UPDATED WITH ACCESSORY PICS: Leitner ACS Forged Rack Installed on my 2022 Maverick FX4

[pa-outdoorsman]

Today I installed the ACS Forged rack from Leitner Designs on my 2022 FX4 4K Tow. Let me just say I am blown away by the quality of this product. Yes, it's expensive, but it is absolutely top-notch from top to bottom. Looks great. Powder coat finish melds seamlessly with the black plastic trim on the Maverick and the fit and finish are impeccable. The rack is also extremely sturdy and stable once installed on truck.

INSTALL NOTE: Despite claims to the contrary, this rack DOES require drilling for three rivet nuts on each side (6 total) for the support post brackets. Yes, there are already three holes on each side from the factory, but you have to enlarge them a bit with a provided drill bit and install the rivet nuts. Not a huge deal and really not hard. If you have a drop-in liner like I do, you also have to ream out a slightly larger hole in the liner so the rivet nuts can sit flush against the bed metal. Again, not a big deal and the only semi-complicated part of the entire install process.

Here are some photos of the install, and a link to a YouTube video I just posted. I am really, really enthusiastic about this rack. To me, it just transforms the whole look and utility of the truck, and I can't wait to get all the accessories installed and show you guys how functional this is going to be for hunting, fishing, camping, overlanding, etc.

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[fossil]

Nicest looking rack I've seen for the Mav.
My only issue is the rear braces. Would be nicer if they were in the front of the bed.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Nicest looking rack I've seen for the Mav.
My only issue is the rear braces. Would be nicer if they were in the front of the bed.

My guess is that the braces are back there because there is a dedicated pillar area in the bed right in front of the tailgate that is a natural place for making that connection. In the front of the cab, there is no obvious structural area to do it.

 

[fossil]

My guess is that the braces are back there because there is a dedicated pillar area in the bed right in front of the tailgate that is a natural place for making that connection. In the front of the cab, there is no obvious structural area to do it.

looks to me the opposite may be true

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

looks to me the opposite may be true

Well, you can clearly see the structural pillar in the rear, which is what the supports anchor to. Not sure about the front. There may be something there too (can't see the inside from this photo) but perhaps too much wiring in that area to risk drilling? I figure the folks who designed this are smarter than me and had their reasons.

 

[billbillw]

Seems like overkill to get an extra 150lbs of dynamic off road capacity, but it does look nice.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Seems like overkill to get an extra 150lbs of dynamic off road capacity, but it does look nice.

Looking nice is nice! And the accessory lineup Leitner makes for this rack system is insane. If all you need is two cross bars to throw a kayak or ladder on, there are plenty of cheaper options. But if you want an actual rack SYSTEM that is going to allow you to securely carry expensive gear, add lighting and keep the wires hidden and protected, mount fuel and water containers and much more, there really isn't a lot of true competition for what Leitner does. I'll be posting more on it in the future, but here's a quick peek from a few accessories I mounted last evening...

 

[710-oil-614]

Looks good, too tall for me and the rear braces kill the bed functionality but if it fits what you're doing with your Mav - it looks damn good and looks to be of great quality.

I really like the TRUKD 12.5" towers however I do not plan to put a tent on top of it.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Looks good, too tall for me and the rear braces kill the bed functionality but if it fits what you're doing with your Mav - it looks damn good and looks to be of great quality.

I really like the TRUKD 12.5" towers however I do not plan to put a tent on top of it.

If you think the rear support braces kill bed functionality then you really would not like this system with storage units and other accessories mounted the full length of the bed on both sides. This system is not designed for people who want to haul refrigerators and 25 sheets of plywood in their trucks. But it's really ideal for people who want to be able to put several thousand dollars worth of hunting, fishing, camping or camera gear inside, keep it out of the weather while driving and be able to lock it up and keep it out of sight when you're not with the truck.

Oh, and all that still leaves plenty of room for a dead in the bed! As you said, all about what fits the purpose, and I think this unit will be excellent for my purposes.

 

[710-oil-614]

If you think the rear support braces kill bed functionality then you really would not like this system with storage units and other accessories mounted the full length of the bed on both sides. This system is not designed for people who want to haul refrigerators and 25 sheets of plywood in their trucks. But it's really ideal for people who want to be able to put several thousand dollars worth of hunting, fishing, camping or camera gear inside, keep it out of the weather while driving and be able to lock it up and keep it out of sight when you're not with the truck.

As you said, all about what fits the purpose, and I think this unit will be excellent for my purposes.

You don't have to defend it to me. You love it and you're happy. Congrats bud!

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

You don't have to defend it to me. You love it and you're happy. Congrats bud!

I guess I was, but I was also agreeing with you. It's not perfect for everyone, and lots of folks will be fine with a more basic rack, or no rack at all...

 

[IdahoDirtFarmer]

Once you've got everything drilled and installed, how hard would it be to take off and put back on? That would be the greatest thing since sliced bread for hunting and trapping season but completely in the way for farming season the rest of the year.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Once you've got everything drilled and installed, how hard would it be to take off and put back on? That would be the greatest thing since sliced bread for hunting and trapping season but completely in the way for farming season the rest of the year.

That's the beauty of the Leitner system. Two or four bolts per accessory, and they pop right onto or off of the rails. Leitner uses these angled, rectangular nuts that pop into the rail openings horizontally and then turn vertical to lock the accessory in place when you tighten the bolt.

I can literally add a storage unit to the rack or remove it in 30 seconds.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Oh, and if you wanted to remove the entire rack from the truck, that's just three compression clamps on each side of the truck (one bolt each) and six bolts for the support brackets (3 on each side). I would imagine I could have the rack off the truck in 5 minutes, and probably 15 to reinstall, just because you'd have to pay more attention putting it back on so everything is lined up properly.

 

[J_Garn]

The rear horizontal rack is able to slide back-forth, which is why the struts are required

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