Ram 1500 Headache Racks: Frames, Hardware Kits and Fit
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This guide is for Ram 1500 owners choosing a headache rack, the frame that stands at the front of the bed to guard the cab. The racks in this guide are BackRack frames, and the main decision is which frame suits you and which hardware kit matches your truck, because the two are sold separately.
What to check first on your Ram 1500
- Which body. Titles split the Ram 1500 into the 2019-and-newer truck, the 2009-2018 truck and the 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic. A 2019 or later truck can be either a Ram 1500 or a Ram 1500 Classic, and they take different parts, so confirm which one you own.
- Frame and kit. BackRack frames are sold frame only. BackRack says the frame requires its vehicle-specific installation hardware kit, sold separately, so order the kit for your year, make and model with it.
- RamBox. RamBox is the storage built into the bed sides on trucks that have it. The hardware kits below are titled without RamBox; if your truck has it, read the fitment notes on the product page.
What a headache rack does
BackRack describes its headache rack as mounting to the existing stake pockets at the front of the bed to protect the cab from heavy cargo that shifts forward. On its SRL model, a fully welded outer frame with integrated slats guards the cab and rear glass. If you haul lumber, gear or a load of firewood, that is the job it does.
For the 2019-and-newer Ram 1500
- BackRack Headache Rack, 2010+ RAM Truck 1500 (Hardware Kit Req): a BackRack frame whose title runs from 2010 on, so it is listed for both the 2010-2018 truck and the newer one. It needs its installation hardware kit to mount to the truck; the kit is not included.
- BackRack No Drill Hardware Kit, 2019+ Dodge RAM 1500 without Rambox (Frame Not Incl): the no-drill hardware kit for this truck. As the title says, the frame is not included.
For the 2009-2018 Ram 1500
The 2010+ headache rack above covers this truck from 2010. Another option is the BackRack Safety Rack Frame Only (10800), titled for 2007+ Dodge Ram among other trucks. This is the Safety Headache Rack frame on its own; BackRack lists the hardware kit for each truck it fits on the product page, so check the fitment table for your year and bed.
For the 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic
- BackRack Headache Rack, 2019-2024 RAM Truck 1500 Classic (Hardware Kit Req): reinforced steel construction with a black powder coat. It mounts to the existing stake pockets at the front of the bed, and the hardware kit is sold separately.
- BackRack SRL Headache Rack, 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic (Frame Only, Kit Sold Separately): a lighted frame. Built-in taillights tap into the factory 7-pin harness with the included Posi-Lock connectors, and the upper frame comes pre-drilled for auxiliary lighting.
- BackRack No Drill Hardware Kit (no RamBox), 2019-2024 RAM 1500 Classic: the no-drill hardware kit titled for the Classic, for trucks without RamBox.
Adding a toolbox
The BackRack Toolbox Hardware Kit, 2009+ RAM 1500 (No Drill) includes 21-inch toolbox brackets for mounting a toolbox on a Safety Rack or BackRack frame, with rail plates, neoprene strips, stake pocket hardware and fasteners. The toolbox itself is separate.
Another frame style
The Backrack Louvered Rack Frame Only (Hardware Kit Req) is a louvered frame, sold without hardware. Its title names the 1994+ Dodge Ram and 2004+ Titan rather than a Ram 1500 year, so confirm your truck in the fitment table before ordering.
Browse by body
To see every rack and kit listed for your truck, start from its page: Headache Racks for 2019-2026 Ram 1500, Headache Racks for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 or Headache Racks for 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic. The Headache Racks & Cab Protectors category covers other trucks. Each product page lists the years, makes and models it fits; use the vehicle selector to confirm yours. Everything is priced in Canadian dollars and ships across Canada.
FAQ
Does a BackRack frame come with its mounting hardware?
No. The frames in this guide are sold frame only, and BackRack says each needs its installation hardware kit, sold separately. Order the kit for your year, make and model with the frame.
Which hardware kit do I need for a 2019 or newer Ram 1500?
The BackRack No Drill Hardware Kit 30167 is titled for the 2019+ Dodge RAM 1500 without RamBox, frame not included. If your truck has RamBox, check the product page and fitment notes before ordering.
What fits the Ram 1500 Classic?
The BackRack Headache Rack 15017 and the SRL Headache Rack are titled for the 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic, and the No Drill Hardware Kit 30127 (no RamBox) is titled for the same truck.
Can I add lights to a headache rack?
BackRack's SRL rack has built-in taillights that tap into the factory 7-pin harness with the included Posi-Lock connectors, and its upper frame is pre-drilled for auxiliary lighting. Check your province's rules before adding extra lights.
Can I mount a toolbox to the rack?
BackRack's toolbox hardware kit for the 2009+ RAM 1500 includes 21-inch brackets for mounting a toolbox on a Safety Rack or BackRack frame. It is a no-drill kit.
