Outfitted to Overland with Andrew V. of Just Diesels

Before we get into Andrew’s reviews, it’s crucial to fully grasp the concept of overlanding. So, what is it, and how does it differ from off-roading? 

While off-roading is a relatively one-dimensional activity centered on testing a vehicle’s limits and a driver’s technical ability on an off-road trail, overlanding is a multifaceted hobby. Overlanding combines the technical skills of off-roading with the adventurous spirit and resourcefulness of remote camping, typically requiring individuals to pilot a heavily modified vehicle across challenging terrain to reach a remote campsite for an overnight stay. 

Overlanding, in addition to requiring a capable rig loaded with tools and recovery gear, also necessitates a thoughtfully crafted vehicle with everything necessary for an overnight stay in the wilderness. That includes a sleeping setup, a cooler, camp gear, and other outdoor accessories. For additional information on the activity, check out our comparison between overlanding and off-roading. 

The Ideal Overlanding Bed Setup

There’s no right answer when selecting a chassis for overlanding. So long as the platform is reliable, capable off-road, and spacious enough to carry your necessities into the great outdoors, it’s up to the task. 

However, if you ask Andrew, he’d probably recommend a Cummins-diesel-powered RAM HD with a modified suspension system, 37-inch-tall tires, and a tricked-out bed setup to house all his gear, tent, and anything else he’d need overnight. We can’t knock his taste! 

The perfect overlanding truck bed setup requires a couple of key components, namely a sleeping area and secure storage. While some prefer the hassle-free setup of a camper shell or topper, we recommend a premier bed rack system with a roof tent to leave your truck’s bed free for cargo. If you pair these accessories with a T-slot-compatible tonneau cover, you’re left with exceptional security, comfort, and a straightforward setup once you reach camp. 

RealTruck’s Top Overlanding Accessories

Following the recent surge in popularity of the overland market, RealTruck decided to dive headfirst into the hobby with a range of overland-compatible accessories. One of our most popular is the RetraxONE XR tonneau cover, which boosts bed security and provides mounting provisions for our modular bed rack system—the Elevate rack. 

RealTruck RetraxONE XR Manual Retractable Tonneau Cover w/ T-Slot Rails

The RetraxONE XR is a premier, manual-retractable tonneau cover offering exceptional strength, security, and utility—all in a sleek and stylish form factor. 

Manufactured from heavy-duty aluminum-reinforced polycarbonate, the RetraxONE XR will stand the test of time. All alloy components receive a durable black powder-coat finish, minimizing corrosion and enhancing longevity. Retrax’s Trax Rail System is integrated into the side rails, which supply dual T-slot rails for mounting T-slot accessories, like bed racks, gear mounts, and more. 

The RetraxONE XR is the ultimate tonneau cover for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional weather and theft protection, so we sent one to Andrew! Stay tuned until the next section as we check out Andrew’s hands-on experience with the tonneau cover on his fifth-generation RAM pickup. 

Features: 

• One-piece aluminum-reinforced polycarbonate construction

• Durable aluminum tracks and rails

• Sleek matte black powder coat finish on aluminum components

• Trax Rail System accepts most T-slot accessories from name-brand manufacturers

• Low-profile design with flush-mount canister

• Sealed ball bearing rollers provide effortless operation—no moving parts to jam, freeze, or fail

• Weather-resistant design and integrated drain tubes route water outside of the bed

• Key-lockable latch offers unparalleled security

• Locks in any position for maximum versatility

• Spiral track system minimizes wear and tear

• 200-lb. weight capacity (evenly distributed)

• Simple clamp-on installation

• American-made

• Limited lifetime warranty | Prorated after 1 year

RealTruck Elevate Rack 

What better pairing for a T-slot-compatible tonneau cover than a T-slot-compatible bed rack system? Queue the RealTruck Elevate Rack—a tough, stylish, all-aluminum rack featuring adjustable T-slot mounting bases that make installation onto the RetraxONE XR a breeze. 

This heavy-duty, engineered aluminum rack offers a considerable capacity, including 250 pounds while off-road or 750 pounds while parked at the campsite. The rack’s textured black powder coat provides a sleek appearance while resisting corrosion, making for a bed rack that’s as stylish as it is durable.  

For these reasons, we figured the Elevate Rack would be the perfect product for Andrew to test on his overland RAM!

Features: 

• Lightweight and robust engineered aluminum construction

• Durable, textured powder coat finish

• Compatible with tonneau covers with built-in T-slot rails

• Install, adjust, or remove in minutes

• Adjustable, telescoping design locks at 18, 23 or 28 inches

• Integrated T-slot channels accept numerous cargo management accessories sold here

• 750-lbs. static load capacity

• 500-lbs. on-road load capacity

• 250-lbs. off-road load capacity

• Limited lifetime warranty

Real-World Experiences with the RetraxONE XR and Elevate Rack

After a brief conversation with Andrew, we agreed to send both products his way for a comprehensive review aboard his fifth-generation RAM 2500 HD. After all, who better to test these products than the veteran overlander and truck enthusiast? 

While the truck previously wore a BAK® tonneau cover, its standard design required complete removal to mount his Yakima Outpost HD bed rack. To make answering the call of the wild easier, we decided upon the RetraxONE XR and Elevate Rack for their T-slot compatibility. Let’s see how these products stack up against Andrew’s old setup. 

Packaging

First, let’s talk about packaging. Ensuring our products reach consumers’ doors undamaged and adequately packaged is the first step to a successful installation and a happy customer. According to Andrew: 

“The packaging of the parts was phenomenal. Every part arrived in perfect condition, and unboxing was easy.”

Installation

With the packages secured, Andrew’s next step was to install the bed cover and rack system. All RealTruck-made accessories are engineered for as quick and intuitive of an install as possible. Fortunately, Andrew shared our sentiment. After mounting the setup, he had this to say:  

“I was blown away by how easy the RetraxONE was to install. I was able to have the entire installation done in about 30 minutes working alone, which is significantly easier than other bed cover systems I’ve used or seen. It’s a great system, with tons of well thought out features, and the installation instructions were easy to follow.”

Operation

Next, let’s discuss the operation of the bed cover and rack system. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Andrew seemed the perfect test mule for the system. After using the cover for over a month, Andrew proclaimed: 

“The operation of the RetraxONE bed cover is simple and intuitive. The ease of use is about as good as it gets. I’m really happy with the functionality of both the rack and bed cover as a unit and as separate parts.” 

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our review, we’ll let Andrew send us off with a few final words about the products: 

“As far as bed covers go, the RetraxONE has absolutely exceeded my expectations. It’s a clean, well-designed bed cover, but when you add on the flexibility of the track system, it takes things to a whole new level. I love the flexibility of being able to add a bed rack when I need it, then easily remove it in a matter of minutes when I don’t. It’s by far the easiest system I’ve ever had for any truck! 

From installation to use, I’m thrilled with the fit and function of the line. It’s been an awesome upgrade to the truck and a huge help to carry bikes and snowboards without worrying about them getting stolen. At this point, it would be hard to own a truck without a cover like this!”

Between family life, founding his own wheel company, and content creation, we can’t thank Andrew enough for taking the time out of his busy schedule to test out some RealTruck products on his immaculate RAM! 

Be sure to check out his socials and his newly launched brand—Foundation Wheels. For more information on the products in this feature or any other overlanding accessories, contact the experts at RealTruck.