Magnum Headache Rack Low Pro vs High Pro: Which One Is Right for Your Truck?

What Sets the Low Pro and High Pro Apart

A common question on Magnum headache racks is the difference between the Low Pro and High Pro versions, and the answer comes down to overall height and how the rack sits relative to your truck's cab. The Low Pro, or low profile rack, sits roughly flush with the top of the cab when mounted. On an F-150 specifically, there is a small plastic cover on the rear roofline that sometimes sits a bit higher than the rack itself once installed, but the overall design intent is for the Low Pro rack to sit close to flush with the cab roofline. The High Pro, sometimes referred to as the standard rack, sits about three inches above the top of the cab instead, giving it a noticeably taller, more prominent profile.

Why You Might Choose High Pro

The Low Pro is the more aesthetic, sleeker option and is mainly focused on protecting the rear glass without adding much visual bulk or height to the overall look of the truck. The High Pro, because it sits higher above the cab, gives you the ability to actually load ladders or other long material directly on top of the rack itself, and adds a bit more physical protection over the top of the cab as well compared to the lower-profile option.

It also clears certain factory features that the Low Pro does not. If your truck has a third brake light or one of the in-bed cameras that many modern trucks come equipped with at the rear of the cab, the High Pro sits high enough above those features that they remain fully visible and functional after installation. On this particular F-150, the factory third brake light is actually covered and blocked by the Low Pro rack once mounted, which is worth knowing ahead of time if that light matters to you for visibility or legal requirements in your area.

Both Include Integrated LED Lighting

Whichever version you end up choosing, both the High Pro and Low Pro come standard with integrated LED lighting built directly into the rack structure, giving you more total light output at the rear of the vehicle than you would get from the factory third brake light alone, regardless of which style covers or blocks that factory light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the High Pro rack interfere with my truck's rear camera if I have one?

No, that is actually one of the main reasons to choose High Pro over Low Pro. The additional height clears in-bed cameras and third brake lights that the Low Pro version may block or cover.

Can I put a full sheet of plywood or a long ladder on the High Pro rack?

Yes. The added height on the High Pro is specifically intended to give you usable space on top of the rack for ladders and longer material, which the Low Pro is not really designed to accommodate in the same way.

Does the Low Pro provide less protection than the High Pro?

Both styles provide solid protection for the rear cab glass. The main practical differences are aesthetics, top-loading capability, and clearance around features like a third brake light or rear camera, not a meaningful difference in core glass protection.

Is installation different between the Low Pro and High Pro?

Installation hardware and mounting points are generally similar between the two, since the height difference comes from the rack design itself rather than a fundamentally different mounting system, though always reference your specific kit's installation manual.

Whether you go with the sleeker Low Pro or the more functional High Pro, find the right Magnum headache rack for your truck at Upfit Supply.