Brothers, Charlie and Bruce Hoch, have invented a new storage system that works with almost any truck and doesn’t interfere with your camper. It’s called STAPLL, and it’s coming to a truck rail near you. What would you STAPLL?
So you’re a truck camper who needs more outside storage. Research reveals a number of options; hitch-mounted cargo carriers that block your entry and kill your departure angle, inconvenient roof-mounted cargo carriers that raise your center of gravity, permanent storage beds, camper ladder mounts that block your roof access, and various sidewall mounts and racks that require you to drill into your precious camper. Oh well. Maybe you should leave your outside kitchen, recovery boards, Rotopax, tools, shovels, fishing polls, and other outside camping gear and stuff at home.
Not so fast! A new company from Durango, Colorado has invented a new and modular way to add exterior storage without impacting your truck, camper, rig handling, departure angle, roof access, or—truck camper gods forbid—drilling into your truck or camper. “Did they invent cabover levitation, matter to energy transportation, or a shrink ray with auto expansion?” you ask. Well, not exactly.
The folks at STAPLL (pronounced stay-pull) created a patented bracket ecosystem that attaches—without a scratch—to the truck bed rails of a pickup, creating both exterior and interior storage options never before thought possible. What’s stored is limited only by what fits a MOLLE panel and the fairly generous weight capacity of the STAPLL system. And the U.S. Army literally created the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) grid system to basically carry anything. In a nutshell, STAPLL creates storage where it wasn’t possible, doesn’t interfere with your truck and camper, and is nearly unlimited in its application.
So you’re a truck camper who needs more outside storage. Now you have a solution that could solve whatever you need to bring without denting your wallet, altering your truck or camper, or compromising your rig’s function or performance. We’ve seen this product in person, and it’s one of the most compelling new camper products we’ve seen in some time. Best of all, we just know some creative mod makers out there are going to take STAPLL in directions Charlie and Bruce haven’t dreamed of.
What would you STAPLL?
To learn more about STAPLL, the company and product, we talked to Charlie and Bruce Hoch, Co-Founders of STAPLL.
Above: Brothers, Charlie and Bruce Hoch, founders of STAPLL
Click here for a STAPLL brochure
Tell us about your professional backgrounds and how that led to founding STAPLL.
Charlie: I’ve been a lifelong entrepreneur. I was selling stuff door-to-door in my neighborhood at nine years old. I’ve been starting businesses and filing LLCs since I was a teenager. Coming out of high school, I embarked on a professional snowboard career with sponsors like Under Armor, Smith Optics, and Never Summer Snowboards. During that time, I was exposed to product development as we tested next year’s gear. Through that, I was introduced to research and development with larger companies.
My snowboard career tapered off when my brother, Bruce, was coming out of college. Together, we had ideas that we wanted to take to market. We decided to go for it and have been starting companies and working together for almost fourteen years now.
We had the idea for STAPLL years ago. I bought a Palomino Rogue truck camper right when that model came out. My wife and I never had enough storage in the Rogue. Since we didn’t have the storage we wanted, we were having debates if we should go to a flatbed, but it was such a commitment, and that’s when the light bulb went off. That was about four years ago.
Bruce and I saw the potential in the truck bed storage concept. We already had a lot of experience in patent strategy, developed the STAPLL design quickly, and filed for patents. In four years, it has evolved into what we sell today. We came up with the name STAPLL because we wanted to become a staple in the industry. I do the marketing, graphics, and branding, and all of our packaging design.
Bruce: I’m a mechanical engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado. I have a background in design, manufacturing, and product development through my career, developing cloud infrastructure hardware, and more recently through my businesses with Charlie. One of my more notable career achievements was during my time at Microsoft, where I was the Mechanical Engineering lead on their GEN6 rack and JBOD design. A big part of my professional experience comes from developing deep, long-lasting relationships with our manufacturing partners.
Four years ago, Charlie and I had been running our other business, but wanted to get into the outdoor space and spend time on the things we’re both passionate about. After we had the idea for STAPLL, we sold the other business and, a week later, we launched the new company. Developing the STAPLL bracket took a while. That allowed us time to prototype and work out kinks before going to market.
Above: A complete Fender Rack – Modular Truck-Rail Mounting System (MTMS) and 48×10 MOLLE panel
Is STAPLL a single product or a system?
Charlie: STAPLL is a system and a platform. The heart of the system is the thread plate, and all of the ways to install, mount, and utilize the thread plate.
Above: The MTMS (Modular Truck-Rail Mounting System) and a 6×7 MOLLE panel. Together they make a Fender Rack.
The Fender Rack is an extension from the thread plate. Our MOLLE panels give the user the maximum flexibility to mount accessories to the side of their truck. Through our careers, Bruce and I have tried to build ecosystems around a defined niche. STAPLL is a premier example of our approach to product development.
Above: The MTMS and a 48×10 MOLLE panel Fender Rack
Bruce: We want to make things simple for our customers. We offer a suite of products around the STAPLL system and will continue to build on that platform. There’s a lot more to come and a lot more to get excited about.
Where are STAPLL products manufactured?
Charlie: STAPLL products are made in China, but Bruce and I are based in Durango, Colorado with our office and warehouse. We do all of our fulfillment, customer service, and installations here in Durango. We also have a showroom here, do our own engineering, and our own website. We do it all.
We’ve worked with our overseas partners for years. We believe in the quality of our products and our partners. With that being said, we would love to bring manufacturing to the United States. It’s a dream of ours.
Bruce: We have developed strong relationships with our overseas manufacturing partners. Over the years, we implemented strict quality control processes. Outsourcing manufacturing gives us the advanced ability to design and test without having the distraction of the complexities of running a manufacturing facility. Through that, we can focus on and hone the design and offer higher-quality products to our customers. 
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Supertramp Flagship HT rig
Why did you choose anodized aluminum and zinc-coated steel?
Bruce: Aluminum is light, and the anodization is both chemically and UV resistant. Steel offers rigidity and strength, and you get more stiffness out of it. We use steel on our brace and MOLLE panels. We use zinc coating on our steel parts in case the powder coat is compromised. That gives the steel an additional corrosion-resistant layer for self-healing protection.
What’s involved in installing a STAPLL system?
Bruce: There are only five steps to mount the main STAPLL bracket. Really, it’s just a handful of bolts. It’s orders of magnitude easier than assembling IKEA furniture. There are no permanent mods to your truck.
Charlie: There’s some planning for the installation to decide where you want to mount the STAPLL system. Once you get the brace and thread plate installed, that’s the main hurdle.
“There are only five steps to mount the main STAPLL bracket. Really, it’s just a handful of bolts.”
How about uninstalling the STAPLL system, say if someone wants to remove the system after a weekend of camping?
Bruce: Uninstalling goes back to the thread plate. You undo four bolts and then slide the accessories off the fender. If you want to completely remove the STAPLL system, you just remove all of the bolts. We view the STAPLL base and thread plate like a roof rack. Most of the time, you remove the items installed on the STAPLL base (Rotopax, etc.), but not the STAPLL base itself.
Charlie: Maybe this weekend, you want the hard case with an outdoor kitchen set-up and camping gear installed with your truck camper. Then you get home, and you remove the hard case with the outdoor kitchen and camping gear and install a different hard case with your construction tools and equipment for work. With the STAPLL system, that’s a quick and easy transition.
Above: Note the rubber spacer that acts as a vibration stabilizer
Will STAPLL scratch or damage a truck bed or camper, especially in off-road conditions?
Charlie: We have collectively done over 150,000 highway and off-road miles of testing with our STAPLL brackets on consumer vehicles. The STAPLL has never dented or scratched a single truck.
The way we prevent scratches or damage is with a rubber spacer, which also acts as a vibration stabilizer. In addition, we provide a high-quality 3M paint protection film for your vehicle. Between the rubber spacer and the paint protection film, there’s no rubbing on the truck.
Bruce: We have put the STAPLL through some serious off-road testing without issue. We then added the 3M paint protection film for peace of mind. There are actually three layers of protection; the paint protection film, neoprene foam, and the hard neoprene rubber. This approach nearly eliminates vibration and protects your vehicle.
Do you need to drill into your truck to install the STAPLL system?
Bruce: Nope!
You offer a money-back guarantee that STAPLL will work with any truck, including any Ford, Ram, Chevy, GMC, Toyota, Nissan, or Jeep pickup. What gives you that confidence?
Bruce: We have successfully installed STAPLL on nearly every make of truck that you can imagine, except Rivian. We are currently working on a Rivian solution. If we ship you the product and we are able to verify it does not fit, we will send back your money.
Charlie: We achieved this universal pickup bed adaptability through the dovetail design between the thread plate and side plate. There’s a lot of adjustment in that approach, which is how it fits different bed rail widths and bed shapes. The maximum range is 9.5 inches, and the smallest is 4.25 inches. That’s why we’re confident STAPLL will fit your truck.
“We achieved this universal pickup bed adaptability through the dovetail design between the thread plate and side plate.”
Above: A STAPLL Clamp Mount
There are two hardware STAPLL Fender Rack kits—the Clamp Hardware Kit and the Track Hardware Kit. How does a customer know which one they need?
Charlie: The Clamp Hardware Kit is for standard bed rails like Ford, Chevy, Ram, some Nissans, and the Jeep Gladiator. They all have similar bed rails with a flat top side and lip on the inside. The Track Hardware is for Toyotas. Those trucks come stock with track rails.
Bruce: We also have informational pages on our website to help the customer know what they need, but we don’t put this burden on the customer when they are checking out. After placing your order, a member of our team will reach out to confirm the year, make, and model of your truck and ensure you are getting the right hardware.
In the future, we may consider making our hardware kits all-inclusive to eliminate this step, but right now, this keeps the cost as low as possible for the customer and also creates a connection point with the customer so we can make sure they are getting exactly what they need.
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Scout Olympic rig
Can STAPLL be used with dual rear wheel trucks?
Charlie: For the dually customer who wants a Rotopax or small hard case close to the cab, a STAPLL system may work. Call us if you have a dually and we’ll work with you.
Bruce: If you tow behind your dually and have the interior of your truck bed open, you could use STAPLL to install items inside your truck bed.
Charlie: If you just want a fishing pole case or a shovel, an interior STAPLL system could work. It comes down to looking at each rig to see if our product can solve your needs.
Bruce: We offer free build consultations on our website and 30 minute consultations on the phone.
Have you been successful in installing STAPLL with both pop-up and hard side campers?
Charlie: Yes. Hard side truck campers are a no-brainer. We have also developed rubber leveling kits for a wide variety of tonneau covers, toppers, and slide-in truck camper models.
Bruce: Some Four Wheel Camper customers need an additional bed spacer to create more of a gap. If you are in a situation where you only have 3/8 inch of bed rail and underside, you can throw in a rubber mat to raise it a half inch. Our bracket is 14mm, so it doesn’t take much space to get it to fit.
What camper brands have customers installed STAPLL with?
Charlie: We’ve worked with Outpost, Lance, Host, Supertramp, Kimbo, and Four Wheel Camper owners. Outpost, Supertramp, and Four Wheel have been awesome testing partners for our products.
We have a lot of Outpost customers because we’re so close to their factory. Customers will come here first to get their STAPLL installed and then go to Outpost to get their camper installed.
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Outpost 6.5 rig
What are some of the more successful and creative STAPLL applications you’ve seen?
Charlie: Storage, storage, and storage. With STAPLL, you can expand your storage and have your stuff within easy reach. And you can store gear, clothing and other stuff with our hard cases.
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Lance Camper rig
Bruce: Our hard case gives you storage, but also a workspace at a campsite for your cooker, or to brew coffee outside your truck. We’ve also seen people mount Rotopax, Maxtrax, shovels, and axes. One of the more creative installs, which I’ve adopted on my rig, is installing recovery boards on the lid of the case.
People have put water faucets on the side via a Rotopax with a spigot adapter. And if you don’t have a grey tank like on a Scout, Outpost, or Four Wheel Camper, you could put a Rotopax below the grey port and funnel your grey water into it.
That’s a fantastic idea. What are the differences in purpose between the 48×10, 6×13, and 6×7 MOLLE panel sizes?
Charlie: The 6×7 is our entry point and works well with a Rotopax or hard case. The 6×13 is an extended version of the 6×7 that can allow accessories to be mounted lower on the fender. Sometimes you need accessories mounted lower to avoid the installed camper. That’s where the 6×13 comes in.
The 48×10 looks cool and you can mount a wide range of accessories on it. If you’re looking for versatility, the 48×10 is ideal. With three sizes, we feel we’ve captured 90 percent of the use cases. We are looking to add more shapes and sizes as we discover more use cases.
How do people know what to get?
Charlie: You can always call or email us with your truck and camper information, and what you’re looking to install with a STAPLL system. Call us at (970) 335-8019 or email [email protected]. You can also schedule a thirty minute phone consult on our website. We love talking to customers and guiding them in the right direction.
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Four Wheel Camper rig
What are some common uses for the hard cases?
Charlie: The hard cases can be your garage storage for ratchet straps, tow straps, a dump hose, or fishing polls. Some customers are buying the hard cases for an outdoor kitchen. That’s a big thing the truck camper marketplace is missing. With our product, you can store your cooker and lid. Then, you’re drinking wine and cooking outside in the most beautiful places in the world.
Bruce: I’ve got an awning, and I keep stakes and tools in my exterior hard case. I also keep my compressor for my outdoor shower in my hard case. It’s also my coffee station. It’s pretty endless.
The cases are waterproof even after installation because we provide weather proof gaskets with the hard case mounting hardware. We have seen some customers decide to add silicone sealant around the mounting bolts, again for peace of mind, but we haven’t found it to be necessary.
What are the dimensions of the large and small hard cases?
The interior dimensions of the large hard case are 50 inches long, by 13.3 inches wide, by 5.1 inches deep. The interior dimensions of the small hard case are 18.1 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 6.8 inches deep.
Can owners use other cases or boxes—like Pelican or Apache—or mount RotoPax, MaxTrax, cross bars, or Quickfist clamps?
Charlie: You can mount any case you want. Pelican, Apache, and Royal cases all work. Our cases have a flat bottom side profile, which makes the mounting to MOLLE panels more seamless and easy. Pelicans have molded feet, so it’s harder. I have ground down the feet on some cases to fit properly.
Ab0ve: A STAPLL system on a Hallmark rig
How much weight can the STAPLL system support?
Charlie: We say roughly fifty pounds per bracket. That’s about five gallons of liquid. If you get the MOLLE panels and a large hard case, you have about 80 pounds of capacity because it’s mounted with two brackets.
What is the Rubber Leveling Kit, and when is it necessary?
Bruce: The Rubber Leveling kit fills the gap between the STAPLL brackets and the bed rail when mounting toppers that sit on the bed rail—like the Four Wheel Camper Project M. The Rubber Leveling kit is a dust and weatherproof solution for using the STAPLL system with a topper.
What does the STAPLL system cost?
Charlie: The entry single STAPLL bracket with a 6×7 MOLLE is $199.99. For an eight foot bed, the STAPLL ranges from $199 to $1,800—depending on the configuration of brackets and accessories you choose. It all depends on your set-up, and what you’re doing. The average STAPLL customer who wants storage on both sides of their truck spends about $1,200 to $1,400.
To get outside truck bed storage by any other means is a lot more expensive.
How does someone purchase STAPLL products?
Charlie: You can order directly from our website. We also sell through a few dealers, like Juniper Overland, Lark Overland, Elite Truck, etc. Also, some camper brands, like Dirtbox, are beginning to include our system as an add-on when building your camper. So, be sure to ask your dealer or camper supplier about STAPLL if you’re interested in additional accessory storage.
Are you actively seeking STAPLL dealers?
Charlie: Yes. We are looking for installation partners. There are plenty of customers who don’t want to do the installations themselves. We’d like STAPLL to be part of the sales process. Dealers can contact us on our website. We also would love to work with factory-direct camper manufacturers.
What is the STAPLL warranty?
Charlie: We have a one year manufacturer’s defect warranty. If you order on our website, you’re automatically registered. If you order from a STAPLL dealer, you need to register within thirty days. Our products are made to last, and we’re going to stand behind them.
If a customer has an issue with installation or setup, can they contact you directly?
Charlie: Absolutely. Call us at (970) 335-8019 or email [email protected].
Does STAPLL make products beyond the STAPLL system?
Charlie: STAPLL is our product line right now. We’re also a Rotopax and Maxtrax dealer.
Bruce: If you’re in the Durango area, we encourage you to come by the shop and see everything up close.
Is there anything more you’d like to share about STAPLL, the company, or product line?
Bruce: The products that we have today are solving a lot of problems. And there’s more coming.
Charlie: What’s coming will greatly expand the STAPLL platform you can buy today. We’re staying with the base system we’ve developed and taking it into new and exciting directions. Today’s STAPLL customers are going to be thrilled with what their STAPLL installation can do for them today, as well as in the future.
For more information on STAPLL, visit their website at STAPLL.com. Click here to request a free STAPLL brochure.
