BACKRACK Cab Guards Combine Form and Function for a Reliable Product

Truck owners know their truck is only as good as the quality of its components. And for work truck drivers, one of the most significant necessities is a dependable cab guard. Sometimes called a “headache rack,” these accessories take the “headache” out of safely transporting large items. They provide a secure tie-down spot for bulky cargo and equipment, like lumber, PCV pipes, and machinery. But those owners hitting the trails or weekend campsites can find value in a truck rack, too – especially if they’re hauling kayaks, bikes, and outdoor gear.

Whether heading off-road or down to a construction site, it certainly helps if the product looks good while getting the job done, right? While striking a balance between stylish and dependable can be tricky, BACKRACK is a truck accessories company that understands the importance of quality design and clever functionality.

Who is BACKRACK?

Since 1988, the Oakville, Ontario-based company’s innovative designs have helped its customers bring their dream trucks to reality. As a market leader of truck racks in North America, BACKRACK is dedicated to manufacturing a product line that not only performs well but also plays well with other accessories like light brackets, tool holders, toolboxes, and tonneau covers — ensuring customers don’t have to compromise. An acquisition by truck bed cover company Truck Hero in 2019 pushed BACKRACK’s growth even further. Its products are now available through a vast network of nationwide distributors.

Curious what cab guards fit your ride? Simply visit www.backrack.com/build-my-rack and punch in your truck’s make, model, and year. Once you begin building your headache rack, you can select the proper install kit and accessories to get a custom fit. BACKRACK also has a “Popular Vehicles” section with common pickup brands. There, you’ll find a helpful breakdown of the best corresponding BACKRACK products for quick reference.

BACKRACK adheres to strict quality-control standards for its diverse selection of truck racks and accessories, and backs it up with extensive customer support. The company offers a 1-year warranty on workmanship on its racks and side rails, both reinforced with powder coating.

To maintain a razor-sharp focus on quality, all BACKRACK products are manufactured in North America. Rather than use plastic, the manufacturer welds its endcaps onto the tubes of the racks for a cleaner look and enhanced structural support. As a finishing touch on their commitment to quality, the manufacturer uses only HRPO steel for its racks, guarding against rust and making powdercoat adhesion more effective.

BACKRACK Cab Guard Selections

While BACKRACK offers a wide array of truck rack designs, the company’s flagship is its original BACKRACK Headache Rack. The rack’s cab guard protectors mount to existing stake pockets at the front of the truck bed to protect the cab from damage caused by shifting heavy cargo. It also boasts a reinforced steel construction, plus a protective layer of black powder coat to guard against scratches, chips, and corrosion.

Outside of its durable construction, the Original Headache rack features a low-profile design. That means you can easily park inside a garage without the clearance issues posed by some bulkier/taller racks. Users can easily strap bungee cords and ratchet straps to the bars to secure gear or slide more oversized items like ladders across the rack’s open design. BACKRACK also offers a set of folding light brackets that hinge down when they’re not in use, offering up the complete work package with a practical design.

Currently, BACKRACK carries nine different options for truck racks, including the Original Headache rack. Depending on your application, there’s most likely one that will fit your needs since the designs range from simple, open designs to a fully-welded wire screen for complete window protection. There’s even an option for built-in lights with the BACKRACK Three-Light Rack, which features lights on the driver and passenger side for extra braking safety.

For installation, BACKRACK cab guards require the purchase of a hardware kit, which is sold separately. The kits vary by part number and the make/model of the truck. Currently, BACKRACK carries three different configurations for installation: a low-profile drill installation kit, a standard installation kit which is no-drill on most late model, full-size trucks, and a no-drill toolbox installation kit designed to accommodate a standard 21″ cross bed toolbox.

Accessory-Friendly

BACKRACK has its game on lock when it comes to quality construction and practical design. Better yet, the manufacturer’s racks also play nicely with suitable accessories to fully outfit your truck for any application. Prefer to keep things all under one brand? Lucky for you, BACKRACK carries an extensive set of accessories. You can ensure every component fits together seamlessly without having to make any extra modifications or track down a bunch of additional hardware from third parties.

Side Rails

BACKRACK Siderails come in 6.5-ft and 8-ft bed lengths. The Tube Rail product comes in two configurations: the FULL RAIL, which extends the truck bed’s entire length, and the TOOLBOX RAIL, which accommodates a cross-bed toolbox. Like the racks, BACKRACK’s side rails offer relatively pain-free installation and also sport a heavy-gauge HRPO steel construction.

Brackets

The manufacturer offers light bracket options for construction and emergency workers, like the fold-down option we mentioned earlier, plus traditional base center mounts and sport lights for the outdoorsy driver who wants a little added visibility on the rocky trails.

There are also many options for non-light brackets like toolbox brackets, ladder brackets, and antenna brackets for drivers who need radio communication onboard their trucks.

Bed protection

If you have a tonneau, BACKRACK still has you covered. Whether your truck is wearing a low-profile, inside rail-clamping cover or a thicker, folding cover that sits on top of the bed rails, BACKRACK carries adaptors for both styles.

Got a bed liner? No problem, since they’re compatible with BACKRACK too. With an under-the-rail liner, simply remove the liner, install the company’s Stake Pocket Bolts, then reinstall the liner and attach your rack. If your liner is over-the-rail, you may need to drill a few holes so the bolts can protrude through.

Tool Holder Attachment

Hauling landscape tools like shovels and rakes can be a chore in itself. BACKRACK’s simple clamp-on tool holder keeps bulky items safely organized and tucked away during transit. Pick your poison: a small, 5-tool holder or a large, 11-tool organizer.

Rear Bar

If you regularly tote a ladder around, then you already see the value in a BACKRACK cab guard. Ramp up functionality with one of the company’s rear bar accessories. The unit simply drops into the rear Stake Pockets of your truck, adding a handy two-inch tube that runs across the rear of the bed. Tie hooks are located the same width apart as the upright posts on the truck rack, making it easy to secure long loads. The Rear Bar still allows for full opening and closing of the tailgate and can be removed in seconds for storage.

BACKRACK’s commitment to quality, top-notch manufacturing, and customer satisfaction has made the company an undisputed leader in the truck accessory game. Designed to stand out in a crowd, they’re also rugged enough to take a professional (or recreational) beating. The missing link between form and function, BACKRACK cab guards are a protective upgrade that will earn you style points on and off road.