When choosing the right truck bed rack system for your overlanding adventures, it’s essential to consider the benefits of having extra storage solutions. Fragile items like camping gear, cooking equipment, and delicate electronics can be better protected in dedicated compartments. Both the Leitner Active Cargo System and the Kermode Overlanding Pod System offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs. The Leitner system provides a full truck bed rack with separate purchases for pods, racks, and accessories, allowing for customization but potentially leading to higher costs and more complexity. On the other hand, the Kermode system bundles everything together, offering a more streamlined and often cost-effective option. While the Kermode bundle simplifies your setup and saves you from additional purchases, the Leitner system’s flexibility might be preferable for those who need specific configurations. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages, so your choice will depend on your priorities for convenience, customization, and cost.
Manufacturing and Design Origins
Leitner Active Cargo System: Leitner, established in 2007 and based in the USA, designs and manufactures its products domestically. Known for their robust, high-quality truck bed rack systems, Leitner uses customer feedback to continually improve their offerings.
Kermode Overlanding Pod System: Kermode is a newer brand based on Vancouver Island, Canada. Their systems are manufactured overseas, but the company prides itself on a highly personal customer service experience, with the owner frequently involved in transactions.
Sales Model
Leitner: Leitner sells its pod system separately from the rack. While this allows for greater customization, it can lead to higher costs as multiple components need to be purchased.
Kermode: Kermode sells the pod system as a bundle with the rack, providing a simpler and often more cost-effective purchasing experience. This bundling makes it easier for customers to get everything they need in one purchase.
Internal Design
Leitner: Leitner’s pod system offers a wide, open space without pre-determined separations, allowing for flexible storage options. However, to organize your gear, additional gear bags are needed, which can increase the overall cost.
Advantages:
- Ideal for storing large items like camping chairs, long tools, or large coolers without obstructions.
Disadvantages:
- Additional purchases are necessary for gear organization, potentially increasing your budget.
Kermode: Kermode’s pod system features built-in separations, creating three distinct storage spaces. This design is ideal for those who prefer organized compartments but may limit the storage of larger items.
Advantages:
- Convenient for keeping smaller items like cooking gear, tools, and emergency supplies organized and easily accessible.
Disadvantages:
- The fixed separations may limit the storage of larger items.
Customer Experience
Leitner: As a larger company with extensive experience, Leitner provides high-quality products and a more traditional, business-to-customer approach. Their customer service is effective but less personal compared to Kermode.
Kermode: Kermode offers a more personal touch, with the owner actively involved in customer interactions, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. This approach can make a significant difference in customer service experience, especially for new customers.
Product Specifications
Leitner Active Cargo System:
- Material: Roto-molded high-density polyethylene
- Capacity: 40 gallons (160 quarts)
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
- Key Features: Spring activated “Leitner Lid Lifter,” improved water-resistant seal, re-engineered brackets, side-mounted access, key locking, and integrated padlock holes.
- Compatibility: Specifically engineered for the Leitner Active Cargo System
Kermode Overlanding Pod System:
High-Quality Material:
- Made from premium T6063 Aluminum and MOPE ABS.
- Lightweight yet durable structure for all your gear.
Width Adjustability:
- Adjustable width range from 1600mm to 1800mm (63″ to 70.9″).
- Custom fit for various truck beds and storage needs, offering two sizes of boxes depending on the size of your truck.
Impressive Loading Capacity:
- Supports up to 250 KGS (approximately 550 LBS).
- Ready to bear essential gear without wavering.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant seal to protect your gear from the elements.
- Re-engineered brackets for enhanced strength.
- Side-mounted access for quick and easy access to your gear.
- Secure locking with 3 locking latches and padlock hasps.
- Durable construction from roto-molded high-density polyethylene.
- Weight capacity of 150 pounds.
- Spacious storage with 40 gallons (160 quarts) of volume.
Conclusion
While both the Leitner Active Cargo System and the Kermode Overlanding Pod System offer top-tier truck bed storage solutions, directly comparing them can be challenging due to their different sales models. Leitner’s system, sold separately from the rack, allows for more customization but often at a higher cost due to additional accessories. In contrast, Kermode’s bundled approach simplifies the purchasing process and can be more budget-friendly.
Leitner: Ideal for those looking for flexibility and customization in their storage solutions, despite the higher overall cost due to the need for additional accessories. The wide-open space inside the pod is perfect for large items, but organizing smaller gear will require extra purchases.
Kermode: Perfect for overlanders who prefer a more organized storage system and value a personal customer service experience, with the added benefit of a bundled purchase that simplifies the buying process and can be more budget-friendly. The built-in separations make it easy to organize gear, but they may limit the storage of larger items.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences for your overlanding setup. Both systems have their pros and cons, but they are both excellent options for enhancing your truck’s storage capabilities.
