Easily the most frequent question we receive from our valued customers is: “I don’t have enough storage, what can I do?”
Our go to answer is, “What about a headache rack?”
What to consider:
Do you have and are you willing to use the space needed on your catwalk?
While hooked onto a trailer will you still have the turning radius you need?
Will this headache rack interfere with any ventilation on the back of my cab?
Are you unsure if a headache rack will work for you? Visit one of our 4 North American Locations and speak with our helpful and knowledgeable Service team. Can’t make it in? No problem, send us some pictures and we will do our very best to help you remotely.
What best suits your needs?
Once you have made sure a headache will work for you, its time to choose a style. Not only does Verduyn Tarps strive to be a one stop shop for all flatbed needs, we also want to provide our customers with options that make their truck a source of pride.
To see all of the options and availability see our Headache Racks and Accessories page.
Installation:
When it comes to installing headache racks you will need a U-Bolt mounting kit. This kit is also found in the link above.
Included in this kit is four U-Bolts, eight nuts and washers, four lock plates and 2 rubber strips.
Installation Instructions:
Step One: Find location that the two support legs of the headache rack will sit on your trucks steel frame.
Step Two: Place one of the rubber strips on the driver side frame and place the second rubber strip on the passenger side of the frame. Place these strips where you would like the support legs of the headache rack to go.
Step Three: Carefully lift the headache rack using the appropriate machinery to safely and securely place the rack on top of the rubber strips located on the frame.
- At Verduyn Tarps, safety is always taken very seriously. Our preferred choice of machinery for installing headache racks is an overhead crane and an appropriate sling.
- See our sling of choice below (Canadian locations only):
https://verduyntarps.ca/shop/eye-eye-sling-2-x-12-long-2-ply
Step Four: It is now time to install the U-Bolt kit. This kit is needed to secure the headache rack to the frame.
- As seen in the picture below the bolts located closest to the rear of the truck have the U bolt facing down. These are then bolted with the lock plate hugging the bottom of the truck frame. Tighten these bolts as tight as possible.
- Also seen in the picture below, the U-Bolts closest to the cab are installed facing up. The lock plate is then located between the structural frame of the headache rack. Tighten bolts as tight as possible.
Airlines:
Once you have the Headache Rack installed, you may be left wondering what to do with your airlines. While some may choose to bungie the excess air line to the catwalk, Verduyn Tarps strives to provide options.
Below you will see the product page for the Pogo Stick (Canadian locations only).
https://verduyntarps.ca/shop/pogo-stick
Another airline solution that has become popular among our valued customers is simple and effective. In the picture below you can see we have installed a “Grab Handle” in the middle of our Chain Rack and Tray headache rack. By attaching this handle the airlines are up and out of the way allowing for a safe and clear catwalk.
For more information about the products used or the installation process, call or visit us in store today!
