Westcan Headache Racks & Cab Guards
Aluminum headache racks and cab guards, built in British Columbia
A headache rack mounts behind the cab of a pickup and stops a load from coming through the rear window under hard braking. Westcan calls them cab guards; the two terms describe the same product, and both are used throughout this collection so you can find it either way.
Westcan has built aluminum truck racks in Chilliwack, BC since 2001. Absolute Autoguard carries the full line — 96 racks and install kits covering Silverado, Sierra, F-150, Super Duty, Ram, Tundra, Tacoma, Titan, Colorado, Canyon, Ranger and Maverick, with published fitment on every product.
Choosing a style
- Standard — an open frame behind the cab. The lightest option and the usual starting point for a rack system.
- Full mesh — mesh across the full opening. Maximum window protection when you are carrying loose material.
- Half mesh and side mesh — mesh over part of the opening, keeping rear visibility through the remainder.
- Full bar — horizontal bars rather than mesh. Protection with a more open sightline.
- Light mount — a frame built to carry work lights or a beacon.
- LED versions — standard, full mesh and full bar racks with integrated LED lighting.
Aluminum or steel?
Most headache racks on the market are powder-coated steel. Westcan builds in aluminum, and the difference matters in three practical ways:
- Weight. Aluminum is substantially lighter than an equivalent steel rack, so more of your payload rating stays available for the load rather than the rack.
- Corrosion. Aluminum does not rust. On a steel rack, protection depends on the coating staying intact — and a chipped coating on a work truck in a prairie winter is a matter of when, not if. Westcan's mill-finish racks are coating-free by design; black powder coat is available where you want the look.
- Hardware. Racks ship with non-corrosive and stainless hardware, so the fasteners are not the weak point.
Steel still has its place — it is stiffer for a given section and generally cheaper. We stock both, so if you would rather compare against a steel rack, ask and we will lay the options side by side for your truck.
No-drill installation
Westcan cab guards mount through the truck's existing stake pockets. Nothing is drilled into the box, the factory finish stays intact, and the rack comes off cleanly if the truck is sold or returned off lease. Most racks install in under an hour; the estimated install time is published on each product page so a shop can quote the labour before the parts arrive.
A cab guard on its own uses one mounting point. If you are running one without rail caps, add a secondary hold down kit — it provides the second anchor that makes the rack rigid.
Building a complete truck rack
The cab guard is the front of the system. Add rail caps and a rear rack and you have a full-length rack for ladders, pipe and lumber. Install kits are vehicle-specific and listed separately — check the fitment table on the rack you are buying to confirm which kit it needs.
Common questions
What is a headache rack?
An aluminum or steel barrier mounted behind the cab of a pickup. It shields the rear window and the cab occupants from cargo shifting forward during hard braking, and gives you somewhere to mount lights, ladders or a load.
Will it fit my truck?
Every product page carries a fitment table listing the exact makes, models, box lengths and model years the rack fits. If your configuration is not listed, contact us before ordering.
Do I need to drill my truck?
No. Westcan racks use the existing stake pockets.
