This guide will help you install your new MULTY® Headache Rack System. As we have multiple methods of installation, please follow the guide of the installation method you are using.
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Please select an installation method from the dropdown above to view step-by-step instructions and videos.
Stake Pocket Installation
The stake pocket method is used to secure the MULTY® Headache Rack System to your truck’s stake pocket holes. This is the most popular method of installation on full-size trucks and is used with some tonneau covers.
Video Installation Guide
Follow our step-by-step video guide to install the MULTY® Headache Rack system to your truck’s stake pocket holes (if equipped)
Step 1: Prepare the base mounts
Locate the MULTY® rack bases and unpackage them. Insert a 4″ full thread bolt through a larger washer, through the slot on the MULTY® rack bases. Thread on 1x stake pocket mounting plate to the other end of the bolt. Repeat this step for both driver and passenger side base mounts.
NOTE: Only thread the stake pocket mounting plates on the bolt until the bolt is just through the other end of the plate.
Step 2: Prepare your truck’s stake pocket holes
Locate your truck’s stake pocket holes and remove any cover that may be obstructing or hiding the hole. This may be easiest with a utility knife.
NOTE: Some trucks may not show where the stake pocket hole is located. You will have to manually locate the hole and cut out the bed rail cap to expose it.
Step 3: Installing the base mounts
Place the MULTY® base mounts on the truck’s bed rails, inserting the stake pocket mounting plate into the truck’s stake pocket holes. Repeat this step for both the driver and passenger sides. Slide the base mounts forward or backward to the position you want them. Hand-tighten the bolts.
NOTE: Make sure the stake pocket plates are grabbing enough surface area under the bed rail surface. You may need to turn them to adjust them so they grab the most surface area.
Step 4: Insert the uprights
Insert the MULTY® uprights into the pockets on the MULTY® bases. Ensure that the slot on the top of the upright is facing the rear of the truck, and that the uprights are curving inwards.
Step 5: Secure the base mounts to the truck
Once the MULTY® base mounts are positioned correctly, use a 9/16″ wrench to firmly fasten the base mounts to the truck’s stake pocket holes.
NOTE: Make sure the stake pocket plate grabs as much surface area of the underside of the truck bed rails.
Step 6: Assemble the top crossbar extrusion
Insert 1x spring nut to each end of the middle slot, and to each end of the bottom slot (4 in total). Ensure that the spring side of the spring nut is facing inward. If you are not installing the window protector, only insert 2x spring nuts to the middle slot of the crossbar.
Insert the top crossbar extrusion through the top of the passenger side and driver’s side uprights on the truck.
NOTE: This may be easier to do with the uprights not inserted in the base mounts.
Step 7: Install the window protector (optional)
Slide the spring nuts on the bottom slot of the crossbar closer to the middle. Loosely fasten the top end of the window protector insert to the spring nuts on the top crossbar using 2x short 5/16″ bolts and washers.
Step 8: Assemble the bottom crossbar extrusion
Similar to step 6, insert 1x spring nut to each end of the middle slot of the bottom crossbar extrusion (2 in total).
Slide the bottom crossbar collars over each end of the bottom crossbar extrusion, and ensure the slots on the collars expose the spring nuts inside the middle slot of the crossbar.
Insert one of the longer 5/16″ bolts through each collar into the spring nut, and be sure to use a washer. Do not firmly fasten quite yet.
Step 9: Secure the uprights to the base mounts
Insert one short 5/16″ bolt and washer through the rear side of each base mount, threading into the uprights. Securely fasten with a 1/2″ wrench.
Step 10: Install the bottom crossbar
Secure the bottom crossbar to the driver and passenger side base mounts by inserting a long Allen bolt through the base mounts and the uprights, threading into the bottom crossbar collars. Do not use a washer. Firmly fasten using a 3/8″ Allen key.
Firmly fasten the width-adjustment bolts on the bottom crossbar collars using a 1/2″ wrench.
NOTE: You may need to apply firm upward pressure on the bottom crossbar to ensure the Allen bolts thread straight through. Also, ensure that the side of the bottom crossbar extrusion with no slot is facing the truck’s window.
Step 11: Center & secure the window protector (optional)
If you are installing the window protector as shown in step 7, center the window protector to the rack system and firmly fasten to the top crossbar using a 1/2″ wrench.
Step 12: Secure the top crossbar
Using a short 5/16″ bolt and washer for each side, secure the top of the uprights to the top crossbar using a 1/2″ wrench.
Step 13: Install the end caps
Insert a 2″ plastic end cap into each end of the uprights. If your crossbar does not allow the end-caps to be installed (truck specific), cap the ends of the upper crossbar extrusions with the black aluminum end caps with the included Phillips screws.
Important Note: Wind noise
If you are experiencing any whistling or wind noise while driving, you can follow these steps to install the anti-whistle plates to the top crossbars of the headache rack.
Remove the end caps and insert 1x spring nut into the top slot of the crossbar extrusion (1x spring nut per anti-whistle plate, up to 4). Ensure the spring side is facing down.
Evenly space the anti-whistle plates (up to 4) on both the headache rack crossbar. If you have accessory mounts, you can space the anti-whistle plates accordingly.
Secure the anti-whistle plates to the spring nuts using the included 5/16″ short bolts and washers. Re-insert the caps to the end of the uprights.
T-Slot Rail Installation Method
Many popular truck models, like the Toyota Tacoma, come equipped with a T-slot accessory rail running beneath the bedrails from the front to the rear of the truck. This installation method takes advantage of the T-slot accessory rail to securely mount the MULTY® headache rack.
Video Installation Guide
Follow our step-by-step video guide to install the MULTY® Headache Rack system to your truck’s t-slot cargo rail (if equipped)
Important Note: Wind noise
If you are experiencing any whistling or wind noise while driving, you can follow these steps to install the anti-whistle plates to the top crossbars of the headache rack.
Remove the end caps and insert 1x spring nut into the top slot of the crossbar extrusion (1x spring nut per anti-whistle plate, up to 4). Ensure the spring side is facing down.
Evenly space the anti-whistle plates (up to 4) on both the headache rack crossbar. If you have accessory mounts, you can space the anti-whistle plates accordingly.
Secure the anti-whistle plates to the spring nuts using the included 5/16″ short bolts and washers. Re-insert the caps to the end of the uprights.
Drill & Bolt
The drilling and bolting method is the most secure and permanent method of installing the rack system to your pickup truck. Note that this does require drilling small holes in your trucks bed rails.
Notice
This guide is not yet available. Please contact us for help with installation. You can refer to other installation method videos for a similar installation process.
Tonneau Cover Accessory Rail
Some tonneau covers come equipped with a t-slot rail for accessories that runs along the length of the tonneau cover frame. This method allows you to install the rack system to that rail.
Notice
This guide is not yet available. Please contact us for help with installation. You can refer to other installation method videos for a similar installation process.
Clamping
The clamping method allows you to clamp the rack system to the inner lip of your truck’s bed rails. This method is quick and works great, but it is not the most secure method.
Notice
This guide is not yet available. Please contact us for help with installation. You can refer to other installation method videos for a similar installation process.
