Carry ladders and long material over the cab without the weight of a steel rack. The Weather Guard TR801-A DEFENDER is a universal aluminum truck rack rated for 800 pounds that fits most full-size and compact pickups. The over-cab design gives large ladders the length they need, four plastic ladder stops slide into the cross members to keep the load from shifting, and the black ARMOR TUF powder coat over lightweight aluminum stands up to weather and jobsite use. It is an easy-on, easy-off rack for crews that need to haul long loads when the job calls for it.
What's Included:
DEFENDER universal aluminum over-cab truck rack (front and rear crossbars with legs)
Four plastic ladder stops that slide into the cross members
Mounting hardware
Weather Guard installation instructions
Features
800 lb Aluminum Rack The DEFENDER carries up to 800 pounds on a lightweight aluminum frame, so you get real over-cab capacity for ladders, lumber and pipe without adding the weight of a steel rack to your payload. It is a strong, practical rack for a working pickup.
Universal Over-Cab Fit It is a universal rack that fits most full-size and compact pickups, so one rack works across a mixed fleet. The over-cab design accommodates large ladders and long material by carrying them up and over the cab.
Four Ladder Stops Included Four plastic ladder stops slide into the cross members, so you can position them to keep a ladder or bundle from sliding side to side. That built-in load control makes for a more secure, quieter ride.
Easy On, Easy Off The DEFENDER is built for the occasional need to carry a ladder or long material, so it is a practical choice for crews that do not haul long loads every single day. It gives you over-cab capability when you need it.
Black ARMOR TUF Finish A black ARMOR TUF powder coat protects the aluminum from corrosion, chips and fading, giving the rack a clean blacked-out look and long service life through years of outdoor jobsite exposure.
Not For the Tacoma The DEFENDER fits most full-size and compact pickups, but it will not fit the Toyota Tacoma. Check that exclusion before you order so you get a rack that fits your truck.
Fit guidance: The TR801-A DEFENDER is a universal over-cab aluminum rack that Weather Guard lists as fitting most full-size and compact pickups. The one stated exclusion is the Toyota Tacoma, which it will not fit. It carries loads up and over the cab, so check garage, carport and drive-thru clearance before ordering, measure your bed, and keep loads within the 800 lb rating and strapped, using the four included ladder stops to keep the load from shifting.
Specifications
Load Capacity: 800 lb
Series: DEFENDER universal aluminum truck rack
Type: Over-cab aluminum truck rack
Material: Aluminum
Finish: Matte Black powder coat
Ladder Stops: Four plastic stops that slide into the cross members
Fit: Most full-size and compact pickups; will not fit the Toyota Tacoma
Design: Over-cab, accommodates large ladders
Warranty: 3 Year
Shipping Weight: About 55 lb
Product Dimensions: 66-5/8"W x 27-3/4"H x 15-3/4" deep per crossbar assembly
Weight: About 55 lb
Mounting Method: No-drill clamp onto the bed rails
Install Time: About 15 minutes
Made In: China
Installation
Type: Over-cab universal aluminum rack, mounts to the truck bed · Time: About 1 hour · Tools: Basic socket and wrench set; a second person helps when lifting and setting the rack · Difficulty: Easy to moderate, best done with two people
Assemble the front and rear crossbars and legs, set the rack onto the bed so the bars sit over the cab and tailgate, and secure it with the included hardware per the Weather Guard instructions. Slide the four plastic ladder stops into the cross members and position them to hold your load. Because the rack is wide, use a second person for the lift. Follow the official Weather Guard DEFENDER installation instructions for placement and torque, and re-check the mounts after the first loaded drive.
Watch the installation walkthrough:
Resources
Everything you need for your Weather Guard DEFENDER Universal Aluminum Truck Rack, 800 lb, Black, in one place.
Warranty. 3 Year Warranty from Weather Guard against defects in materials and workmanship. Note that this rack carries a 3 year warranty, not the limited lifetime warranty found on Weather Guard's steel truck racks.
Free shipping. This item ships free to the lower 48 states. Because it is an oversized item, it ships by freight and typically arrives in 3 to 7 business days.
Inspect on delivery. Please inspect the packaging before signing. If you see any damage, note it on the delivery receipt and contact us right away, and we will make it right.
About Weather Guard
Weather Guard has built professional-grade truck and van storage in the USA for decades and is the storage brand tradespeople, contractors, and fleets reach for first. Its steel and aluminum tool boxes, ladder racks, and van-interior systems are engineered to survive daily jobsite abuse and keep expensive tools secure and organized.
Known for weather-tight seals, patented locking systems, and heavy-gauge construction, Weather Guard products mount cleanly on work trucks and vans and stand up to years of hard use. The lineup spans crossover, low-side, and saddle truck boxes, ladder and van racks, drawer units, and fuel and utility tanks, so an entire work vehicle can be outfitted from one brand.
Backed by a strong manufacturer warranty and US-based support, Weather Guard is the name pros trust to protect the tools their livelihood depends on.
Authorized Weather Guard dealer. Prestige Truck is an authorized dealer of Weather Guard, so every tool box, rack and storage product you buy is 100% genuine and factory-new, covered by the full Weather Guard manufacturer warranty, and backed by our own US-based support team.
Weather Guard Steel Truck Rack Install
This official Weather Guard guide shows how to install a steel truck rack for hauling ladders, lumber and long loads over the bed. You watch the rack mount to the bed and get tightened down, with the load bars set for ladders and pipe. It gives a clear picture of how the rack goes on and how much it adds to a truck's hauling capability. It is the manufacturer's own reference for setting up the rack correctly.
Weather Guard Headache Rack Install Guide
Weather Guard's step-by-step guide covers mounting a headache rack, also called a cab protector, behind the cab. You see how the rack bolts up to shield the back window from shifting ladders, lumber and cargo. It walks through the hardware and placement so the rack sits square and solid. Coming straight from the manufacturer, it is the most reliable reference for installing and understanding the rack.
Best Upgrade for Your Truck
This is Weather Guard's own brand film about outfitting a working pickup, built on the idea that the truck should already be loaded and organized before the day starts. It puts the bed and rail equipment in the context of a real work day rather than a spec sheet.
Watch it if you are still deciding how much storage a truck actually needs. It is the clearest short look at how Weather Guard boxes, racks and drawer units are meant to work together on one vehicle, and it comes straight from the manufacturer rather than a reseller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on specs, fit and support
Will the DEFENDER TR801-A fit my truck?
It is a universal over-cab rack that fits most full-size and compact pickups, so it works across a mixed fleet. The one stated exception is the Toyota Tacoma, which it will not fit. Since it carries loads over the cab, also check your garage and drive-thru clearance before ordering.
How much can it carry?
The DEFENDER is rated for up to 800 pounds on a lightweight aluminum frame. Spread the load over the crossbars, use the four included ladder stops to keep it from shifting, strap it down, and stay within that limit for safe hauling.
What is the warranty on this rack?
The TR801-A carries a 3 year warranty from Weather Guard against defects in materials and workmanship. Note that this is different from the limited lifetime warranty on Weather Guard's steel truck racks, so this aluminum rack is covered for 3 years.
Why aluminum instead of steel?
Aluminum gives you real over-cab capacity, up to 800 pounds here, without the weight of a steel rack, so it adds less to your payload. The black ARMOR TUF powder coat protects the aluminum from corrosion for a long service life.
What are the ladder stops for?
Four plastic ladder stops slide into the cross members and can be positioned to keep a ladder or bundle from sliding side to side. That built-in load control gives you a more secure and quieter ride.
Is it hard to install?
It is a straightforward over-cab rack that mounts to the bed with the included hardware, and Weather Guard provides an official DEFENDER installation video and printed instructions. Because the rack is wide, it goes easiest with two people for the lift. Re-check the mounts after your first loaded drive.
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