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Truck racks have become a popular accessory, increasing in presence with more and more people buying trucks. Yet there is often confusion as to why truck racks are often referred to as headache racks. The answer may be obvious to anyone who owns one of these useful accessories, but those who are unfamiliar with headache racks may avoid them because of the seemingly negative nickname. Before you make any assumptions about this product, learn about what they are, what their purpose is, and a few possibilities for where the nickname originates.
What Are Headache Racks?
Before talking about why truck racks are called headache racks, it is important to first understand what headache racks are and how they are used. A headache rack is a truck accessory that can be added to the truck bed. The product may be made out of aluminum or steel (ours are steel) and it sits on the truck’s bed rails right behind the cab.
Headache racks have been growing in popularity, likely because they have many purposes. Their main purpose is to prevent items from potentially sliding into the cab’s rear window, but some have additional functions, like the ability to hold certain items upright or support long loads. They also give your truck an upgraded, modern look. There are many different styles of truck racks on the market, making it possible to find one that will match the look and functions you desire.
Preventing Headaches
One theory about why truck racks are commonly called headache racks is simply that these accessories prevent headaches. The rack offers a protective shield for the cab and the people inside the cab of the truck. Without a truck rack, heavy items in the bed of the truck could easily slide through the rear window of the cab and potentially strike the driver or passengers in the head. During a sudden stop, your cargo will not be able to get past a headache rack, saving you from a potential hit on the head and money in damage repairs. Fixing a broken rear truck window or damaged cab can be very expensive -- far more money than you would spend by proactively purchasing one of these protective racks.
Causing Headaches
An opposing theory for why truck racks are called headache racks is that they can cause headaches - literally. Some believe that the cross bars of the rack can be an easy target for careless truck owners to smack their heads on. This belief stems from anyone who has loaded or unloaded the back of a truck, stood up too quickly, and smacked their heads on the rack - resulting in a tremendous headache. This theory is less likely since custom built headache racks definitely solve more problems than they create. Watch your head!
This useful and stylish piece of equipment can save you a lot of hardship and money while improving the look of your truck. Now’s the time to prevent future headaches, both for you and your truck, by shopping for the best headache racks from Spyder Industries.
