Thread: Truck bed rack

I am attempting to design a rack for my truck. I know there are a few threads on this issue but i haven't seen anything specific to my situation (I have a ford ranger with a flared side box. The flares are making it difficult to figure out so far.). I am looking to do the old 2x4/fork mount method but don't know how i can wedge that 2x4 in without worrying about it wiggling around on me. Does anyone have any experience rigging something like this up?? Pics would be appreciated.

I have a ranger as well. I just have two fork mounts mounted on a 2x4 and the length of the board is close to as wide as the rear of the bed. I have a topper on mine and it is higer in the back, so I put the wheels in toward the front of the truck, that way the seats fit and it is easier to get in and out with the fork-mounts in front. I don't notice the board sliding around at all. Do you have a bedliner? That may help the slidage, otherwise maybe put some rubber from an old tire or something on the bottom of the board. I rigged a cable lock from the rear eyelets in the truck bed so I can lock them up.

Any reason that you wouldn't just drill a couple of holes and bolt the mounts right to the box?

No bedliner/topper. I am going to get one of those rubber mat deals soon though. Perhaps i could rig something up with that?

I would like to keep them temporary (which is why i dont want to drill to the box). I haul a lot of other stuff and dont want them getting in the way/getting damaged.

How stable (bouncing, shifting, sliding, etc) would would a bike be in an open bed without something completely bolted to the truck in some way? Like i said, the flared sides prevent me from wedging it against the wheel wells.

tie downs

Mine is a 2x8 with 4 thule mounts in a regular chevy bed. Almost never moves. Did once on a very washboarded road. Afterwards I added some extra foam padding to each end of the 2x8 adn it is damn solid now.

Just cut to length and then add padding until you have to pound it into place with your hand.

Mine is the 2x4 method and is only slightly wedged into place. I need to haul other items so it needs to be removable. I have the rubber mat which probably helps, but an old tire would do the same. It never moves enough to notice.

Any reason you wouldn't just lay the fucking bike in the back?

Just buy 2 sets of these (2 bikes). The simplest cleanest way to hold bikes in a truck bed, and out of the way.Rec-Rac Bike Rack for Pickups I use these in my truck and love em. Leave your wheels on, holds bikes securely, and still use the truck bed.Order them direct or your local LBS can get them from QBP.

"Any reason you wouldn't just lay the fucking bike in the back?"

You must not be hauling $8,000 bikes.... My Merlin Extralight deserves to be put in a nice safe rack.

Originally Posted by BreckRider

"Any reason you wouldn't just lay the fucking bike in the back?"

You must not be hauling $8,000 bikes.... My Merlin Extralight deserves to be put in a nice safe rack.

So, you're worried about the bike in the back of the truck and yet its purpose is to bash down the side of a mountain. Must be cool to never crash.

On topic, if you're really worried about it being solid and removable, I spotted a mount last night that's basically a telescoping square tube with rubber ends. Just set it in the back, extend until tight and go.

Lot\\\'s of options

"So, you're worried about the bike in the back of the truck and yet its purpose is to bash down the side of a mountain. Must be cool to never crash."

Merlin Extralight is a road bike.

I have one that bashes down the sides of mountains as well... but with a couple dogs in the back of the truck, it is much more convenient for everyone to have it upright in a rack.

Originally Posted by BreckRider

"So, you're worried about the bike in the back of the truck and yet its purpose is to bash down the side of a mountain. Must be cool to never crash."

Merlin Extralight is a road bike.

I have one that bashes down the sides of mountains as well... but with a couple dogs in the back of the truck, it is much more convenient for everyone to have it upright in a rack.

Try clicking on the "QUOTE" in the bottom right hand corner of the post in which you want to use a quote from. It will then appear as above and get the point accross better.

And........ one more push for Rec-Rac Bike Rack for Pickups. Works great for all bikes. Even $8000.00 bikes.

Originally Posted by 1wsguy

And........ one more push for Rec-Rac Bike Rack for Pickups. Works great for all bikes. Even $8000.00 bikes.

Won't work with a topper.. looks like it holds the bike too close to the edge and there is no way my bike will fit in with the front wheel attached. And, you're not wrapping any of those "attachements" around my Ti frame.

Like I originally posted... get a board, drill some fork mounts on it and call it a day. $20 and you're rockin

Originally Posted by BreckRider

Won't work with a topper.. looks like it holds the bike too close to the edge and there is no way my bike will fit in with the front wheel attached. And, you're not wrapping any of those "attachements" around my Ti frame.

Like I originally posted... get a board, drill some fork mounts on it and call it a day. $20 and you're rockin

How 'bout one of these if ya wanna go the lazy route. Girlfriend has one. Works just fine. Will mount ANYWHERE in the bed of the truck and expands to fit any size bed.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...g-20/ref=nosim
I heart Google.

Originally Posted by BreckRider

Won't work with a topper.. looks like it holds the bike too close to the edge and there is no way my bike will fit in with the front wheel attached. And, you're not wrapping any of those "attachements" around my Ti frame.

Like I originally posted... get a board, drill some fork mounts on it and call it a day. $20 and you're rockin

Telemang doesn't have a topper, I was making my suggestion to him (thread starter). Admitedly they look a little sketchy on the web site, but I assure you they are sweet! The "attachments are all rubber and do not leave any marks on my S-works Roubaix (carbon).