By Terry Houin
The age-old conundrum with pick-ups. What do I do with the back for storage and security? If you visit forums like I do, you’ll quickly realize this is one of the top questions often only overshadowed by “what’s the best tire” or “best suspension setup for a Tacoma.”
I’ve had a number of pickups over the years and this question is always at the top of the list when I get a new truck, and there’s still not a lot of options. You can leave the bed open, putting you high on the room scale but low on the security scale. There’s toppers or caps, kind of like soda or pop, depending on what your local vernacular is for these, and they are lower on room but higher on the security scale. Then you get into all kinds of tonneau cover variations, which give you security for a smaller space when closed or open for more space but low security. But now in more recent years you have some options like the Leitner Designs rack systems offering modularity to fit your needs.
I’ve traditionally been a cap guy, giving me enough space for my gear and keeping it locked up and out of the weather. This system has served me well, but you seem to run out of room quickly with two dudes, their elk gear, coolers, and if you’re successful you have to get creative strapping down the elk rack somewhere that the meth heads can’t steal it easily while you’re at the gas station headed home.
For the Tacoma I wanted to switch it up, and after discussions with the team at Leitner Designs we had a plan that allowed bed space in the smaller truck. Lockable storage for my sensitive items and other gear I typically have in my bed. Security for the larger items in my bed when I’m traveling and a couple different options for up top. Along with the Active Cargo System (ACS) Forged rack and accessories, they also connected me with Baja Designs for some additional lighting for around the trailhead and in the bed.
The Build
For the Tacoma I had a few must-haves for the Leitner Designs build. #1: it needs to look cool. #2: it needs to have some lockable storage. #3: it needs modularity to fit different adventures.
The base is the ACS Forged no drill rack. This was very easy to put together and install by myself; it will act as the framework for the accessories. I also added the adjustable load bar, which allows me to slide it forward and out of the way if I want load a motorcycle or refrigerator in the bed.
For my lockable storage I added the GearPOD HD on the driver’s side. The HD is a diamond plate aluminum storage box that will fit several firearms or spotting scopes and keep them dry, secure, and easy to get to. On the other side I have the GearPOD Dual roto molded storage box, which will house my vehicle kit, some extra first-aid, and whatever else I feel like I need to keep out of the elements.
Along the security theme, because I want to keep my rifle cases from walking away, I have the HeadBANGER installed at the front of the bed and the GateKEEPER locking rear gate, which keeps any randos from reaching in and making off with any larger items.
Now you might be thinking, “But Uncle T, the scumbags could just reach over and pull those fine Condition 1 cases out from above.” Well, I’m way ahead of you, so I threw on an ACS ROOF, which is an entire roof rack for additional storage when I shoot my next big bull and need a place to strap down the rack. The roof rack prevents anyone from getting in the bed but also gives this guy a place to glass or shoot from if needed.
Other goodies I added into the mix. Starlink mini mount—even on adventures we have work that needs to get done. Extra tie down links for the bed and more coming for the ACS ROOF. GearBAG G2’s for organizing my crap inside the GearPODs. And a Universal Mounting plate for adding some extra RotoPax fuel or water tanks, and it also closes off the small side opening.
The Lighting
This is where I’m a newb, as I haven’t really added lights to my other rigs. After a long and educational chat with the guys at Baja Designs, we had a plan.
Up front on my Southern Style bumper I have a 20-inch S8 amber light bar. I also replaced my stock fog lights with the Squadron-R 2.0 Sport fog lights, again in amber. Inside the bed I have the Toyota Bedrail Cargo light kit consisting of 4×400 lumen rock lights, shedding plenty of light on my gear. I also wanted corner lights on the rack for illuminating the area around the Tacoma while at the trailhead or campsite. For this we went with 4xS2’s for the corners. All these new lights will be controlled through the Bantam X (dang backorders).
Uncle T’s Takeaway
So far, I’m loving this and can’t wait to finish up the lighting from Baja Designs, which should help a ton as we roll into the hunting seasons.
The modularity of the Leitner Designs ACS will be fun to play with and learn what setups fit best for different adventures. I can see the GearPOD HD as a constant, but the rest will be fairly fluid as I use it and make adjustments.
Bottom Line— don’t feel like you must be stuck with just one setup for your truck. Plan out how you want your rig setup for primary use and see if a modular system like mine might be a better option.
