“Hybrid” rack

[Borismtngoat]

So, I have a dilemma and hope to get some ideas for my build:

I currently have a 21 Willys Ecodiesel (2nd owner). I bought it in hopes I could build it into a daily driver/work truck but be able to overland on occasion. I’ve started looking into racks and landed on an XRT from Xtrusion. The goal is to have the ability to mount ladders, preferably off the side of the rack, so they are much easier to access. I’m thinking molle panels. When I’m not using the ladders I could swap to a different attachment for say roto packs or cargo boxes.

I also feel like I saw an attachment to molle for the Milwaukee Packout gear and didn’t know if I was correct or dreamt that one up. If anyone could help me out, I’d appreciate the feedback. I’d love to have two trucks but that’s not feasible. Trying to make the best for both. Thanks.

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[1stXMan]

You probably can't go wrong with the Xtrusion rack. It will likely be the most versatile.

I'm a fan of Leitner designs because of their sliding roof rails so you can use the entire bed. If Xtrusion could match this feature, you'd have the best rack.

Rebel Offroad offers a rack with optional skins that turn it into a canopy topper style. Quite a bit of flexibility to be had, but it wouldn't be cheap with all the options.

Rock Slide Engineering just released their new overland rack for the Gladiator. It was at SEMA 2023 and is now listed on their website for pre-order. I don't know about quality and weight with their product yet, but the design is very interesting. The cross bars are removable and it's supposed to be compatible with some tonneau bed covers. I'm looking at this to see if will work with my Softopper.

As for Milwaukee Packout, I'm a fan too and the sky is the limit there. There are several packout cleats available online from 3d printed to billet aluminum. You can mount a packout panel to anything of course, but the cleats would be cleaner.

 

[Borismtngoat]

That’s great info, thank you!
Have you seen any brand of cleats that seem to work better than others for the Packouts or have you used any? I might have a buddy print me some to try out.

 

[MSFTMatt]

So I had an Xtrusion rack on my F150, rack still for sale?, and was very very happy with it. I had the MOLLE panels on one side as well. I’m not familiar with the Milwaukee pack out stuff you’re referring to but the panels make it where you can virtually mount anything in any configuration. Xtrusion has also added a lot of features like sliding panels and such since I bought mine.

 

[1stXMan]

That’s great info, thank you!
Have you seen any brand of cleats that seem to work better than others for the Packouts or have you used any? I might have a buddy print me some to try out.

I've only used some cheap ones from Amazon if not using the Milwaukee panel. Search for packout feet and packout cleats and you'll see many options. Your use case may dictate something other than cheap plastic, but they work for me.

 

[djthumper]

I too am a fan of Leitner Design rack. It is very versatile and you can build the ladder racks how you would like it. a few minutes of time you can swap out panels or Gearboxes.

 

[Borismtngoat]

I too am a fan of Leitner Design rack. It is very versatile and you can build the ladder racks how you would like it. a few minutes of time you can swap out panels or Gearboxes.

Looks great, the only problem for me is I’d like to have to tonneau cover and don’t think I can do that with the Leitner. Unless I’m missing something. I know they have a brace bar on the bulkhead and the rear by the tailgate.

 

[NotSo Bright White]

I have the Builtright molle panels in my bed and they sell a cleat made for the Milwaukee Pack Out boxes. I don’t know if the are compatible with other molle panels but food for thought.

https://builtrightind.com/products/mount-for-milwaukee-packout-system

 

[djthumper]

I have seen a few guys with a tonneau, you can also enclose it.

 

[Borismtngoat]

I have seen a few guys with a tonneau, you can also enclose it.

I’m intrigued and will now have to dive deeper. I’m pretty sold on the BAK Revolver 4xs

 

[djthumper]

I did quite a bit of research before I pulled the plug on the rack. They have also added more accessories for it. https://www.leitnerdesigns.com/

 

[Borismtngoat]

I definitely appreciate that info.

 

[1stXMan]

Looks great, the only problem for me is I’d like to have to tonneau cover and don’t think I can do that with the Leitner. Unless I’m missing something. I know they have a brace bar on the bulkhead and the rear by the tailgate.

Leitner has a cover compatible version, but I believe the load limits are different. It won't be as heavy duty.

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