You may know High Lifter® for our deep roots and history in the UTV/ATV suspension and accessory industry, but we know how to work as hard as we play. That’s where the all new N.O.M.A.D™ headache rack comes into the play; transforming your new Ranger 1500 XD into an all-purpose workhorse. Whether you need more space or mounting points to carry gear out on the trails, are looking for a way to add a high mounted winch, to load game after a hunt, or you just need some added functionality while working your land the High Lifter N.O.M.A.D has you covered.
Crafted right here in the USA at our facility in Shreveport, LA, the N.O.M.A.D. is proudly manufactured from durable American steel with a four-stage powder coat and robust design, this rack can take a beating and withstand the most extreme off-road conditions that we often find ourselves in. With multiple configurations to choose from, there is a N.O.M.A.D headache rack for every lifestyle. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, we haven’t even answered the most basic question yet. What even is a headache rack?
What is a Headache Rack?
There are two debated origins of the name “headache rack.” The first is that drivers would complain about hitting their heads on the rack, giving themselves a headache, and the second is that the rack prevents the “headache” of cargo-related injuries. No matter which of these two origin stories is true, there is one thing for sure: the “headache rack” is the name given to a rack that protects the cab, window, and passengers of a vehicle from any cargo that may be moving around in the bed.
The same is true for side by sides, the primary function of the headache rack is to protect the driver, passenger, and rear window from any large cargo shifting around in the bed. In its simplest form, a headache rack consists of a mesh or solid panel that covers the rear window and a frame to hold that panel in place and mount it to the vehicle. Nowadays, most UTV headache racks also have a winch mounted near the top to help load game or other heavy objects into the bed. And even more advanced racks have mounting provisions and options for lights and other features to improve the functionality of your UTV.
Why do I need a Headache Rack?
If you use your Ranger 1500 for work around your property, hunting, or just trail riding, this rack can add much needed functionality to your rig. Use the integrated winch to help load game into the bed after a successful hunt. Load hay bales, feed, stumps or other heavy objects into the bed with ease. The MOLLE panel not only protects the back glass, but it also allows you to easily mount tools, recovery gear, first aid kits, gas cans, and many other accessories to your side by side without taking up valuable bed space.
Here are just a few examples of how a UTV headache rack can be used:
- Farmers/Ranchers – loading hay, feed, fencing supplies, mounting tools and a first aid kit
- Trail riders – mounting recovery straps, snatch blocks, tree saves, axes/machetes to clear brush on the trail, extra fuel, first aid, fire extinguisher, tools
- Hunters – loading feed, game, mounting gear, carrying extra fuel and other tools
- Multi Acre Homeowners (MAHO) – fencing supplies, first aid, loading stumps, hauling logs
What makes this headache rack different from similar products like the Seizmik® Bed Rack? The Seizmik Bed Rack and High Lifter’s NOMAD headache rack do have a lot in common but serve very different purposes. Seizmik’s Bed Rack is available in Full and Half-Height variations that both serve one main purpose: expanding the cargo space of your UTV. The bed rack is good for adding a second layer of cargo space above the bed so that you can carry more gear, whereas the N.O.M.A.D rack can serve many other purposes other than storage.
What sets the High Lifter Headache Rack Apart?
The High Lifter N.O.M.A.D headache rack is proudly crafted in the USA from American Steel. This steel is finished in a 4-stage black powder coat, creating a durable, long-lasting finish. The N.O.M.A.D rack offers incredible versatility and is available in four different configurations to meet the needs of every rider:
N.O.M.A.D. Base
The base model features integrated grab handles on the side to assist with accessing the bed, especially on lifted machines. The sides of the rack have a MOLLE pattern cut into them below the grab handles, allowing you to mount accessories to the side for easy access. Every configuration of the NOMAD rack comes with a 1500lb winch preinstalled. The winch comes with both a wired switch that is preinstalled in one of the four knockout panels on the underside of the rack head, as well as a wireless remote.
The base model might not offer any protection for the back glass, but it still has plenty of functionality. The base model could be the perfect option for hunters. The winch at the top can help load heavier game into the bed that might be difficult to load if you are alone. The grab handles can help you access the back of the bed for any gear you are carrying with you, and you could even mount a small hatchet or other accessories that you need quick access to under the grab handles.
Features of Base NOMAD Rack
- Assembled Dimensions: 55 5/8” w x 12 1/8”d x 33 7/8 h
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Material: High-strength American steel
- Winch Capacity: 1,500 LB with synthetic rope
- Integrated Grab Handle
Optional MOLLE Panel
The optional full-width MOLLE panel protects the riders in the machine as well as the rear window from damage or injury caused by shifting cargo. This panel also doubles as a convenient place to mount gear thanks to the versatility of the MOLLE design. It integrates multiple tie-off points and is compatible with RotoPax, FuelPax, and tons of other MOLLE-compatible accessories.
The base N.O.M.A.D rack with the MOLLE panel installed is perfect for use on a ranch or on a jobsite. The MOLLE panel pulls double duty offering protection and providing more space to mount any smaller equipment you don’t want to have just sliding around loose in the bed. It even has a section left open in the middle so that you can see when backing up or keep an eye on any precious cargo.
Features of NOMAD Rack w/ MOLLE Panel
- Assembled Dimensions: 55 5/8” w x 12 1/8”d x 33 7/8 h
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Material: High-strength American steel
- Winch Capacity: 1,500 LB with synthetic rope
- Integrated Grab Handle
- Mounting Compatibility: RotoPax, FuelPax, tool mounts, etc.
- Added Cab Protection
Optional Lighting Package
The lighting package includes two flush mount 6-inch single row light bars installed at the top of the rack on either side of the winch and two downward-facing lights to illuminate the bed. The lighting package also adds backlighting in the top of the rack to illuminate the red accent panels, adding a bit of flare when you are out on those late night trail rides. All this lighting is controlled by a six switch Carling-style pack, allowing you to install up to 3 more accessories, like a set of Falcon Ridge Cube lights, for some extra lights on the side of the rack. The six Carling switch pack takes up another of the switch knockout panels, but still leaves one knockout panel left if you ever need to install an additional rocker switch.
This lighting package will come fully installed and wired into the rack, keeping the installation simple. The addition of the lights makes the base model of the rack even more capable on those early morning hunts or those late-night trail rides. The two flush mount lights at the top can make reversing in the dark much easier and the cargo lights help you load and unload no matter what time of day it is. reversing in the dark much easier and the cargo lights help you load and unload no matter what time of day it is.
Features of NOMAD Rack w/ Lighting Package
- Assembled Dimensions: 55 5/8” w x 12 1/8”d x 33 7/8 h
- Weight: 105 pounds
- Material: High-strength American steel
- Winch Capacity: 1,500 LB with synthetic rope
- Integrated Grab Handle
- Lighting Options: Two 6” Single Row, Dome Lights, and internal lights.
- Bed Lights
N.O.M.A.D. Rack w/ MOLLE Panel and Lighting Package
With all the options installed, the N.O.M.A.D headache rack comes fully loaded with the MOLLE panel and the lighting package, so you’ll be fully set up for whatever you need. This rack will ship fully wired, assembled, and ready to install on your Ranger 1500 straight out of the box. The protection offered by the MOLLE panel and all of the accessory mounting options make the N.O.M.A.D rack a great addition to your rig no matter what you use it for.
Features of NOMAD Rack w/ Lighting Package & MOLLE Panel
- Assembled Dimensions: 55 5/8” w x 12 1/8”d x 33 7/8 h
- Weight: 115 pounds
- Material: High-strength American steel
- Winch Capacity: 1,500 LB with synthetic rope
- Integrated Grab Handle
- Lighting Options: Two 6” Single Row, Dome Lights, and internal lights.
- Bed Lights
- Mounting Compatibility: RotoPax, FuelPax, tool mounts, etc.
- Added Cab Protection
If you work as hard as you play, the all new High Lifter NOMAD Headache Rack could be the perfect addition to your ride. With all the functionality that you need to put your Ranger 1500 to work and the durability to stand up to harsh environments, we all love to ride in. Visit High Lifter today for more information.
