment is that it acts as an extra barrier between the cab and the contents of the truck bed or trailer. With a custom headache rack made from sturdy, waterproof aluminum material, you will be safer when you hit the road with your load.
2. 
   

   Protection

   
   A headache rack can prevent a lot of damage to your truck’s cab. If you find yourself in an accident or have to brake suddenly, whatever load you’re hauling will likely slam into the back of your cab. Thankfully, a headache rack will help prevent material from hitting the cab and causing damage to the rear window. It will therefore also help protect the driver from possible injury. Furthermore, loading cargo and working on equipment in the truck bed are other occasions when your cab may be damaged. You can help prevent this by installing a headache rack.
3. 
   

   Storage

   
   When buying a headache rack, you will not only improve your security, but you can also add more storage to your truck with an enclosed headache rack or a closet headache rack, for example. With our customization options, you’ll be able to build the cab rack to meet all your needs.
4. 
   

   Durability

   
   At Trebor Manufacturing, we build all our truck racks from aluminum because we know it will withstand any weather condition. No powder coated racks here at Trebor! We use aluminum to bring you the best of both worlds: durability and a lighter weight. This sturdy and waterproof material is not only rustproof—it’s also very light, which minimizes the weight added to your load. Since aluminum is much lighter than other materials, such as steel, you will save a lot of money on fuel and your truck will last longer.

Trebor Manufacturing is proud to serve dealers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors in the trucking business, including truck part dealers across North America. Please feel free to contact us today or request a quote for any of our semi-truck accessories, including aluminum tool boxes (such as underbody tool boxes), semi headache racks, custom headache racks or any other products such as dump bodies or flatbeds. One of our specialists will be happy to advise you on what is best for your truck and your business, whether you’re in Canada or the US.

If you’re shopping for an underbody tool box, you’ll definitely want to check out our interactive tool, where you can choose from all the options we have described above to build your own custom tool box. At Trebor Manufacturing, we offer a fast turnaround time and top-quality products to help you hit the road in style safely!