TAKE 5 With BACKRACK: Performance-Ready Racks with Style

September 1, 2021May 23, 2022 MC Johnson 0 Comments BACKRACK, Chase Racks, Headache Racks, Truck Accessories

When it comes to truck racks, drivers generally want something that gets the job done. That means: storing and securing anything and everything they need to carry to the job site, from ladders and power tools to cables and piping. At the same time, most truck owners want something that is performance-ready, but also looks good and doesn’t hamper the ability to drive safely by blocking visibility.

Enter BACKRACK.

The Ontario, Canada-based company has been manufacturing truck racks since 1988. With a core product line of sturdy and dependable designs, BACKRACK ensures truck owners enjoy quality back-end security in a stylish package.

Lee Riser, senior director of marketing at Truck Hero, BACKRACK’s parent company, recently sat down with us to discuss the company’s product lineup. In addition, she discussed how the company has responded to customer feedback, market trends, and adapting to more recent changes in the industry like a skilled labor shortage.

Q: Where does BACKRACK see steady demand, and how does the company retain those customers over the competition?

A: BACKRACK continues to remain strong with fleet customers across many fields like construction, agriculture, landscaping, and absolutely in municipalities and law enforcement alike. We maintain a presence by staying in front of distribution customers, offering relevant products and connecting with those fleet customers to ensure we stay at the forefront of their needs for the best cab guard protection.

Trade shows and consumer events are big, too. There is always competition popping up, but very few that can offer the wide variety of rack options from Original, to Safety to Louvered and more, with the product application depth that we have. Our racks work so flawlessly with light bracket and accessory add-on options and a large number of tonneau covers, which is a big advantage that keeps us on top as well.

BACKRACK Original Headache Rack pictured on red pickup truck — With the Original model, drivers gain a simple and open design with a flat bar for strapping equipment and accessories onto the rack. BACKRACK says drivers can strap ladders or longer items like lumber to the uprights and secure for easy hauling. Cab guard protectors mount to existing stake pockets at the front of the truck bed to protect the cab from damage caused by large, heavy cargo shifting forward. | *BACKRACK*

BACKRACK Safety Headache Rack — The BACKRACK Safety offers complete coverage of the cab’s rear window while maintaining full visibility with a two-inch welded wire screen. BACKRACK went one step further with the protection on this model, too; the intersections of wire are welded to reduce rattling and add to the rack’s strength. | *BACKRACK*

Did you know…?

The manufacturer also makes hardware to install its cab guards with a tonneau cover. Still, it’s advised to use BACKRACK’s compatibility chart to see if the cover will need an adapter. The website also has a “build my rack” feature, where users can plug in their truck’s make and model and find out if their tonneau cover will be compatible with BACKRACK.

Outside of construction, other markets that use BACKRACK’s products include the farm and fleet industries. The rack/cab guard is perfect for the DIY, self-employed guy in a number of fields like landscaping, mobile detailing, etc…

Really, BACKRACK is a utilitarian product. It was designed to be used more than aesthetics, but some customers do choose BACKRACK for the aesthetics.

The rack designs feature a black powder coat which not only looks stylish, but also provides additional protection. The finish resists scratches, chips, and corrosion, adding to the longevity of the product too.

Q: How can a truck owner determine whether they need a roof rack or a headache rack for their application?

A: Roof racks aren’t really a competitor for BACKRACK. Now, if you look at BACKRACK compared to some ladder rack options, we have some clear advantages.

Some of those advantages include:

A lower clearance makes it easier to park underground or in garages.
The uprights on BACKRACKs sit only slightly above the cab’s roof. That means, if you’re driving a standard-height truck, adding the rack won’t hinder your ability to park in covered areas.
The ability to use your truck for work and not have it look like “just” a work truck.
The black powder coat helps maintain a simple, understated look that will typically match any truck paint finish and tonneau cover.
Better mounting points for lighting and other accessories.
Some BACKRACKs, like the Half-Louvered rack, feature a set of bars on either side of the rear window, offering up ample space to bungee or strap in some tools and equipment.

BACKRACK HALF LOUVERED HEADACHE RACK — Louvered Rack | *BACKRACK*

Q: How has BACKRACK responded to challenges like a rise in the demand for competing products and the continued skilled labor shortage in the job market?

A: BACKRACK has been unaffected, as we are still the go-to brand for cab guard and protection. We have built a product and name that people have come to trust for quality and functionality that can’t be beat. In fact, BACKRACK has been experiencing increased demand across all our rack categories and accessories.

Regarding the skilled labor market shortage, it hasn’t hindered demand for the product, but put us at a greater backlog as demand for the products has not slowed.

Q: Which BACKRACK models and accessories have seen the most volume in recent sales, and what do you attribute this to?

A: The Original Rack continues to dominate sales, as it’s such a versatile design that offers cab protection that looks good and functions for so many applications and across so many industries. It’s the contractor’s dream, but a great addition to any truck build and for the DIY guy.

In the accessories category, BACKRACK’s light brackets have been trendy.

With the increase in aluminum trucks, customers not wanting to drill, and magnets not working, BACKRACK is an excellent option. BACKRACK light brackets offer a solution to add lighting without having to drill and adds the extra protection for occupants in the truck.

BACKRACK Light bracket mount Safety Headache Rack — BACKRACK’s selection of light brackets ranges from simple, practical models like the 10.5-inch base Driver’s Side model (also available for the passenger side) to folding center-mount brackets like the 16 X 7-inch bracket. Depending on which rack the brackets pair with, some require drilling or longer bolts to secure. Therefore, drivers should check the details on both models before purchasing. | *BACKRACK*

Q: Have there been any significant changes to the construction/design of BACKRACK products in recent years? If so, what are those changes?

A: Over the years, BACKRACK has listened to our customer requests to help determine how to improve its offerings. Most recently, we have added the Louvered Rack design with e-coating to leave no area exposed to the elements.

Since plenty of work truck drivers typically use a tonneau cover, BACKRACK has also rolled out a few bracket designs specifically for tonneaus. We now offer two tonneau bracket options: Low-Profile for brands like BAK, Undercover, and Retrax, and Wide-Top for Extang and other covers that sit on top of the rails. We’re also really excited to be debuting some new things this year at the SEMA show that will really enhance our presence for stylish cab protection and more.

Customers are asking their dealers for BACKRACK, and that means reaching different crowds of consumers in markets such as Off-road and Overland.

Whether you’re looking for a simple headache rack to carry your gear to work, or an off-road solution for window protection and brackets to mount sport lights, BACKRACK has products that can meet these needs and more.