When I picked up my 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, I didn’t just see a truck — I saw a blank canvas. A rig 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 for it, but that rack wasn’t just another accessory — it was the first piece of how this truck should’ve come from the factory.
And honestly, maybe one day it will. A Leitner rack as an OEM option on a Tacoma or Raptor just makes sense. The fit, finish, and functionality of the Leitner system feel factory-level — because it’s more than gear storage. It’s a lifestyle upgrade built for people who live outside the lines.
My Tacoma isn’t a mall crawler. It’s my daily driver, mobile office, and trail rig all in one. It hauls everything from St. Croix bass and walleye rods to Lakewood tackle cases and crates of Minnesota wild rice heading to weekend events and farmers markets. I take it slow on purpose — cruising backroads to hidden lakes, camping deep in the national forests, and soaking in every moment between cast and campfire.
Whether I’m chasing the northern lights or casting for walleye at sunset, this truck gets me there. And with the Leitner ACS Forged Rack, it gets me there organized.
The ACS Forged system is built like no other. It bolts on with precision that feels better than OEM. I’ve had racks before — they rattle, flex, and limit your setup. This one doesn’t. Leitner built it for modularity, strength, and years of real use.
Current Loadout: Gear Pod XL for recovery gear and bug-cleaning supplies, MaxTrax mounted and ready (though I hope I never need them), and an awning bracket already installed for the next phase of the build. Every detail feels intentional, future-proof, and made to handle life up north.
Every part of this rack is well thought out — down to the smallest hardware. Leitner’s customer service is second to none. They answered every question quickly and clearly, and that kind of support matters when your rig doubles as your office and adventure partner.
One surprise has been how well this setup works with my dogs. I’ve got a kennel mounted in the bed, and the rack allows airflow, access, and weather protection without compromise. Whether we’re heading to a wild rice event, camping near Leech Lake, or fishing along the Apostle Islands, the dogs have room to relax while I still have full hauling capability.
The next step? Expanding deeper into the Leitner ecosystem — dual Gear Pods, water storage, and a rooftop tent setup. Once the awning is installed, every forest road pull-off becomes a basecamp. Each upgrade has a purpose — not for looks, but for how I live and travel.
There are plenty of rack systems out there, but none I’ve seen match the Leitner ACS Forged for durability, modularity, customer support, and OEM-level quality. If you’re a daily driver, weekend overlander, fisherman, wild rice hauler, or all of the above — this system adapts. It’s not built for looks; it’s built to work. From towing to trail camping, hauling kayaks to event days, this Tacoma setup is dialed in.
Shoutout to Leitner Designs for engineering gear that just makes sense. The fit and finish are flawless, and this truck finally feels like it’s wearing the equipment it was meant to have from day one.
Stay wild. Stay equipped. All Trails Lead North.