The best headache racks are durable, look good in your truck bed, and allow you to haul objects longer than your truck bed. These racks come in a number of different designs, so finding the right headache rack for your truck can quickly turn into a headache.
In this review, we recommend several top headache racks based on extensive research. We’ve tried to recommend headache racks with different styles and price points.
10 Best Headache Racks
- Best Louvered Rack: BackRack Louvered Headache Rack
- Best Extendable Headache Rack: AA-Racks Model X35-W
- Durability Pick: Aries Switchback
- Best Budget Headache Rack: MaxxHaul Adjustable Headache Rack
- Easy Installation: BackRack Original
- Best Design: Steelcraft Headache Rack
- Best Visibility: Dee Zee Mesh Cab Rack
- Lightest Weight: Hauler Headache Rack
- Style Pick: Fab Fours Headache Rack
- Best Chase Rack: TLAPS Chase Rack
Our Review Standards
To select the headache racks featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.
We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.
Why You Can Trust Us
Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.
When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
Headache Rack Buyers Guide
There are a number of benefits to installing an aftermarket headache rack:
- Protection: A headache rack will guard the rear cab window and any occupants from items sliding around in the truck bed.
- Appearance: Many like the look that a headache rack gives their trucks.
- Haul long objects: With a headache rack and some straps, you can haul objects that are longer than your truck bed by securing them against the top of the headache rack.
- Accessories: Other useful accessories such as a truck bed toolbox or lights can be easily attached to most headache racks.
If you’re in the market for a headache rack, in addition to cost you’ll want to consider design, fit, and material.
Design
There are a very wide variety of headache rack designs. In some cases, differences in design are simply visual, while other design elements may confer practical advantages. For example, headache racks with louvered windows can keep your cab cool by blocking direct sunlight.
If you plan to fit additional truck accessories to your headache rack (such as lights or a trunk box), look for a headache rack that has places to mount these add-ons.
Fit
Some headache racks come in one or a few sizes that will accommodate many vehicles, while others are model-specific. Model-specific racks are likely to cost a little more but will fit your truck better.
Hunter Gill, owner of aftermarket truck accessory retailer TEQ Customs, said while a universal rack may fit your vehicle, model-specific options usually offer greater protection and are easier to install.
“There’s a whole lot of difference in [truck] bed widths… a rack that works well on your Toyota Tacoma is probably not going to work too well on your F-250,” Gill remarked. “Just for ease of install and good protection, and just making the rack do what you need, I would definitely recommend a model-specific one.”
Material
Most headache racks are made from either steel or aluminum alloy. Steel is heavier than an aluminum alloy and will eventually corrode over time. Aluminum alloys resist oxidation but may be less durable than steel. This depends on the particular alloy. Some aluminum alloys are more durable than steel.
Gill says that consumers should look for higher-quality materials for increased safety.
“[Lower quality headache racks] can even cause more damage because now instead of just having something in your [truck] bed flying through your window you also have pieces of cheap metal also flying through your window,” Gill stated.
The quality of the protecting coating is also important, according to Gill. He said a cheap powder coating will wear down quickly, leading to rust and deterioration of the headache rack.
“Generally, you want to see some high-strength steel with pretty thick walls on the tubing [and] the square tube, and a good quality coating on the headache rack,” Gill said.
#1 Best Louvered Rack: BackRack Louvered Headache Rack
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Custom fit
- One-year warranty on workmanship
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 60 ratings
Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on around 30 ratings
Those that like the BackRack louvered headache rack say that it is very easy to install. Many like the appearance and that it feels sturdy and reliable. Several reviewers note that it effectively kept their truck cab cooler, especially when parked in the sun.
A common complaint is that the product is not well-packaged when shipped. Another issue that some reviewers have is that their BackRack began to corrode over time. This will be an issue with any steel headache rack.
#2 Best Extendable Headache Rack: AA-Racks Model X35-W
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Universal fit for full-size trucks
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.5 out of 5 based on more than 360 ratings
Most say this rack is extremely sturdy and appreciate its adjustability. It is popular for people to use this rack to help transport kayaks and long pieces of lumber. Many say the X35-W is easy to install though the instructions aren’t very detailed.
As with any steel headache rack, this one is prone to rusting, though rust is not an especially common complaint. Also be aware that because it is a universal fit, the X35-W may not be perfectly adapted for every kind of truck. At least one reviewer (with a 2021 Honda Ridgeline) complained that it did not fit their truck well.
#3 Durability Pick: Aries Switchback
Key Features
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Fit: Custom fit
- Lifetime structural warranty and five-year finish warranty
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on more than 20 ratings
Amazon Review Score: 3.6 out of 5 based on 5 ratings
Online reviews (which are scarce) for this Aries headache rack are largely positive, with most simply stating that they like the way it looks and it was easy to install. For many, there isn’t much more to say about the Switchback other than that it works well.
There are a few noted downsides to this aluminum headache rack. For one, the gridded screen on the cab guard reduces visibility out of the cab window. That said, the screen can be removed (though you’ll have to choose between better visibility and full cab protection).
#4 Best Budget Headache Rack: MaxxHaul Adjustable Headache Rack
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Universal fit
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on over 590 ratings
The customer review consensus on the MaxxHaul is that it serves its purpose and is generally worth the low cost. However, the low cost does mean a decrease in build quality compared to costlier alternatives. Make no mistake, this rack will provide decent protection for your cab, but is liable to rust quickly unless carefully maintained.
#5 Easy Installation: BackRack Original
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Custom fit
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on more than 140 ratings
Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 330 ratings
This BackRack headache rack is very easy to install, according to customer reviews. Users like the high quality of BackRack products and say that this is only improving with newer models. The custom fit attaches well to most vehicles. The BackRack Original is also compatible with most tonneau covers.
A few reviewers note that this rack can rattle, though rattling may be the result of improper installation. Some complain that the top bar sits lower than their cab, but be aware that this rack comes in short and long varieties. Be sure to order the right option for your cab.
#6 Best Design: Steelcraft Headache Rack
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Custom fit
- Two-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.4 out of 5 based on more than 25 ratings
Amazon Review Score: 4.3 out of 5 based on more than 140 ratings
The Steelcraft Headache Rack isn’t the most well-reviewed headache rack, but customers stand by their investment in this product. Many reviewers note the good quality of this headache rack for the price. One man claims he’s a volunteer firefighter and says he loves how his emergency lights look on this headache rack.
#7 Best Visibility: Dee Zee Mesh Cab Rack
Key Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Fit: Universal fit
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 3.7 out of 5 based on more than 45 ratings
Reviewers predominantly comment on the Dee Zee Mesh Cab Rack’s look and feel. One man claims this headache rack fits perfectly on his 2014 Ram 1500. An individual review with negative feedback states this rack doesn’t fit his Toyota Tundra.
#8 Lightest Weight: Hauler Headache Rack
Key Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Fit: Custom fit
- Thirty-day warranty
What Customers Are Saying
The Hauler Headache Rack has only a single review on RealTruck. This reviewer felt the rack vibrated too loudly in their truck. However, that doesn’t mean that this headache rack isn’t worth your consideration. Its premium build quality and smart design say more about this headache rack than any customer review would.
#9 Style Pick: Fab Fours Headache Rack
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Custom fit
- Lifetime warranty
What Customers Are Saying
There is also only a single review for the Fab Fours Headache Rack, this one positive. The reviewer feels it works perfectly for mounting lights.
#10 Best Chase Rack: TLAPS Chase Rack
Key Features
- Material: Steel
- Fit: Universal fit
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 50 ratings
The TLAPS Chase Rack features rave reviews from customers online. Reviewers are generally satisfied with this headache rack and one man remarks that he loves the included lights. Those with negative feedback complain the mounting hardware didn’t hold up the headache rack itself.
Best Headache Rack: Bottom Line
We think the BackRack Louvered Headache Rack offers great value for the price, as it performs all the essential functions of a headache rack and will even keep your cab cooler on sunny days. BackRack products are also compatible with many tonneau covers and other accessories such as lights.
If you want the most durable headache rack that won’t corrode, we like the Aries Switchback based on research, though it will cost a bit more than steel headache racks. This durability can pay off in the long run, especially if you need a headache rack for a heavily used work truck.
The best headache rack for you will depend on the style and design you like, which is why you might also consider the AA-Racks Model X35-W, MaxxHaul Adjustable Headache Rack, and BackRack Original.
Headache Racks At A Glance
Make/Model | Approximate Cost | Material | Fit |
---|---|---|---|
BackRack Louvered Headache Rack | $315 | Steel | Custom |
AA-Racks Model X35-W | $245 | Steel | Universal |
Aries Switchback | $830 | Aluminum Alloy | Custom |
MaxxHaul Adjustable Headache Rack | $125 | Steel | Universal |
BackRack Original | $220 | Steel | Custom |
Steelcraft Headache Rack | $250 | Steel | Custom |
Dee Zee Mesh Cab Rack | $600 | Aluminum Alloy | Universal |
Hauler Headache Rack | $410 | Aluminum Alloy | Custom |
Fab Fours Headache Rack | $410 | Steel | Custom |
TLAPS Chase Rack | $520 | Steel | Universal |
Best Headache Rack: FAQ
*Data accurate at time of publication.