Overlander

[Escape Hatch]

I just got my Leitner Forged ACS today.
Picked it up at the factory.. which I gotta say was excellent. Those guys are awesome.
Shout out to Leitner design!

Ill get some pics up as soon as I mount the rack.

Truck Bed Rack Systems | Rack Systems for Trucks | LEITNER Designs ACS

Leitner Designs manufactures precision-engineered, USA-made aluminum bed racks and roof racks for trucks and SUVs. Built for performance, strength, and modular versatility, our Active Cargo Systems carry rooftop tents, recovery gear, tools, and oversized loads—on or off the road.

www.leitnerdesigns.com

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

[Yeti]

I'm still battling between the new rack, RSI, GFC and Alu-cabin. really it comes down to is any one twice as good as the other? $1.8k for a rack, $3.6k for a RSI, $7k for a GFC and $14k for the Alu-cabin (when available)

I loved my rack until Wyoming taught me a few new lessons plus I'm in my 50s and feel the need to cover stuff.
RSI is releasing (or has released) the EVOa for our trucks. = cover stuff and reduce dust.. but I still need to get to my tent and since CVT is not very customer service focused, I'll be buying a hardtop tent with that. ~ another $4k.
Which puts me in the GFC category. While it's not likely that they'll eliminate dust intrusion, I would be able to step up into my tent from the bed. There isn't much in the way of storage and mounting capabilities, though and getting up to my truck bed is a challenge even at 6'6"
Enter the Alu-Cabin. More space, storage, support, ease of access, dust protection, weight and $$$$. I could set the alucab to have everything attached how I want it and attach/detach as needed.

Now, if I knew whether or not I would be long term happy with the F150 Tremor, I could plan/purchase accordingly.

 

[Cranbery]

I'm still battling between the new rack, RSI, GFC and Alu-cabin. really it comes down to is any one twice as good as the other? $1.8k for a rack, $3.6k for a RSI, $7k for a GFC and $14k for the Alu-cabin (when available)

I loved my rack until Wyoming taught me a few new lessons plus I'm in my 50s and feel the need to cover stuff.
RSI is releasing (or has released) the EVOa for our trucks. = cover stuff and reduce dust.. but I still need to get to my tent and since CVT is not very customer service focused, I'll be buying a hardtop tent with that. ~ another $4k.
Which puts me in the GFC category. While it's not likely that they'll eliminate dust intrusion, I would be able to step up into my tent from the bed. There isn't much in the way of storage and mounting capabilities, though and getting up to my truck bed is a challenge even at 6'6"
Enter the Alu-Cabin. More space, storage, support, ease of access, dust protection, weight and $$$$. I could set the alucab to have everything attached how I want it and attach/detach as needed.

Now, if I knew whether or not I would be long term happy with the F150 Tremor, I could plan/purchase accordingly.

Just looked up the alucab.. that shit is awesome. If I was in an area like yours I would definitely splurge for that, considering you keep the truck at least a decade. Literally solves every problem. I'd use the fk out of that. Get it and post pics!!!

 

[DingDongDoug]

Pics or it didn't happen.

Gonna build the frame tonight and mount it tomorrow.
Got the XL Gearpod and the new HydroPod shower kit.
Gonna be sweet!

Woot!

 

[Fozzy]

I'm still battling between the new rack, RSI, GFC and Alu-cabin. really it comes down to is any one twice as good as the other? $1.8k for a rack, $3.6k for a RSI, $7k for a GFC and $14k for the Alu-cabin (when available)

I loved my rack until Wyoming taught me a few new lessons plus I'm in my 50s and feel the need to cover stuff.
RSI is releasing (or has released) the EVOa for our trucks. = cover stuff and reduce dust.. but I still need to get to my tent and since CVT is not very customer service focused, I'll be buying a hardtop tent with that. ~ another $4k.
Which puts me in the GFC category. While it's not likely that they'll eliminate dust intrusion, I would be able to step up into my tent from the bed. There isn't much in the way of storage and mounting capabilities, though and getting up to my truck bed is a challenge even at 6'6"
Enter the Alu-Cabin. More space, storage, support, ease of access, dust protection, weight and $$$$. I could set the alucab to have everything attached how I want it and attach/detach as needed.

Now, if I knew whether or not I would be long term happy with the F150 Tremor, I could plan/purchase accordingly.

I think the Alu-Cabin is the shizle. But not worth 2x the money only because I have none. Roof Top Tents are a pain in the a$$. I got a ShiftPod III ground tent. No more weight on the roof or wind drag. Easy to leave at home for daily driving. No climbing up and down ladders, and you can stand in it. They are good in the wind, sun and even snow. Set up is pretty fast and easy after you do it a few times. You can leave camp with your truck if needed. As long as you have room it doesn't matter what truck you drive. But if money was no object. I would love to try the Alu-Cabin or go full bed delete with custom camper.

 

[Yeti]

I think the Alu-Cabin is the shizle. But not worth 2x the money only because I have none. Roof Top Tents are a pain in the a$$. I got a ShiftPod III ground tent. No more weight on the roof or wind drag. Easy to leave at home for daily driving. No climbing up and down ladders, and you can stand in it. They are good in the wind, sun and even snow. Set up is pretty fast and easy after you do it a few times. You can leave camp with your truck if needed. As long as you have room it doesn't matter what truck you drive. But if money was no object. I would love to try the Alu-Cabin or go full bed delete with custom camper.

That's pretty slick looking. Or, from a hungry bear's perspective, Mmmm, Jiffy Pop!

 

[Fozzy]

That's pretty slick looking. Or, from a hungry bear's perspective, Mmmm, Jiffy Pop!

Bears are scared of spaceships. And if you have a brave one, bear spray and .45 under the pillow.

 

[Yeti]

Bears are scared of spaceships. And if you have a brave one, bear spray and .45 under the pillow.

lol. I'm pretty sure my snoring is like a damn mating call for Grizzlies. So basically, it's a frisky grizzly that is ready for a snack. Better have a 45/70 under that pillow.

 

[Fozzy]

lol. I'm pretty sure my snoring is like a damn mating call for Grizzlies. So basically, it's a frisky grizzly that is ready for a snack. Better have a 45/70 under that pillow.

Nice, I have always wanted a Henry all weather lever action 45/70. But I alway find something I want more in that $1,300.00 price range. Spaceship needs one ASAP, damn Tremor forums.

 

[Yeti]

Nice, I have always wanted a Henry all weather lever action 45/70. But I alway find something I want more in that $1,300.00 price range. Spaceship needs one ASAP, damn Tremor forums.

The first non-.22 I ever fired.. it kicked so hard it sent my 10 year old butt back to 8 years old.

 

[DingDongDoug]

Took a bit longer than the 2.5 hours they estimate on Leitners site, but I got her all done.

Had to do some drilling in the bed, and the "rivet" system they use for the rear mount is a little fiddly, but other than that it was all just turning screws and sliding in rails.
The install was really simple all in all.
What took most of the time was just me making sure things were right.
I tend to go slow and double check everything more than is necessary.
Its going to make beach trips with the kids this summer and the trip I’m taking to Big Bear next week a ton easier.
Next I’m planning on mounting my Yakima basket on the top to keep my gear up and out of the bed.

I think it looks awesome.

 

[Yeti]

Took a bit longer than the 2.5 hours they estimate on Leitners site, but I got her all done.

Had to do some drilling in the bed, and the "rivet" system they use for the rear mount is a little fiddly, but other than that it was all just turning screws and sliding in rails.
The install was really simple all in all.
What took most of the time was just me making sure things were right.
I tend to go slow and double check everything more than is necessary.
Its going to make beach trips with the kids this summer and the trip I’m taking to Big Bear next week a ton easier.
Next I’m planning on mounting my Yakima basket on the top to keep my gear up and out of the bed.

I think it looks awesome.

Looks great, man.

 

[Muffin_Smasher]

Roof Top Tents are a pain in the a$$. I got a ShiftPod III ground tent.

I have been eying these for a couple months, how do you feel about the quality? Sturdy enough fabric to justify the $1,500-1,700 price tag? Also, will it fit in the 5’6 bed of the tremor diagonally?

 

[Fozzy]

Took a bit longer than the 2.5 hours they estimate on Leitners site, but I got her all done.

Had to do some drilling in the bed, and the "rivet" system they use for the rear mount is a little fiddly, but other than that it was all just turning screws and sliding in rails.
The install was really simple all in all.
What took most of the time was just me making sure things were right.
I tend to go slow and double check everything more than is necessary.
Its going to make beach trips with the kids this summer and the trip I’m taking to Big Bear next week a ton easier.
Next I’m planning on mounting my Yakima basket on the top to keep my gear up and out of the bed.

I think it looks awesome.

That set up is very tempting. Not a fan of the gear pods look, but with two sizes to choose from, the bags and water tank the function is amazing. Let us know how the wind noise is and visibility out the back. Is your bed camera covered?

 

[Fozzy]

I have been eying these for a couple months, how do you feel about the quality? Sturdy enough fabric to justify the $1,500-1,700 price tag? Also, will it fit in the 5’6 bed of the tremor diagonally?


View attachment 3121

I don't have my truck yet and may not get it, but I planned on putting it on the bed rack when I wanted to take it. So I would have room under the bed cover that will already be crowded with fridge, luggage and solar generator.

As far as quality, its just ok. Its not a Springbar by any means. A similar sized Springbar (Family Camper) would be the same money and you would have a lifetime canvas tent. Just like the Springbar it needs to be cleaned and aired out extremely well after use as both are prone to mold and mildew when put away wet/dirty. They both are also heavy. But the main advantages of the ShiftPod is it was designed for desert camping in the heat and dust. It has vents for a portable AC system. They have been used as emergency shelter. Super easy to deploy and handles some pretty good wind and weather without all the noise of a standard style tent. They are growing in popularity, pics from the King Of Hammers there where tons of them out in the dusty windy valley. And I have seen a few YouTubers start using them. Just a new take on an old idea. If I was camping in one spot for a few hours or days its great. Having to set up a Springbar every day would totally suck. Hence the popularity of the RTT. But it may take me a little longer to set up camp with the Shiftpod (not the tent, just moving things in). I end up with a 5 star hotel compared to a RTT.

 

[Badmothertrucker]

Took a bit longer than the 2.5 hours they estimate on Leitners site, but I got her all done.

Had to do some drilling in the bed, and the "rivet" system they use for the rear mount is a little fiddly, but other than that it was all just turning screws and sliding in rails.
The install was really simple all in all.
What took most of the time was just me making sure things were right.
I tend to go slow and double check everything more than is necessary.
Its going to make beach trips with the kids this summer and the trip I’m taking to Big Bear next week a ton easier.
Next I’m planning on mounting my Yakima basket on the top to keep my gear up and out of the bed.

I think it looks awesome.

That is a substantial rack, it does look awesome. You plan on filling out the other side with another accessory they offer?

 

[Escape Hatch]

Took a bit longer than the 2.5 hours they estimate on Leitners site, but I got her all done.

Had to do some drilling in the bed, and the "rivet" system they use for the rear mount is a little fiddly, but other than that it was all just turning screws and sliding in rails.
The install was really simple all in all.
What took most of the time was just me making sure things were right.
I tend to go slow and double check everything more than is necessary.
Its going to make beach trips with the kids this summer and the trip I’m taking to Big Bear next week a ton easier.
Next I’m planning on mounting my Yakima basket on the top to keep my gear up and out of the bed.

I think it looks awesome.

Though it is nice I want something to fill more of the bed. Aesthetically pleasing is important to me, call me shallow if you will but she better be pretty while she cooks me dinner.

 

[DingDongDoug]

That set up is very tempting. Not a fan of the gear pods look, but with two sizes to choose from, the bags and water tank the function is amazing. Let us know how the wind noise is and visibility out the back. Is your bed camera covered?

Hey Fozzy.

I personally like the gear pods look but the shower seems a little funky. But even if I didn't, the function rules the day with me.
I plan on letting the need dictate what I get to fill the extra space. I just wasn't sure if I wanted the roto packs or the gear holders or more pods. Leitner has a lot of different options and I understand that the slotted rail set up allows for other brands as well. Ill fill that space as soon as I figure out what to fill it with.

I am really impressed with the fit/finish of the Leitner gear. I think it looks really tough.

There is no extra wind noise at all. Which was very surprising to me. Not a whistle or whisper that I can hear. I was sure the bulbous shower was going to whistle or hum or something. But nope. Its silent. Windows down too. Nothing. I haven't tried it with the rear window though. I should do that.

Also happy to report that all cameras and sensors work fine. The bed cam shows the rack obviously, but also the bed. No obstruction at the camera level. Even my rear view mirror is hardly obstructed because the XL pod is right behind me, and I block most of it out. I can see it, but I can also clearly see behind me. If the pod was on the other side I think it might be worse.

Only thing of note really, is that obviously the birds eye view does not show the rack in it.. which freaked my wife out. She thought someone stole it.. bless her heart.

 

[DingDongDoug]

Though it is nice I want something to fill more of the bed. Aesthetically pleasing is important to me, call me shallow if you will but she better be pretty while she cooks me dinner.

Thanks!

And by "fill more of the bed" do you mean fill more of the rack space? Or do you mean that you want something that fills up the lower part of the bed like some drawers?

I agree that the rack looks unfilled at this point. I plan on adding a few more items to the rack as I figure out what best fits my need. Once I use it a bit Ill either add a couple more pods or the universal rack and hang tools/axe/air from there. Not sure yet.

 

[DingDongDoug]

That is a substantial rack, it does look awesome. You plan on filling out the other side with another accessory they offer?

Thanks!
And Yessur I will fill it.
I knew I wanted the XL pod, and the shower but I wasn't sure about any other items.
I'm still thinking on what I need to fill the rest of the space.
I think Ill add the universal mounts and hang gear.. but I might add two more pods instead.
I'm gonna use it a bit and let the needs dictate the direction.