Shell / Side mount bike rack

I want to mount my bike(s) on the side of my 07 Tacoma. I live inside the back for many weeks at a time so can't store them there, and hitch mounting doesn't work for me for a couple reasons - mainly because I live in the back so I need access. And I don't want the clearance overhang. And I don't like the swing away ones as 1) they cost a good bit more, 2) they add weight and lower clearance, and 3) well, I just want something cooler

So my plan is to make something like this guy:
http://forums.mtbr.com/cars-bike-ra...t-topper-friendly-bike-rack-hack-1019161.html


But instead of how he did his bracing, I hope to use the bedrail system - just get these

4 Pack T Slot Nuts for Toyota Bed Deck Rail, Stainless Steel, for Tacoma & Tundra Cleats, Tie Downs and Accessories, by Bolt Dropper

https://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Dropper...rd_wg=lQr5P&psc=1&refRID=287SSCYCC83BSCDQG2F2

and fab a custom bracket to go from that over the lip/under the canopy and TADA.

So any ideas if the bedrail is strong enough for this? Any idea on a source of existing brackets that might work? Any ideas on improvements or gotchas?


Much thanks!
Jeremy

 

I think kb voodoo makes side mount bike racks that look to work with a topper.

 

voodoo stopped selling these. . subbed to see your progress.

 

I found a couple places that used to sell brackets and such, but nothing active. I hope to chat with a friend who's a machinist this weekend and come up with something. I plan to just use the bedrails and get (or fab) some metal brackets... maybe put in a curve to contour under the lip of the shell but honestly with my 12yr old truck and cab I really dont care about grinding away a little bit of the lip to make it come out at a right angle. I will likely add a support bracket mounted to the canopy side. I plan to use the trays from the Yakima DrTray as they have two mounting locations - most trays only have one.

I plan on using a tray as I have $$$ bikes and I want full support at the tires. Also with that if I'm going on a LONG drive and want to I can easily put it back as a hitch mount so the bikes are mounted in the back and dont get as much bugs and such. And I can get a DR Tray at a decent price.

 

Keep the thread updated with your progress. I'd like to consider the same type system. I think you'll also need to consider some type of bracing for your bedrail. 2nd/3rd gen Tacoma beds don't have much rigidity, hence the reason people get bed stiffener braces. Your bike, as light as it is, may put too much torque on the bedrail.

 

I have an Outboard Bike Mount from KB VooDoo but curious to see the outcome of this as Softopper stopped making theirs as well.

 

@HomerTaco

 

I found this on line. I have no idea if it is still current. They do not look that complicated.

http://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop/bed-rack-outboard-bike-mounts

Maybe this set up with added internal bracing.

 

I sold mine back to @Unchained 5150
It won’t work with the Flippac

 

I just tagged you in here for some insight

 

Any new updates on this mod?

 

I dont see anything that would work on Voodoo. I plan to cut/bend some custom brackets but Ive been out of town for a couple weeks. Hope to do something in the next week.

 

A guy in my marina had a setup like

A guy in my marina had a similiar setup. He ran braces from the wheel trays up to his Yakima rails on top of the topper. I wish I had got a pick before he moved on.