Bike Hauler - my single and multiple bike carrying solutions

[Alabama Maverick Owner]

Our state has laws for rear overhang exceeding 4 feet. Anything overhanging more than 4 feet requires a red clearance light at the rear for night travel. Also, in the daytime, red or orange flags are required for an overhang exceeding 4' rear. I am sure your state will have similar laws.

And as I said I have added lights on the rack for added safety. This picture was taken before I tied them down. I also have an 8x8 orange safety flag secured on the back trike. Been hauling like this for 5 years. Used a RAV4 before the Mav.

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[Gherkin]

Here’s the link to the Kuat rack. It is expensive but it fits beautifully. Picture below is with tailgate down.
https://www.kuat.com/product/piston-sr-hitch-rack/?specs

Nice. I’m using the Thule Helium Platform, for 2 bike set up. Use a tailgate pad for the 5 bike set up.

 

[datachomp]

I have a single 1up rack that I really enjoy for my MTB... and looking for what you would recommend as a tailgate pad for 3 bikes. I've tried talking to my MTB about this, but it just does not want to share space with the rest of the families bikes and I'm trying to be respectful of its wishes.

 

[colinl]

I have a single 1up rack that I really enjoy for my MTB... and looking for what you would recommend as a tailgate pad for 3 bikes. I've tried talking to my MTB about this, but it just does not want to share space with the rest of the families bikes and I'm trying to be respectful of its wishes.

raceface and fox collaborated / co-developed / co-branded on a new tailgate pad that is pretty impressive: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ace-fox-tailgate-pad-fits-the-maverick.44558/

I would get one if I had a hard tonneau cover, like right now. I have a soft tri-fold and I can't put a mtb on the tailgate without removing the tonneau cover.

if I had a hard tonneau, though, those either fold against the rear glass (bakflip & most others) or the top comes completely out (weathertech alloy cover) and the new RF/Fox tailgate pad lets you close the tonneau securely without removing the pad.

 

[datachomp]

raceface and fox collaborated / co-developed / co-branded on a new tailgate pad that is pretty impressive: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ace-fox-tailgate-pad-fits-the-maverick.44558/

I would get one if I had a hard tonneau cover, like right now. I have a soft tri-fold and I can't put a mtb on the tailgate without removing the tonneau cover.

if I had a hard tonneau, though, those either fold against the rear glass (bakflip & most others) or the top comes completely out (weathertech alloy cover) and the new RF/Fox tailgate pad lets you close the tonneau securely without removing the pad.

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[daddio211]

I threw this together in a few minutes.

I drilled the existing holes in the fender wells slightly bigger to accommodate 1/4" X 20 Rivnuts, then screwed in two, 2" X 1/4" X 20 screws. The fork mounts were under $10 each on Amazon.

Now it's a super quick in/out with just a screwdriver!

 

[Alabama Maverick Owner]

where do you live, so i can avoid sharing the road with you.

You don’t sound as if you like sharing the road anyway. We probably will never cross paths. Too bad.

 

[Mollydog1976]

I have a Thule T2 rack (the older style) and bought an adapter which moved the rack down and back a little bit so I can open the tailgate with bikes loaded.
I wanted to tuck my rack as close to the truck as possible so that it’s just not hanging out so far and this was the best solution I found. I re drilled one of the holes on the adapter to tuck it in a little closer and thought about drilling a second hole to bring it even closer but I’d only gain another 3/4”. As is, it sticks the rack out perhaps 2” farther than just the hitch alone

I have the two bike extension as well so I can haul 4 bikes when I want to and that adapter handles it just fine. It’s a stout piece of metal and has a great anti rattle wedge in it.

 

[Mc_Flier]

I threw this together in a few minutes.

I drilled the existing holes in the fender wells slightly bigger to accommodate 1/4" X 20 Rivnuts, then screwed in two, 2" X 1/4" X 20 screws. The fork mounts were under $10 each on Amazon.

Now it's a super quick in/out with just a screwdriver!

as I price these racks, I like your solution a lot more.

 

[Maverick123]

Here is the one I like the best, Check this one out, it’s call Ride88.

With a rack like this could you lift up the rear of the bike and close the tailgate with the bike's rear tire sitting on top of it?

 

[Earle]

With a rack like this could you lift up the rear of the bike and close the tailgate with the bike's rear tire sitting on top of it?

Yes, the tire sits about center of the tail gate.

 

[Maverick123]

Yes, the tire sits about center of the tail gate.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[colinl]

With a rack like this could you lift up the rear of the bike and close the tailgate with the bike's rear tire sitting on top of it?

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.

 

[LilMags500]

You don’t sound as if you like sharing the road anyway. We probably will never cross paths. Too bad.

The over reaction to your set up is laughable , I think your just fine , if you weren't law
enforcement would pull you over in short order , and I have heard no mention of that
happening in any of your posts . Have Fun !

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