Semi Truck Cab Racks to Optimize Storage & Style

Cab racks for semi trucks are an essential aftermarket upgrade that can protect your cargo and boost your truck’s appearance with some shiny, polished chrome.

With so many designs, mounting options, and add-on accessories to choose from, it’s hard to find the perfect fit for your rig. 

Here’s some helpful information on cab racks and a quick product roundup of some of the best-looking cab racks to consider adding to your existing setup. 

Headache racks for semi trucks can be custom fabricated (althought for a higher price point). Some of the best heavy duty commercial semi truck headache racks come from manufacturers like Merritt and Iconic. 

The Clear Benefit of Cab Racks for Semi Truck Storage 

Keep your driving space decluttered. With built-in shelves, chain racks, and enclosures, you can easily manage the storage of your cargo securement chains, truck tools, and equipment. Design features like locking chain trays and split compartments also improve organization. 

Improve your safety behind the wheel. With aerodynamic designs, most cab racks promote good weight distribution and add a buffer zone between the cab and shifting cargo when you’re forced to suddenly stop. 

Add more functionality and style. Cab racks can include light brackets for work lights, beacon mounts, tarp strap holders, and grab handles for safer handling. Diamond plate pattern and polished aluminum add massive visual appeal to your trailer’s back end. 

Customize to fit your truck. Available in a variety of widths, depths, and sizes to fit Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, Western Star, or Mack trucks, they come with mounting kits that make installation very flexible for various styles: single-door diamond plate units, full cabinet enclosures, drom racks with cargo decks and so much more. 

Critical Facts to Know About Cab Racks

It's always important to store your cargo within FMCSA/DOT regulations, such as like Title 49 CFR 393.

Never consider a cab rack as a part of your standard cargo security system (like brackets, chains, and straps would be). 

When you’re hauling a log or pole trailer with it, don’t use a cab rack (damage can occur). 

Don’t attach straps, chains, or other cargo securement devices directly to the cab rack (things can go wrong while cornering, decelerating or accelerating).

1x per week, inspect your cab rack for cracks or damages. Check the torque on your mounting bolts every 3 months to make sure things are stable. Cab racks are no joke. If these aren’t attached securely, it can spell injury or death. 

Common Cab Rack Accessories and Designs to Choose From

You can opt for:

• Full enclosure (drom racks) - which looks kind of like a miniature garage door.
• Side enclosure - two storage areas on each side.

• Center enclosure - the storage cabinet is in the center of the rack.

• 2 & 3 Door enclosures - offers a fuller appearance. 

• Jail style - three cabinets with an overhead see-through space. 

Some cab racks come with a base tray. This is where you can add a tuck-away box for additional storage. 

Most manufacturers, like Merritt, incorporate grab handles for easier accessibility. 

Top-mounted light bars offer a chance to add some additional accent lighting directly onto your cab rack. Many also offer stop and turn light brackets for oval and round light fixtures. 

Short foot cab racks: this style improves the clearance when compared to the standard cab rack and offers special tray options to maximize the trailer swing clearance. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Cab Racks for Semi Trucks

• Durability and material choice (aluminum vs stainless steel)
• Dimensions: ensuring compatibility with your truck cab (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo)
• Mounting options and installation simplicity (mounting kits)
• Storage capacity: shelves, dividers, chain trays, split trays
• Lightweight designs for maximum efficiency on long haul trips
• Accessories compatibility: lights, hydraulic tanks, chain hangers

Top Aftermarket Cab Racks for Semi Trucks on the Market

1. Roll Up Door Cab Rack

Features & Benefits:

• Smooth aluminum design for lightweight durability
• Includes roll-up doors for easy access to gear
• Built-in chain hangers and dividers for organized storage

Two adjustable interior shelves with a rolled up door that's securely lockable.

2. Merritt Dyna-Light Cab Rack

Features & Benefits:

• Dyna-Light aluminum design for maximum durability
• Short-foot radius corners for a sleek, modern look
• Suitable for various truck brands including Freightliner and Kenworth

Customer reviews highlighting reliability and ease of installation

3. Merritt Horizontal Bar Style Cab High Rack

Features & Benefits:

• Horizontal bar design provides easy cargo securing points
• Lightweight yet robust, perfect for commercial semi trucks
• Enhanced road safety and cargo protection

Recommended for long haul drivers requiring extra cargo space and a full deep chain tray. 

4. Single Door CabRack Diamond Plate Aluminum

Features & Benefits:

• Diamond plate aluminum ensures high strength and durability
• Single door design with secure chain racks and chain trays
• Designed for compatibility with a variety of semi truck models, including Volvo and Peterbilt

Drivers appreciate this rugged and stylish choice due to its diamond plate design and lightweight aluminum build.

5. Merritt Northern-Light Cab Rack with LED Lights

Features & Benefits:

• 3 Door enclosure with LED lights
• 8 Inch Deep and 9 Inches with Door 
• Aerodynamic aluminum material 

Mounts closer to the cab (no rear uprights), saving valuable space. It's a great choice for regional haulers and fleet trucks that need extra lighting and storage.

Shop for Semi Truck Storage Solutions at 4 State Trucks

Start upgrading your storage with stylish heavy-duty cab racks and commercial truck battery and tool box storage units in one spot. If you're looking for extra options, give us a call.