Utility, stability, and capability. The modular bed rack system from TRUKD is the Jack of all bed racks.

There have been few options to support truck bed capability in the outdoor adventure space over the years. You either went with a classic tonneau cover, or a fiberglass/aluminum camper shell. They were mutually exclusive, with positive and negative aspects across the board.

Today, there are more options available to remedy this conundrum than you can count, with the list getting longer seemingly every day. Every vehicle is set up differently, with the owner’s personal tastes and needs addressed in the gear that has earned its place on the rig. An interesting solution has come onto the market that seemed to check every box for my truck bed cargo needs, and I jumped at the opportunity to try out the TRUKD 18.5” V2 rack system for myself.

Designed and fabricated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from aluminum extrusion with high strength 10-gauge steel uprights and brackets, the TRUKD system is structured to meet rigorous demands from the campsite to the jobsite, and anything on the trail in between. Built with allowable functionality for the use of Tonneau covers, the TRUKD system arrives as a series of components and a QR code directing you to step-by-step instructions (with photos!) to complete the task. From start to finish, it took about three and a half hours to complete installation by myself, using simple hand tools and a set of clamps for a little help.

Assembly is comprised of a series of bolts, machine screws and T-nuts that at first might seem daunting. Included is a tube of blue Loctite and I recommend every drop, and then using some more. Despite my preconceived notion that this rack would shake itself apart; I have driven over 500 miles of the tooth rattling washboard trails here in Arizona, along with well over 1000 miles of the missile testing zones that are the freeways and surface streets here in Phoenix. I can say that I’m beyond impressed with the rigidity of the TRUKD system despite the “nuts-and-bolts” assembly. I have only had to snug up three screws since installation; but as with anything that is subjected to the crucible of the road, periodic inspections are always recommended.

Featuring a series of accessories that allow you to build the TRUKD system any way you like, and a growing online community of folks who use it in their everyday lives for inspiration, the possibilities of the TRUKD system are limitless. For example, I needed a place to mount the antenna for my cell phone booster system. A small piece of angle iron, a few holes, two T-nuts and machine screws, and I have the quick and simple solution.

From carrying ladders and lumber, to roof top tents and kayaks, there are few tasks beyond the TRUKD system’s reach. Utilizing the available aluminum accessory panels, the customization options are endless as you can increase the capability easily. The accessory panels are a blank slate for cargo options, and I look forward to seeing more advancements in versatility from TRUKD in the future.

If you’re the type of person who can’t help but modify your gear to fit every adventure, then the TRUKD system is undoubtedly for you.

To learn more about the modular rack systems and cargo solutions from TRUKD, go to their website at www.gettrukd.com.

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