Bike Racks... Tailgate Pad or Hitch Rack for frequent use.

[nunucello]

I'm trying to get out on the MTB 3-4 times a week this summer. After works rides / weekend adventures. Trying to decide which kinda bike rack solution to go with. Any frequent Mountain Bikers happy with their rack choice for the Maverick? 99% of the time will be 1 bike. Full Squish 29er. I do like the tailgate pad idea, cheap and easy, but long term damage to the tailgate paint seems inevitable with that route. Guess I could have the tailgate wrapped with PPF. Living with a hitch rack on all summer could be a pain as well. Any thoughts / reviews?
Bike photo for attention

1Up makes amazing stuff - you can not go wrong with anything they offer.

I am excited to try the bed method - where you have a fork block on a 2x6 and remove the front wheel.

I built it and have yet to use it.

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[Skulls Road]

For one bike I'm going tailgate pad. Especially for local rides. The small Dakine is a perfect fit.

For racks, I'll likely go with Billiebars and two 1up bike trays, or a Diamondback cover with the bike trays bolted directly to the cover.

I think hitch racks on trucks are weird unless you're using something like a velocirax and are shuttling like 8 bikes.

 

[SeanBonham]

For one bike I'm going tailgate pad. Especially for local rides. The small Dakine is a perfect fit.

For racks, I'll likely go with Billiebars and two 1up bike trays, or a Diamondback cover with the bike trays bolted directly to the cover.

I think hitch racks on trucks are weird unless you're using something like a velocirax and are shuttling like 8 bikes.

Those seem like good options, but 3 times the price and I don't really want to obscure my bed. The tailgate pad seems like a good option, but all the grit and crap around here would get under the pad and cause issues. I'm pretty ocd with my paint protection etc with this being a new truck I'm not gonna risk it.

 

[dhvgb1]

I am a big fan of Kuat racks. Quick on/offs at the receiver. Not too heavy. Excellent security and easier to load and unload that an in-bed solution. It is hard to beat a well made carrier specifically designed for valuable bikes.

 

[mamboman777]

If you dont have a e-bike or anticipate shuttling; I'd do a single. You can always add a tray later. I'd like to mention, the silver one will never fade or show wear. One of my customers insisted on a black version (he got his less than a year ago) and it is already turning a multitude of colors. Could just be the luck of the draw for him. Did I mention that the rack is super light and folds to fit back into the really nice (lol) box it comes in for storage? I also really appreciate the secured pin and ability to throw a lock on it with out anything special.

I opened the factory hole ever so slightly to accommodate a hex shaft lock.They are way harder to cut that a round shank lock. It distributes the force across a flat set face as opposed to being focused into one point. Make sure if you use a chain it too is hardened flat link.

If it's just you, couldn't you do this with the bed down?

 

[areed17]

I went with 1UP van trays in the bed to try out something different

I took two 1UP USA van trays, a pair of toggle clamps to latch to the stock D-ring tiedowns, and built a wood frame for bike trays. Oriented opposite of their hitch rack. it wedges the front wheel down against the rear of the cab/front of the bed. I'll run a bungee or strap through the rear wheels.

Originally tried using some rivet nuts, but the location I drilled near the cab had a bracket nearby that prevented install of rivet nut. The ribs on the bottom of the bed are also narrower than the base of the bike tray so it didn't support it well from side-to-side wobble.

 

[SeanBonham]

I went with 1UP van trays in the bed to try out something different

Yea! This is what I have been looking for. How secure does that feel?

 

[areed17]

Yea! This is what I have been looking for. How secure does that feel?

Just finished it last night, so about to take it for it’s maiden voyage. I’ll update when I get back.

 

[raul shabinguez]

I went with 1UP van trays in the bed to try out something different

I really like those trays. Your mounting method is really cool.

 

[SeanBonham]

Just finished it last night, so about to take it for it’s maiden voyage. I’ll update when I get back.

Well, did you lose a bike or not ?

 

[areed17]

Well, did you lose a bike or not ?

Worked well for me. Only took it to a trailhead in town so no highway speed and the dirt road is fairly smooth so I didn't even strap down the rear wheels. My bike stayed where it started (the rear wheel sits in one of the tailgate indents perfectly), whereas my wife's bike's rear wheel moved a few inches. Tried out the tandem when I got home as well!

One thing to note, it may be harder to reach over the sides of the truckbed if you are shorter. At 5'4", my wife is just able to reach the lever on the 1UP to release it. Granted, I don't think a tailgate pad would be any easier for her either.

 

[LeersMav]

It is absolutely secure! The pin tightens internally. The $15 dollar master lock to secure it; even if you have the 8mm security hex wrench, you can't get at it. The lock also provides a great place to add my flat link chain to lock bike properly. I have had lots of negative feed back from customers about their racks wobbling on dirt roads. The manufactures claim that is "engineered" wobble. lol! I am 99% SURE THE 2" hitch is symmetrical, so wont benefit from the flip.
As for the Kuat; I'm not a fan. I have sold dozens of the because of the fancy factor. I prefer to not touch the frame or fork at all. It will rub that sucker raw. When I see a bike on the trail and they have to two shiny spots next to the fork arch, discolored rims(strap), or a spot on the frame; I know which type of rack they have. Holding by the consumable parts (tire) is most secure and eats up a bunch of the vibrations. The bike rack part is kinda cool.....I have only used it once for pitcrew action at a race. As for the integrated locks: they are laughable. Nearly any cutter would breeze right through it. Not to mention the actual locks are poop (replaced numerous).
My second choice would probably be a Saris MH-1. I try to avoid plastic as much as possible and this is more metal than most, and I think it's Made In The USA. E-bike friendly! Not to mention they use a Gorrilla Gravity in their advertisement!! MHS-1 rack

Thanks for the info & tips @dedMann

Just ordered the Saris MHS-1... Retails for $549, On sale for $440 ...... used the Honey app discount and paid a total of $237.04 (incl tax & free delivery). SMOKIN' DEAL for a Tire Holder type rack !! (That's like ordering the 1up Super Single for 1/2 off!)

 

[dhvgb1]

If you dont have a e-bike or anticipate shuttling; I'd do a single. You can always add a tray later. I'd like to mention, the silver one will never fade or show wear. One of my customers insisted on a black version (he got his less than a year ago) and it is already turning a multitude of colors. Could just be the luck of the draw for him. Did I mention that the rack is super light and folds to fit back into the really nice (lol) box it comes in for storage? I also really appreciate the secured pin and ability to throw a lock on it with out anything special.

I opened the factory hole ever so slightly to accommodate a hex shaft lock.They are way harder to cut that a round shank lock. It distributes the force across a flat set face as opposed to being focused into one point. Make sure if you use a chain it too is hardened flat link.

Don't know what model Kuat you had, or how long ago it was. My unit was bought three years ago and has no part of it touching the bike frame. Plastic covered parts hold the tires. I stick with the Kuat recommendation.

 

[RogueCheddar]

RaceFace tailgate pad. works well

 

[brnpttmn]

Tailgate pad for sure if you're alone and don't need the extra bed space. it's just so convenient.

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