LEITNER DESIGNS ACS FORGED BED RACK - JEEP GLADIATOR (2020-2025)
LEITNER DESIGNS ACS FORGED BED RACK - JEEP GLADIATOR (2020-2025)
SKU: 00-5.0NSA-1596
LEITNER DESIGNS ACS FORGED BED RACK - JEEP GLADIATOR (2020-2025)
SKU: 00-5.0NSA-1596
$1,850.00
Leitner Designs Active Cargo System Bed Rack For Jeep Gladiator
Looking to transform your Jeep Gladiator into the ultimate overlanding machine? The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED bed rack is exactly what you need. This isn't just another truck bed rack. It's a complete cargo management system that's been battle-tested through hundreds of thousands of off-road miles over five years of development.
We're talking about a no-drill, bolt-on installation that takes the hassle out of upgrading your rig. The Leitner ACS bed rack fits perfectly on 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiators equipped with the Trail Rail System, giving you a rock-solid platform for mounting everything from rooftop tents to camping gear.
What makes this Leitner bed rack stand out from the competition? It's the combination of aircraft-grade aluminum construction, modular design, and genuine American manufacturing. Built in Corona, California, this rack represents the pinnacle of truck bed cargo systems.
What Is The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED?
The ACS FORGED is Leitner's next-generation Active Cargo System. It builds on the legendary durability of the original ACS Classic while incorporating modern engineering improvements. Think of it as the evolution of an already proven design.
This Jeep Gladiator bed rack features single-piece aluminum alloy uprights that eliminate weak points. Combined with custom Grade 10.9 alloy steel fasteners, you get a system that can handle serious abuse without breaking a sweat. The black Zi-Ni coating on every bolt isn't just for looks. It's the toughest coating on the market, and each fastener comes pre-treated with Loctite to prevent loosening under extreme vibration.
The NDNS designation means "No Drill, No Slide." Since this version bolts directly to your Gladiator's existing Trail Rail System, the rear load bar stays fixed in position. This makes it perfect if you're planning to keep a rooftop tent or other permanent gear mounted on your rack.
Leitner Bed Rack Key Features
Bolt-On Installation
Forget about drilling holes in your truck bed. The Leitner Designs bed rack mounts directly to the factory Trail Rail System on your Gladiator. This means a clean installation that won't void warranties or create potential leak points. You can have this rack installed and ready to go in a few hours.
Premium Aluminum Construction
At just 85 pounds, this rack won't weigh down your Gladiator like heavy steel alternatives. But don't mistake lightweight for weak. The aluminum alloy construction delivers serious strength while keeping your center of gravity low and fuel economy reasonable.
Grade 10.9 Fasteners
Every bolt, nut, and washer in this system is specially designed and manufactured for the ACS FORGED. The black Zi-Ni coating resists corrosion better than standard hardware, and the pre-applied Loctite means you won't be constantly retightening bolts after rough trails.
Quad-Rail Load Beam Design
Those 2.0-inch square load bars aren't just thick tubes. They feature four T-slot channels—two on top, one fore-aft, and two on the bottom. This gives you endless mounting options for accessories, tie-downs, and cargo management solutions.
Universal Accessory Compatibility
The Leitner ACS works seamlessly with Thule, Rhino-Rack, and Yakima accessories. Already own crossbars or cargo carriers from these brands? They'll mount right up. This compatibility saves you money and expands your options.
DECKED System Compatible
Running a DECKED drawer system in your truck bed? No problem. The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED works perfectly with DECKED storage, giving you the best of both worlds—organized storage below and cargo capacity above.
Optional GearPods
Want locking, weather-resistant storage within easy reach? Add Leitner's patented GearPods (US Patent 10259508). These sleek storage boxes follow your vehicle's body lines, reducing wind noise while keeping your gear secure and dry.
Leitner Designs ACS Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 85 lbs |
| Height from Bed Caps | 23 inches |
| Load Bar Size | 2.0" square |
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Fasteners | Grade 10.9 black Zi-Ni coated |
| Off-Road Dynamic Capacity | 400 lbs |
| On-Road Dynamic Capacity | 800 lbs |
| Static Capacity (Parked) | 1,400 lbs |
| Finish | Dual-stage powder coated |
| Manufacturing | Corona, California, USA |
| Patent | US Patent 9586629 |
Weight Capacity Explained
Understanding weight ratings is crucial for safe operation. The Leitner bed rack offers three different capacities depending on how you're using it.
The off-road dynamic rating of 400 pounds applies when you're actively driving on rough terrain. This conservative number ensures everything stays secure when you're bouncing over rocks and ruts.
The on-road dynamic rating of 800 pounds gives you more capacity for highway driving. This is perfect for road trips with bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes mounted up top.
The static rating of 1,400 pounds is what matters when you're parked at camp with a rooftop tent. This massive capacity means even the heaviest hardshell or soft-shell tents are no problem. You can comfortably sleep in your rooftop tent without worrying about stressing the rack.
Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack Installation
Installing the Leitner Designs ACS on your Gladiator is straightforward, especially since it's designed specifically for the Trail Rail System. You won't need specialized tools or fabrication skills.
Here's what the process looks like. First, position the side rails over your factory Trail Rail mounting points. Leitner's precision laser-cut design ensures perfect alignment every time. Next, secure the mounting hardware using the provided stainless steel bolts. These thread directly into the Trail Rail system—no drilling required.
After the rails are mounted, slide the crossbars into the side rail channels. You can position them wherever you need based on your cargo requirements. Finally, add the wind deflector by sliding T-nuts into the aluminum extrusion slots.
The whole installation typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on whether you're adding accessories. Leitner provides detailed instructions with every rack, and installation videos are available on their YouTube channel.
One important note: This rack requires the Trail Rail System that comes standard on many Gladiator models. Make sure your truck is equipped with this feature before ordering.
Modular Design Benefits
The real genius of the Leitner ACS lies in its modularity. Those crossbars aren't welded in fixed positions. You can slide them to any position along the side rails, giving you custom spacing for whatever you're carrying.
Hauling a motorcycle? Space the bars to support the tires. Mounting a rooftop tent? Position them according to the tent's mounting points. Need to carry lumber or kayaks? Adjust the spacing to maximize stability.
The T-slot channels in every crossbar accept standard T-nuts and bolts, making it easy to attach custom mounts, light brackets, or tie-down points exactly where you need them. This flexibility means the rack grows with your needs instead of limiting what you can carry.
Compatible Accessories
The Leitner bed rack opens up a world of possibilities for your Gladiator. Rooftop tents mount easily thanks to the strong static weight capacity. Brands like CVT, Roofnest, iKamper, and Tepui all work perfectly with this system.
Bike racks, kayak carriers, and cargo boxes from Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack bolt right on. The quad-rail design gives you multiple mounting points, so you can carry bikes and kayaks at the same time.
Recovery boards, off-road lights, and jerry can holders all find a home on the Leitner ACS. The accessory ecosystem is constantly growing, with new products designed to work with this rack hitting the market regularly.
Don't forget about Leitner's own accessories. Their GearPods provide locking storage, while their light mounts and table brackets are designed specifically for the ACS system.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No-drill installation preserves your truck bed and maintains resale value
- Lightweight aluminum construction won't kill your fuel economy or handling
- Massive 1,400-pound static capacity handles even the heaviest rooftop tents
- Modular crossbar system adapts to whatever you're carrying
Cons:
- Requires Jeep Gladiator Trail Rail System for installation
- Fixed rear bar means no sliding functionality for loading motorcycles
Why Choose Leitner Designs?
Leitner Designs has been perfecting truck bed racks for years. The ACS FORGED represents the culmination of real-world testing in the harshest conditions imaginable. This isn't a rack designed by engineers who've never left the pavement. It's built by people who actually use their trucks for serious adventures.
The American manufacturing matters too. When you buy from Leitner, you're supporting jobs in Corona, California, and you're getting a product that meets strict quality standards. The limited lifetime warranty backs up that confidence.
Compare this to imported racks that might save you a few bucks upfront but use inferior materials and questionable construction methods. The Leitner ACS will still be on your truck long after cheaper alternatives have failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rack fit all Jeep Gladiators?
This rack fits 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiators equipped with the Trail Rail System. The Trail Rail System is required for installation.
Can I mount a rooftop tent on this rack?
Absolutely. With a 1,400-pound static capacity, this rack easily handles any rooftop tent on the market. Just make sure to distribute the weight evenly across the crossbars.
Will this void my factory warranty?
No. Since this is a bolt-on installation using factory mounting points, it won't void your warranty. Always check with your dealer if you have specific concerns.
How long does installation take?
Most people complete installation in 2-4 hours. Having a second person to help lift the assembled rack makes the process easier.
Is the rack compatible with tonneau covers?
The rack sits above the bed rails, so it's not compatible with most tonneau covers. You'll need to choose between rack functionality and bed cover protection.
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