Defend or Extend: Cab Guards vs Ladder Racks

Make an informed decision to optimize your work truck’s setup.

If you’re a contractor, tradesperson, landscaper, or all-around outdoor enthusiast that regularly uses a truck to transport equipment and supplies, you probably already know that when it comes to protecting and hauling the maximum amount of cargo, you’ve got two great options: a ladder rack or a cab guard. Not only do these key accessories allow you to transport equipment with ease, but they also protect your truck from needless damage and extra wear and tear.

The problem is, how do you know which one best suits your needs?

What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Knowing the difference between the two can help you make a well-informed and confident purchasing decision.

Ladder Rack

A ladder rack is a device that extends up over the roof of the truck’s cab and allows you to carry ladders, pipe, lumber, and other long cargo above the bed of your pickup truck versus hanging precariously out the back of the truck bed.

A ladder rack is ideal for moving building materials that are too long, especially if your truck has a shorter bed design. It’s also a great choice if you still want to have plenty of usable space inside the truck bed for equipment and other supplies.

Cab Guard

A cab guard, often called a headache rack, protects the cab and rear window of your truck from dangerously shifting cargo by framing the cab and covering the glass. It’s designed to keep you and your passengers safe while increasing the usable space and functionality of your truck bed.

It’s typically a two-post frame design that mounts to the back of your cab and looks a bit like goal posts. Similar to a ladder rack, a cab rack is a great choice for hauling longer cargo and materials without having to hang them out the back of your truck bed. However, it’s also an excellent choice for anchoring heavy, cumbersome, or dangerous equipment near the front of the truck bed so it stays put during transportation.

A cab guard also provides a clever mounting spot for spot lights, light bars, or flood lights that can help provide extra illumination around the truck for increased visibility around your work area.

Pros & Cons

Ladder racks and cab guards each offer unique benefits and drawbacks. When choosing between the two, consider your specific needs — as well as the vehicle’s intended use — in order to find the best fit.

Here are a few factors to consider regarding each type:

Installation

Installation	Pros	Cons
Ladder Racks	Generally easy to install and remove, often bolting to truck bed rails without drilling.	Some models may require minor modifications or drilling, impacting the truck’s aesthetics or resale value.
Cab Guards	Usually straightforward to install, directly attaching to truck’s bed rails without drilling.	Some models (like older trucks without stake pockets) may require drilling, impacting looks and resale.

Versatility

Versatility	Pros	Cons
Ladder Racks	Designed specifically for carrying ladders and long items, providing optimal storage for such cargo.	May have limited versatility for carrying other types of equipment or cargo, and don’t provide any additional protection. Shape may increase wind resistance and affect fuel efficiency.
Cab Guards	Can secure wide variety of tools and equipment, not just limited to long cargo. As the name implies, cab guards also guard the cab, by preventing shifting cargo from barreling through the glass. They also provide ample mounting options for lights, antennas, or tool holders.	May not offer specialized storage options for specific items like ladders. Certain designs may limit rear visibility.

Compatibility

Compatibility	Pros	Cons
Ladder Racks	Typically compatible with most standard truck models and bed sizes. Often feature adaptors or brackets to accommodate other aftermarket equipment like tonneau covers and toolboxes.	Customization or modifications might be required for certain truck models or bed configurations.
Cab Guards	Usually designed to fit specific truck models, ensuring a seamless and secure fit. Often feature adaptors or brackets to accommodate other aftermarket equipment like tonneau covers and toolboxes, as well as lights and antennas.	May not be available for all truck makes and models.

Style

Style	Pros	Cons
Ladder Racks	Offer a sleek and professional appearance, complementing the truck’s overall look.	The work-ready design might not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
Cab Guards	Provide a rugged and heavy-duty appearance, emphasizing the truck’s utilitarian nature.	The style may not be desirable for those seeking a more streamlined or minimalistic appearance.

Features to Look For When Shopping

Ladder Racks

• Construction Quality. Typically constructed from steel or aluminum, you want to look for a ladder rack that isn’t just lightweight, but also durable. A good quality rack will feature added corrosion resistance with a primer coat and a powder coating for extra protection. Look for one that can securely carry heavy loads.

• Adjustability. Many ladder racks can be adjusted in length to accommodate shorter truck beds. Some also have a removable crossbar that can help make it easier to haul or load taller cargo.

• Security. Some of the higher-end ladder racks feature secured storage options, such as a conduit carrier that allows you to further secure dangerous or high-value items such as tubing, copper pipes, etc.

Cab Guard

• Construction Quality. Just like a ladder rack, you want to look for a cab guard that is constructed from heavy-duty, yet lightweight powder-coated steel or aluminum for maximum durability and protection.
• Accessory Options. A good quality cab guard will offer several different design configurations that you can choose from to best suit your needs. Also look for accessory add-ons, such as tool holders, tool box brackets that can accommodate your truck tool box, light brackets, rear bars, etc. You want to be able to customize your cab guard setup as much as possible.
• Compatibility. Many working trucks have already been tricked out with tool boxes, tonneau covers, and the like, so you need a cab guard that will play nicely with your other accessories.

Food For Thought

If you frequently carry long and bulky items, such as ladders, pipes, or building materials, as part of your work or hobbies, then a ladder rack may be the option for you. It provides a safe and efficient solution for securing and transporting such items, and keeps them up and out of the truck bed so you can still haul other items.

However, if you frequently transport bulky cargo like ATV’s, dirt bikes, furniture, or appliances, a cab guard is definitely the way to go. With all the different design configurations for cab guards, you get almost unlimited anchoring options for ratchet straps and bungee cords to secure your cargo just right. Plus, long and awkward items aren’t off the table with a cab guard; you’ll simply secure them a little differently.

Since it’s a low-profile design option, a cab guard is also the ideal choice if you want to be able to park your work truck in your garage each night. If you frequently carry a variety of tools and gear, a cab guard is a versatile anchoring solution that won’t detract from the overall look and design of your truck and won’t add a ton of wind resistance or load capacity considerations like a ladder rack might.

Meet BACKRACK

Since 1988, BACKRACK’s innovative designs have helped customers bring their dream trucks to reality. The Ontario-based company is a market leader of cab guards in North America, largely because it remains steadfastly dedicated to manufacturing a product line that not only performs well but also looks good doing it.

BACKRACK products exude quality design and clever functionality – and they play well with other accessories too. Light brackets, tool holders, toolboxes, tonneau covers, you name it; BACKRACK ensures customers don’t have to compromise. Thanks to the brand’s experience and dedication, choosing the right truck rack has never been easier.

For a closer look at some of the products pictured here and to learn more about BACKRACK, check out https://www.backrack.com/