Headache Rack?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by MR.D, Jul 20, 2007.

  1. MR.D

    MR.D Bobtail Member

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    Jul 19, 2007
    Wilder ID
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    Just getting started. So my 1st quesion to ya'all.

    Do I need a headache rack on my rig.??? (pulling a flatbed)

    I tried asking DOT and did not get a clear answer.:mmad:
     
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  3. crazymama

    crazymama <strong>The Gardener</strong>

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    Jul 14, 2007
    Kansas City Missouri
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    What the heck? Headache Rack? I'm trying to figure what that is. :biggrin_25511:
     
  4. Slow_Starter

    Slow_Starter Light Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2006
    Avon, Massachusetts
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    I'm affraid to say that the DOT will not tell you that you need a headache rack, afterall, it's none of thier business to do so, and its not a DOT required device.

    this link i will provide will basically show you what a headach rack is, but sorry to say, its for pick-up trucks, not 18 wheelers, but you should get the point. a headache rack is used to help prevent the materials loaded on a flatbed from going through the back of the cab and quite possibly killing you or someone else in your truck.


    http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Headache_racks_main.htm

    But in answer to your question, a good headache rack will be a good idea, and may probably increase your resale value somewhat? It might also somehow reduce your insurance premiums, but this I cannot not say for sure.
     
  5. Pete_379X

    Pete_379X Super Chrome

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    Jul 4, 2007
    Arkansas
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    Well.. from personal experiance.. you are better off with one. Even with a cheaper one. I had a bunk of slick board slide under heavy braking. Half hit the headache rack and tore it up pretty bad. Now if that were the sleeper... I would have had holes in the back. Get one.
     
  6. WiseOne

    WiseOne Inactive contact bullhaulerswife

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    Truckers Report, TN
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    It is, most definitely a good idea to have a headache rack on a flatbed. I saw one guy's head cut clean off in Chicago in a 7-truck pileup as he hit the rear-end of another trucker and his load came through the back of the truck and steel is stronger than skin...
     
  7. crazy35752

    crazy35752 Light Load Member

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    May 23, 2006
    scottsboro,al
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    you are supposed to have one either on your truck or a bulkhead on your trailer, better to have both because a bulkhead is pretty much there for looks<
     
  8. HereticalFaction

    HereticalFaction Bobtail Member

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    Jul 13, 2007
    Philadelphia,Pa
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    What might one do who drives a company truck that is not so equipped?

    -HF
     
  9. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    Like crazy said, if you are a co driver, either the trailer will have a DOT bulkhead and/or the truck will have a headache rack.
     
  10. Pete_379X

    Pete_379X Super Chrome

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    Arkansas
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    I dunno.. I would be on pins and needles all the time though. :biggrin_25513:
     
  11. Calinn

    Calinn Bobtail Member

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    Apr 15, 2007
    Columbia, KY
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    Take 6 - 4x4 timbers stacked and secure them at the front of the trailer with a minimum 5/16" chain and break over binder. This will provide a 24" bulkhead that will help keep the load from hitting the tractor. I keep mine in place even though we have headache racks on the truck. Every little bit helps. (trust me - it is more secure than it sounds.....a good friend of mine had a load of sheet steel shift two weeks ago. It hit the bulkhead and broke one of the 4x4's but no damage to the material or the truck.)
     
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