When I picked up my 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, I didn’t just see a truck — I saw a blank canvas. A rig that was begging to be built with purpose. Within hours of driving it off the lot, I was already on the phone with Leitner Designs, asking about the ACS Forged rack and how soon I could get one. I had to save up for it, but that rack wasn’t just an accessory — it was the first piece of what I believe is how this truck should’ve come from the factory.
And if we’re being honest, maybe one day it will. A Leitner rack as an OEM option on a Tacoma or even a Ford Raptor? It makes sense — because the fit, finish, and functionality of the Leitner system is that good. It’s not just gear storage. It’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Built for the North: Fishing, Wild Rice & Forest Roads
My Tacoma isn’t a mall crawler. It’s my daily driver, my mobile office, and my trail rig, all in one. It hauls everything from St. Croix bass and walleye rods to Lakewood tackle cases packed with lures. I take it slow on purpose — cruising backroads to hidden fishing spots in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, parking at national forest campgrounds, and loading up with wild rice before hitting a weekend event or farmers market.
Whether it’s chasing the northern lights or casting for walleye at sunset, the Tacoma gets me there. And with the Leitner ACS Forged rack, it gets me there organized.
Leitner ACS Forged: Fit, Finish, and Function
Let’s talk about this rack.
I run the ACS Forged system because it’s as tough as the trails I drive. It bolts on with a precision that honestly feels better than OEM. I’ve had racks before — they rattle, they flex, they limit your setup. But not this one. The Leitner rack is designed with modularity and long-term use in mind.
Current Loadout:
- Gear Pod XL: My go-to for storing recovery gear, bug-cleaning supplies (because night driving in the North = windshield carnage), and trail essentials.
- MaxTrax: Haven’t needed them yet (knock on wood), but they’re mounted and ready.
- Awning Bracket: Waiting on the awning, but already prepped. The modularity makes adding accessories feel future-proof.
Every part of this rack has been well thought out — down to the smallest hardware. Leitner even answered all my questions, patiently, multiple times. That kind of support matters, especially when your rig is your daily driver and trail companion.
Dog-Approved Design
One thing I didn’t expect? Just how well this setup would work with my dogs.
I’ve got a kennel mounted in the bed, and the rack allows for airflow, access, and shelter — all without compromise. Whether we’re heading to a wild rice event, camping near Leech Lake, or fishing near the Apostle Islands, my dogs are as much a part of the journey as the gear.
And the best part? The Leitner rack’s design gives them room while still letting me haul everything I need.
What’s Next?
I’ve got big plans. The next mod? Going deeper into the Leitner ecosystem — more accessories, dual Gear Pods, water storage, and a full rooftop tent once I decide which brand to go with. The awning setup is also on its way. Once installed, it’ll turn any backcountry stop into a comfortable basecamp.
If you’re reading this and you’re still on the fence about building out your Tacoma — just do it. I wish I’d done all these mods sooner. Every part of this setup serves a purpose. And when you live part-time on the road, that matters.
Final Thoughts: Why Leitner?
There are a lot of bed rack systems out there. But none I’ve seen match the Leitner ACS Forged for:
- Durability
- Modularity
- Customer support
- OEM-level quality
If you’re a daily driver, overlander, weekend fisherman, wild rice hauler, or all of the above — this rack system adapts. It’s not just built for looks. It’s built to work. And in my world, everything needs to work. From hauling gear to running events, or parking at a trailhead deep in the woods — this Tacoma setup is dialed in.
Shoutout to Leitner Designs for engineering something that just makes sense. The fit and finish are flawless. And honestly? This truck finally feels like it’s wearing the gear it was meant to come with from day one.
Stay wild. Stay equipped. All trails lead north.