Bike Hauler - my single and multiple bike carrying solutions

[Maverick123]

but why would you? you'll still need to protect the bed with something to keep the tire from damaging it.

if that something were a tailgate pad, then you turn the bike around and Velcro it in place on the tailgate pad and you don't need the hardware in the bed.

You're probably right, maybe I'm overthinking it. I've never had a pickup so I'm just trying to figure out how I'll carry bikes + luggage in the bed. My mind wanders while I'm waiting for the damn truck to finally be built and get over here!

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[colinl]

You're probably right, maybe I'm overthinking it. I've never had a pickup so I'm just trying to figure out how I'll carry bikes + luggage in the bed. My mind wanders while I'm waiting for the damn truck to finally be built and get over here!

it depends on how many bikes and how much luggage.

you can fit some overhead sized roller bags back there with up to 4 bikes but it would be tricky. if you have only 1 or 2 bikes though, you can fit anything you'll need.

the issue is that the luggage isn't protected from rain, you'll have to use a tonneau cover and hitch rack for that.

 

[c-not-k]

I just assembled a rack from Pipeline Racks...

I'm still working on the details of securing it to the bed, but I'm pretty pleased so far.
I like the fact that it fits under the trifold. I can lock the tailgate when I'm out riding.

(I also have a Thule hitch rack, but I think I'll prefer this one. The only downside is that with the tonneau cover up I can't see the bikes through the rear window.)

 

[Maverick123]

Nice setup, but for people who don't know this (like me, up to last week): it's illegal to drive with the tailgate down in some places

For example, in Ontario, Canada

EDIT: See posts below, I might be wrong on this

 

[colinl]

The only downside is that with the tonneau cover up I can't see the bikes through the rear window

I'm assuming the bikes can pivot on the front axle. if that's correct, the bed will be able to move up and down so I would avoid bumpy roads. I was hauling something long and light shortly after getting my truck and heard the bed slam open after it moved like I described going over a pretty mild bump.

the tailgate is steel but I doubt it's good for it to slam open. if you have it down and heavily loaded, the bed can't move, but I bet this could.

you also have no backup camera which when combined with blocked rear window will be a little cumbersome.

 

[skinnyboy]

Nice setup, but for people who don't know this (like me, up to last week): it's illegal to drive with the tailgate down in some places

For example, in Ontario, Canada

Can you expand on this? I do it constantly in Ontario. My understanding was that to be legal the load has to be secure, not specific to tailgate position.

Cheers.

 

[Maverick123]

Can you expand on this? I do it constantly in Ontario. My understanding was that to be legal the load has to be secure, not specific to tailgate position.

Cheers.

It was at a party and we were talking about hauling bikes and someone mentioned this.

But I just checked online and can't find any mention of it so maybe it was a misunderstanding on their part or my part...

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