Well Friday I did I was on the way back from a Dirt Bike riding trip with some friends we were just a cruzin down the road when I heard this snap then the whole truck moved then a CRACKKKKKKKKKKKK SHADDERRRRR I thought I had just got rear ended when I look back and see a dirt bike handle bar in the truck One of the fricken bike straps broke and sent the bike flying threw the back window Just what I needed so we tried to tape it up best we could and it my surprise it help the rest of the 50 miles home. So now come the main Question. Who here has a Half Rack / Headache rack. What kinds are out there? Does any one have any pics with them on there truck?









Thanks
Nick

 

That sucks, but there are options out there. I rather like the Trac-Rac system now that they integrate a tonneau cover into them. Most all of the tool box companies make headache racks.

 

I think it would be much cheaper to invest in some better tie downs... Unless you hauled other things regularly that you don't want coming thru the window at you.

 

We were loading a Honda 300 4x4 ATV in the bed/cap of my 06' F-350,,,with the Cap on was rather tight fit,,,a little more,,,,crack,,broke the cap sliding front window,,,,,,,the ATV's front rack,,,just hit it hard enough,,,,,$1,500 dollar Jeraco cap,,,Now with no sliding window,,,Real Fricken Nice !!

 

The trac rack is rather flimsy if you work the truck. Ive seen several contractors who had them and they bent up the top bed rails quite easily, I have a back rack and its quite sturdy.

 

ditto the straps got to be in good condition and solidly attattached on both ends. that said i've had brand new tiedowns fail, cost me the top chest of my snapon 75 anniversary set falling out of my truck. took the strap back and he goes, heres a new strap. 12 years later i still have not afforded the luxury of fixing the box. my bikes a 99 kawi concours so i'm fairly paranoid hauling that the straps are up to it and its solidly placed

 

For safety sake you could run a chain through the wheel, leaving it loose enough that it could only hold anything if a strap broke. On some tow vehicles there are straps and then there is a safety chain that only comes into play if the straps fail. Would be cheaper than a headache rack and you could get relatively small chains cut to fit the length you need. If nothing else it'd keep the bike from falling out or hitting the window.

 

Not a HeadacheRack (with screen), but here is my '02 with a BackRack.

The lights for loading at night I bought locally, and installed them on the rack along with a rocker switch/relay in the cab of the truck.

With the toolbox still in the truck, I can carry two full size CRF's with the tailgate closed ... bikes at an angle. But, I often take the tool box out to carry more bikes/stuff.

I also agree with using quality, heavy duty straps.

Good luck.

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