Backrack

About BackRack

BackRack introduced its original cab guard design in 1988 and has remained focused on a single product category ever since: headache racks for pickup trucks. That singular focus has made BackRack the category leader — the rack that other brands are measured against. The lineup has expanded over the decades to address different working needs and truck styles, but the core engineering hasn't changed: heavy-gauge steel tubing, fully welded intersections, black powder coat finish, and vehicle-specific mounting hardware that installs without permanent modifications to most trucks.

Unlike generic headache racks that require cutting or welding, BackRack's stake-pocket mounting system uses truck-specific bolt sets to create a secure, rattle-free fit. The same frame supports a full ecosystem of accessories — front ladder rack uprights, side rails, toolbox brackets, warning light mounts, and strobe brackets — letting contractors build out a complete work truck setup without sourcing components from multiple brands.

BackRack is built in black powder coat only. If your fleet needs a custom color, BackRack supports quantity orders through its in-house powder coating operation. For individual truck builds, black is the standard — and on a work truck, it holds up.

BackRack Headache Rack Styles

BackRack makes several distinct styles, each suited to different work and visibility needs:

• Original Rack — Open tube frame, the most popular style. Provides cab protection while maintaining rear visibility. Accepts the widest range of accessory light brackets.
• Safety Rack — Fully welded wire screen insert provides complete rear window coverage. Preferred for applications where debris containment is a priority.
• Open Rack — Flat bar design makes it easy to attach bungee cords and ratchet straps directly to the rack. Useful for securing irregular loads.
• Louvered Rack — E-coated before powder coating for doubled corrosion resistance. A styled look with the same functional mounting points as the Original.
• Half Safety Rack — Mesh inserts with clear visibility. A middle ground between the open Original and the fully screened Safety Rack.
• Short Rack — Reduced height sits cab-high. Works with BackRack's 50-Series side rails for a lower-profile ladder rack setup.
• Three Light Rack — Built-in light insert mounts provide added rear visibility and a distinctive working-truck look. Lights not included.

Not sure which style fits your setup? Contact our team — we'll help you pick the right rack, mounting kit, and accessories for your truck.

BackRack Mounting Kits & Accessories

Every BackRack frame ships without a mounting kit — you'll need to add the correct kit for your specific truck. Mounting kits include the stake-pocket bolts and brackets that are engineered for your year, make, and model. If your truck has a toolbox, select the Toolbox Bracket mounting kit, which lets the box sit flush against the BackRack frame without any holes drilled into your bed.

Common BackRack accessories include:

• Side Rails — Extend from the BackRack frame down the bed sides to create a full ladder rack system
• Toolbox Brackets — Mount a crossover toolbox flush against the rack without drilling
• Light Mounting Brackets — For warning lights, strobes, antennas, and off-road lights
• Tonneau Cover Adapters — For use with inside-rail-clamping soft covers

Frequently Asked Questions — BackRack Headache Racks

What is a BackRack headache rack?

A BackRack headache rack is a steel cab guard that mounts at the front of your truck bed, between the cab and the bed. It protects your rear window and cab from shifting cargo — ladders, pipe, lumber — that could slide forward during hard braking. BackRack racks also support ladder racks and light mounting brackets, making them a functional upfit for work trucks.

Does BackRack require drilling to install?

Most BackRack headache racks install without drilling. The rack mounts into the existing stake pockets at the front of your truck bed rails using vehicle-specific mounting hardware. Trucks without stake pockets, or installs that include certain tonneau cover combinations, may require drilling. Each rack ships without a mounting kit — order the correct mounting kit for your truck's year, make, and model separately.

What BackRack styles are available?

BackRack offers several cab guard styles: the Original Rack (open tube frame, most popular), the Safety Rack (fully welded wire screen for complete rear window coverage), the Open Rack (flat bar design for easy strap attachment), the Louvered Rack (e-coated and powder coated for maximum corrosion resistance), the Half Safety Rack (mesh inserts with clear visibility), the Short Rack (sits cab-high), and the Three Light Rack (built-in light mounts). All styles are available in black powder coat only.

Can I mount a ladder rack to a BackRack?

Yes. The BackRack Original, Safety, Louvered, and most other styles are designed to support ladder racks and other long-load carriers. The top crossbar provides a mounting surface for front headache rack uprights, and BackRack sells accessory side rails that extend down the bed for full ladder rack setups. Light mounting brackets, antenna mounts, and toolbox brackets are also available as add-on accessories.

Is BackRack compatible with my tonneau cover or toolbox?

BackRack is compatible with tonneau covers that clamp to the inside rail of the truck bed — roll-up and soft folding covers typically work. Hard folding and retractable covers should be verified before ordering. For toolboxes, BackRack offers a Toolbox Bracket mounting system that allows a crossover box to mount flush against the BackRack frame without drilling holes in your bed.

What trucks does BackRack fit?

BackRack makes vehicle-specific mounting hardware for virtually all full-size and mid-size pickup trucks, including Ford F-150, Ford Super Duty (F-250/350), Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, RAM 1500, RAM 2500/3500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and more. BackRack does not fit GM Stepsides or Ford Flaresides. Always order the correct mounting kit for your specific year, make, and model.