Hauling bikes in the bed?

I recently traded my Quicksand 4Runner Pro for a new Blue Tacoma Pro. Initially I was wondering if I had made a mistake. About a month ago I had the TSB 0058-18 installed and it has been feeling much better as the miles add up. Maybe I am just adjusting my driving style but whatever it takes.

My question is about hauling bikes in the bed. The whole point in having a truck is to haul stuff in the bed. I bought the missing rail that goes on the forward part of the bed. As far as I can tell the best way to mount my bike is to use the Rocky Mount Hot Rod since I have a Thru-Axle bike.

Before I submit my order I figured I would see if anyone else had another setup they were using with the rail system.

Thanks in advance.

 

My favorite method of carrying bikes in the bed is a pad with them tossed over the tailgate. Takes up less room in the bed than the missing rail, and is cheaper.

 

I have a Yakima Rack mounted on some bed bars, it works great and you still have bed space too.

 

Mounted Yakima crossbars over my bed. This way still have the bed to haul stuff.

 

Got the same truck. Wanted to maintain the bed storage so I went KB Voodoo Hi Rise.

 

I run a generic thru-axle bike mount on the front bed rail. It works great.

 

My vote is for a hitch rack. That way you can still utilize 100% of your truck bed. Second, would be the pad for the tailgate.


Edit: Real easy to load too.

 

Well if you have an OEM Roof Rack Yakima Frontloader or Highroller bike mounts will fit it no problem. I have an Outboard Bike Mount from a Fab Guy who does not make them anymore, but I am on the process of seeing if I can change that.

 

Looks good up on the roof.

 

Actually have a full Yakima Roof Rack in the basement that I will put on in the Spring to put bikes on as well.

 

Not my truck, but this is what I have from TruckCoversUSA. Incredible hard rolling tonneau that keeps the bed dry/lockable and you can snap on the yakima bars which will give you easy ability to put on rocky mounts or yakima front loaders (what I use). Very modular and easy to take the bars and attachments off when you need to haul larger loads. Downside, pricey if you don't need/want a nice tonneau in the process.

 

I used to place my bike in at an angle and secure with straps. Now I have a Yakima hitch mounted rack.

 

Thanks for all of the responses.

I do have a hitch rack already but I am looking for a solution to put two bikes in the bed. Looks like I may have assumed that the bed rail made the most sense.

I am also considering the tailgate mat but don't want to worry about scratching the paint on the outside of the tailgate. I know it is a sissy move since it is a truck and all.

 

Just make sure if you buy a tailgate pad to buy the one that fits the tailgate correctly and then make sure it has straps to hold the downtube securely, usually doesnt move much.

 

Nope not even close to that high but I don't have the OEM Roof Rack anymore anyways or the 2 Yakima Bike Racks so not worried.

 

There's a few different options for making your own out of 2x4s or PVC piping, home made bike rack search will bring 'em up. I figure the PVC would be more than strong enough but if you want the ease of wood that would be fine too. Here's a PVC example https://www.instructables.com/id/Truckbed-Bike-Rack/ which looks pretty sweet and could probably be made more secure than what it is in the link.

 

I use rail mounted fork mounts to carry my road bikes all the time and it works just fine. I would get the Hot Rod Mounts with their track mounting hardware kit and you should be set.

 

http://usa.innoracks.com/product/velo-gripper-2/

These work great for me, less than $80. INNO RT202. They slide right into the side rails. I also bought the front missing rails but don't really need it for this application. I also use bungee cords to secure the bottom of the wheels to the corner bottom bed ties just to be extra safe. Also no need to remove wheels. Easy in and easy out!

 

If you need locking capability, the DriveShaft Track works mounted upside down or with some 10 mil spacers behind the front rail. That's what I run for now. I say for now because removing the front wheel every time can get a little annoying. It's a great, cheap option for hauling two bikes without damage to them or the truck though.