Headache Rack?

What the heck? Headache Rack? I'm trying to figure what that is.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

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<

 

What might one do who drives a company truck that is not so equipped?

-HF

 

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.

 

I dunno.. I would be on pins and needles all the time though.

 

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.)