Head ache rack and apu install

I would mount a plate between both mountings, against the frame and continue it past the back end of the head ache rack, Use the bracket you cut off to mount it on the left side of the bracket. Make the plate you use at least 6 inches so it will not flex, and the thickness of the mounting feet.
Just a thought!

 

just notch it out, its what I did . never had a problem, its a common problem mounting racks.

 

I would notch the foot of the headache rack also.

 

Any time you modify a safety related piece you risk, the inspection pigs condemning it, some engineer designed the headache rack to do a certain job as it is, if you change anything then it is no longer certified. I am also a licensed inspector.
Just a thought!

 

well since a rack is not required by the feds, only by some companies. the thought is it shouldn't be a problem for an inspector,

 

On top of that most of the so called headache racks have stickers on them saying they are not a safety device and should not be considered a front end structure or headboard.

 

Notching out can and will get you giged on and inspection and if you contact merit or any other manufacturer it VOIDS the warranty/ guaranty on the rack!

I know Dynasis and Rig Master makes a direct frame mount kit, they drill the frame and bolt it directly to the truck verses the over the frame rail mounts

 

Shim it. What ever the thickness of the mounting bracket of the apu take 2 plates of steel lay them on top of each other weld them obviously on the driver side you can use 1 section passenger side 2 or 3 cut. Make sense I can see it in my head. But am not a good explainer

 

explain that on the inspection as a headache rack isn't required by the feds , although some companies require you to have them. I have mine notched and have had inspections with never a question about it.

sometimes folks make mountains out of mole hills. just notch the dang thing and get to work already.


it may void the warranty from a defect or a crack from the manufacturer, but it darn well isn't a inspection violation. as I said hard to violate something that isn't required by fmcsa