2018 GMC Sierra 3500 Headache Racks

Truck Headache Racks

When loading up your truck’s bed, the last thing you’ll want is for cargo to bounce up or slide into the cab, resulting in potential dents and broken rear glass. Instead, invest in a premium headache rack to thoroughly and stylishly protect your ride’s bulkhead. 

RealTruck offers all the top brands, styles, and finishes, ensuring you’ll find your ideal headache rack in our extensive inventory. 

If you're having trouble narrowing down your selection, Realtruck’s knowledgeable sales staff is available tocontact seven days a week for order assistance and product inquiries.

What is a Headache Rack?

Headache racks—also known as truck cab racks—are robust alloy racks mounted to the bedrails of your pickup at the bulkhead. Positioned between the rear of the cab and the bed, headache racks help prevent impacts and damage while loading and transporting cargo, preventing broken windows and unnecessary dents. Headache racks can also be used to prop ladders, boards, and other oversized cargo over the cab, instead of past the tailgate.

Headache Rack Styles

Headache racks come in several different styles. While each shares the same basic form factor, variations in design, construction, and finish make for a wide range of appearances and suggested uses. 

Note: While not a universal feature across all brands, some manufacturers—such asBackRack—offer alternative mounting brackets for compatibility withtoolboxes andtonneau covers.

Frame

Minimalist, open-frame designs. While adequate at protecting the rear bulkhead from large cargo shifts, small debris can easily reach the rear window and cab. However, what these headache racks lack in protection, they make up for in visibility.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Backrack Open Headache Rack

Why we love it: 

• Durable frame design

• Heavy-duty steel construction

• Black powder-coat finish

• Gives the ability to carry ladders and longer loads

• No-drill installation on most applications

• Limited 1-year warranty

Illuminated

Protect your truck’s cab and rear window while bolstering light output with an illuminated headache rack, featuring a variety of auxiliary lighting such as turn signals, brake lights, and cargo lights.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Backrack Three Light Headache Rack

Why we love it: 

• Durable steel construction

• Integrated light pockets (lights sold separately)

• Fits standard oval trailer lights

• Corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish

• Guards rear window against impacts

• Helps to carry ladders and long loads over the cab

• No-drill installation on most applications

• Limited 1-year warranty

Louvered

Offers a sleek appearance and comprehensive rear window coverage. Load up your truck’s bed with confidence knowing that the rear of your cab is amply protected. While visibility may suffer, louvered headache racks excel in protection.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Backrack Louvered Headache Rack

Why we love it: 

• Offers a unique and durable design

• Coated using a multi-stage dip process

• Constructed from high-quality steel

• Provides security for moving cargo

• No-drill installation on most applications

• Limited 1-year warranty

Mesh

Similar functionality and coverage to a louvered headache rack. However, the durable mesh rear window covering provides excellent protection without obstructing visibility. With their mesh design, mesh headache racks perfectly balance visibility and protection.

RealTruck Expert Pick: Backrack Half Safety Headache Rack

Why we love it: 

• Durable mesh design

• Corrosion-resistant black powder-coat finish

• Made from heavy-duty steel

• Gives the ability to carry ladders and longer loads

• No-drill installation on most applications

• Limited 1-year warranty