Bike bed rack

[wolfie410]

Has anyone used a bike rack similar to this one? I have an '06 Tundra doublecab and want a quick but solid rack for the bed. This seems to fit the bill, but I'm looking for confirmation that it'll hold the bikes securely. Thanks

[scottnmos]

How much is that thing? Damn. You could just always do what I did and get a piece of square tubing from the steel supply place (or home depot) Weld some flat pieces on either end and buy the Yakima or Thule fork clamps. That way you are only out like 40 or 50 bucks....

[wolfie410]

Yeah, it's pricey for what you get, around $120. I'm thinking of building something out of PVC. I'm trying to stick with a rack that doesn't require removing the front wheel. I might go with your idea though...sounds secure, without many parts.

[mccoyms]

I made a very simple rack out of 2X4's with the front fork racks bolted to it. It was very stable, and didn't take up a lot of space when not in use. All I had to do was place it in the bed of the pickup.

[toolowtrh]

What about regular tie downs? I used to use them all the time when I rode mtn bikes. They worked fine.

[wolfie410]

Originally Posted by toolowtrh

What about regular tie downs? I used to use them all the time when I rode mtn bikes. They worked fine.

I'm not sure how secure this would be, given that I'm taking 4 bikes. How do you normally use the tie downs...do you anchor them to the four corners?

Thanks

[wolfie410]

Alright, I just bolted two of these fork clamps (Delta) to a 2x4. Then I can use some ratcheting tie downs to ensure that the back ends of the bikes stay put. I should be able to secure the kids' bikes by bungeeing them to our bikes. Thanks for the suggestions.

[toynut]

I've used different types of bikes racks for my truck. from the roof rack style to the truck bed bar where you need to remove the front tire. I've come to find out the one I use the most is the bike rack you just mount on the truck hitch. I'd like to use this but it's a bit too pricey so i ended up using this.

[wolfie410]

Originally Posted by toynut

I've used different types of bikes racks for my truck. from the roof rack style to the truck bed bar where you need to remove the front tire. I've come to find out the one I use the most is the bike rack you just mount on the truck hitch. I'd like to use this but it's a bit too pricey so i ended up using this.

I agree. I used to have a similar hitch mounted rack, but we had an incident. It was mounted to a hitch on the back bumper of our travel trailer. It was a great setup and worked flawlessly, that is until the back bumper peeled off. I like the idea of the bed rack, so that I can keep an eye on the bikes on a long trip.

[toynut]

I used to use this until i got tired of taking the front wheel off and also my new (at the time) mnt bike ...I couldnt take the wheel off anyways...cannondale prophet. Anywho, that saris rack is pneumatic...which is pretty cool...it'll go as far as the bed wall and wont let you push too far into your truck bed to where you may have a possibility of denting the bed wall. i have seen a couple people's truck bed dented due to their mechanical/rachet style rack. Maybe they just didn't know when to stop idk...just something to think about. Also, i use it as a cargo holder as well. I have seen the ones that pushes up on the bed rail...I kinda like the fact that the one I have can double as a cargo holder. Just my $.02. Just some extra info.....been through alot of bike racks and wouldn't want someone to go through the amount of $$ spending i did to end up with what i got.

If you do a search for the rack I am sure you could find someone that sells it for less....Oh...if you do get it, might i suggest the optional lock kit for it.