If you own a truck, it's likely because you need – or love – the practicality of them. Trucks might not hold as many people as SUVs, they might not whip around turns as fast as sports cars, and they might not fit into as small of parking spots at the grocery store as sedans, but they're still the most practical vehicle for many people. Can those cars haul loads of equipment to a job site? Carry kayaks down to the river? Tow a boat, an RV, or even another car? Probably not.

Yet as practical as trucks are, many people like to increase the practicality by adding even more carrying capacity. Those people usually turn to truck racks, which add an additional area to hold items – often items that are larger than the truck bed. Trucks, however, have seemingly endless amounts of customization available, and that's true with racks. But don't worry, though: picking the right truck rack doesn't need to be a big deal.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Truck Rack

There are a few things to consider when picking a truck rack for your vehicle. Let's run through some of the factors.

The first thing to consider is what you'll be carrying. Half-width racks are more than enough size for a lot of people, and they're more convenient as they take up less space and cost less money. If you know that you're only going to be hauling a small number of narrow items, a half-width truck rack is worth investing in. But for everyone else, a full-size rack is needed.

Next, you need to determine the material that you want for your truck rack. The vast majority of truck racks are made out of aluminum or steel. Aluminum racks are a bit lighter than their steel counterparts, which makes them easier to install and remove and, crucially, help you get better gas mileage in your truck. Most importantly though, aluminum racks are highly weatherproof and withstand corrosion and rust much better than steel racks do. Steel racks, on the other hand, are a lot stronger than aluminum racks, and also more durable. They can carry heavier loads, and also withstand a beating better. Steel racks are also usually a bit cheaper than aluminum racks.

Next is to consider the accessories. Truck racks are fairly straightforward, but some are more compatible with – or come with – accessories. Do you want something with an integrated headache rack for added protection? Headache racks are great for people who are routinely throwing heavy items into their truck. What about removable cross bars and side rails, so you can customize the truck rack to your hauling needs? These are factors worth considering before purchasing a truck rack.

Finally, you have to decide whether you want a universal truck rack, or a rack that is specific to a model. Model-specific truck racks have the benefit of fitting your truck perfectly, but universal racks are … well … universal. And that's a great benefit, as it gives you more options, and makes it so you can keep your rack even when you change trucks.

Enhance Utility and Convenience

A lot of people think of truck racks as simply existing to help workers or DIY enthusiasts carry larger items in their trucks. And while it's certainly great to have a rack that can carry a ladder, some plywood, and a dozen PVC pipes, truck racks offer a lot more than that.

The utility and convenience of a truck rack can completely transform your vehicle. Your truck will be able to carry so much more, whether it's work-related or hobby equipment. And with many items, it's simply a lot easier to secure them atop a truck rack than inside a truck bed. Even if you just buy a universal truck rack for the occasional time that you have to haul lumber around, you'll almost surely find yourself regularly taking advantage of how useful it is to have.

Top Truck Racks Out There

There are a lot of good universal truck racks on the market, so it's not hard to find a great one that fits your truck and your needs. Here are five universal truck racks that we wholeheartedly recommend.

TracRac Tracone Universal Truck Rack

For an aluminum truck rack, the TracRac sure is strong, as it has a carrying capacity of up to 800 pounds. This model is very easy to install and requires no drilling. Plus, it comes with the added benefits of being made in the USA and being pretty stylish (and available in multiple finishes). The TracRac is also compatible with many accessories.

Weather Guard Steel Truck Rack

On the other side of things, we have a very durable and heavy-duty steel truck rack. Depending on the size of your truck, this rack can have a weight rating of up to 1,700 pounds, which means you can hold a whole heck of a lot of stuff with it. It comes with a removable crossbar to aid loading and unloading, and also has welded tie-down hoops on each leg.

Ecotric Adjustable Track Rack

This rack is a great blend of high-quality durability and a low price tag. Despite being on the cheaper side for universal racks, this steel model can hold up to 1,000 pounds and is very easy to install. It's also powder-coated, which helps it resist the corrosion that gets to many steel racks.

TracRac SL Sliding Truck Rack

This rack has a carrying capacity of 1,250 pounds, which is a remarkable figure for an aluminum rack. But the versatility is what sets this rack apart from the competition. It has a sliding system that greatly increases adjustability, and an optional cantilever to help increase cargo space. Add in that it's the rare truck rack that works with a tonneau cover, and this rack can truly do everything.

Maxxhaul 70233

This is a favorite half-width universal truck rack. If you're only hauling a smaller amount of lightweight items, you can't go wrong with this super-affordable single-side rack.

As you can see, there are tons of great universal truck racks, so you can get to hauling. 4 Wheel Parts is your best source for truck parts and accessories, backed by expert advice and our Price Match Guarantee.