Headache Racks and Their Benefits
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Most people do not know what a headache rack is, so they don’t realize they want or need one. Actually, anyone who owns a utility task vehicle would love to have one of these items. This accessory, often called a cab guard or protector, is useful when hauling items. You mount it on the back of the cab or roll cage to protect anyone in the UTV if the cargo shifts or falls. This device looks very basic, but it offers countless benefits every UTV owner should know.
Increased Safety
The main reason a person should invest in a headache rack is increased safety. While there are many Polaris accessories from Thumper Fab, this device is among the most useful. How often do you transport items with the UTV? When you think about how much the vehicle is used for hauling materials, you’ll quickly see why it is necessary. The load could suddenly shift when transporting items on a job site, farm, or ranch. When it does, you and any passengers are at risk if the cargo strikes the cab. A properly fitted headache rack prevents this from happening. It serves as a barrier between the UTV’s occupants and its cargo. Items cannot slide into the cab area once it is in place.
Extended Lifespan
UTVs are investments, and owners must protect their assets. Headache racks help them minimize the risk of damage to the UTV. When you transport cargo, you must properly secure it. If it bounces around, it could scratch or dent the UTV. It might even puncture the windshield. The headache rack serves as a buffer and absorbs the impact of the shifting cargo. The rack reduces the risk of costly repairs when extending the UTV’s lifespan.
Cargo Space
A headache rack also increases the UTV’s cargo capacity. Look for a rack with an integrated tie-down point or mounting rails. These devices allow you to secure large and bulky items that don’t fit in the cargo bed. If you haul oversized items regularly, a headache rack becomes a necessity.
Visual Appeal
The right headache rack can enhance the aesthetics of the UTV. As the name suggests, these vehicles are designed to be utilitarian. The right rack complements the vehicle’s design while sharing information about what is important to you. Choose a sleek, streamlined rack, or purchase one with a rugged and utilitarian look and feel. Either way, the rack distinguishes your vehicle from those around it.
Choosing a Headache Rack
Before purchasing a headache rack, you must gather certain information. Choose a rack designed for your UTV make and model. Look for one made from steel or aluminum to guarantee the rack will hold up with off-road use and extreme weather conditions. You also need to know the UTV’s maximum load weight to prevent potential overloading and safety issues.
Once you locate a headache rack meeting these requirements, select an installer. In some cases, the UTV frame or body has to be modified to accommodate the headache rack. The professional installer knows where to drill and how to ensure the proper fit without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity.
UTV owners find headache racks are priceless. They make it easy to haul cargo while increasing the safety of all-terrain vehicles. Consider investing in a rack today to see these benefits for yourself.
