After years of testing tonneau covers, drawer systems and truck accessories, I finally installed a Leitner Designs ACS rack system on my Ford F-150 EcoBoost to see if the growing overland style setup actually makes sense for real-world truck owners.
First Time Installing a Full Bed Rack System
The install started with stacks of boxes filling the garage including the ACS rack system, load bars, HydroPod water tank and multiple storage accessories. Really, I think UPS said it was TEN boxes! While I have installed tonneau covers and Decked drawer systems before, this was my first attempt at installing a complete bed rack setup on a truck.
The system uses aluminum side rails and crossbars that clamp directly to the truck bed. Once assembled, the rack felt extremely solid and secure with very little movement after tightening the hardware. I imagine it would take quite the collision to get them to move.
The setup process took several hours with breaks included due to the warm weather, and well, my wife and I taking out time sorting through the instructions and the multiple accessory kits.
Leitner Focuses on Modular Truck Storage
One of the more interesting aspects of the Leitner setup is the modular design. The ACS rack serves as the foundation, allowing owners to add storage boxes, rooftop tents, bike racks, cargo platforms and additional accessories over time which you can find on their website.
For this F-150 build, the setup included a Gear Pod XL storage box mounted on the side along with removable gear bags and the HydroPod water system. The side storage pod includes locking compartments and weather-resistant seals designed to keep camping gear, tools and other equipment protected from dirt and rain.
The HydroPod system includes a portable water tank with a hose attachment designed for camping, beach trips or cleaning gear after a long day outdoors.
How Much Does a Leitner Designs ACS Rack System Cost?
Pricing for the Leitner ACS rack system varies depending on truck application and accessories. The base no-drill ACS rack system for the Ford F-150 starts around $2,000 before adding other cargo accessories.
The Gear Pod XL storage box, $795, adds additional cost while accessories such as rooftop platforms, bike mounts and cargo carriers can quickly expand the setup depending on how the truck will be used.
While the total investment can grow quickly, the appeal comes from the ability to customize the truck over time instead of committing to a fixed setup from the beginning.
Does the Leitner Rack Make the F-150 More Useful?
Once completed, the rack completely changed the appearance and functionality of the F-150. The added storage and modular accessories created significantly more room for camping gear and outdoor equipment in the empty truck bed.
The setup also changes the overall look of the truck. Some may see it as an overland inspired adventure build while others, such as my wife, may think it gives the F-150 more of a commercial or work truck appearance.
For now, the setup will stay on the truck as I continue testing how useful the rack system really becomes during everyday use, road trips and planned camping trips. We will tow our camper and move some items into the Leitner rack storage bags for easier access once at the campsite or for day trips to the beach.
