Need Advice/Help - Designing the best multifunctional bed system

I have been researching this problem for a while without a great solution.

The problem: I am unable to find the most efficient multipupose solution to utilize my truck bed for my various hobbies.

Hobbies: Kayak fishing, dirt bike riding, and camping

What I want: The best posible setup to allow for transporting my dirt bike or kayak. Mainly separately but possibly together.

Current setup: None. I pull a 5 x 8 trailer to haul the dirt bike or kayak.

Stipulation: I prefer to find a solution which will allow me to keep my Truxedo Low Pro QT tonneau cover. I do not want to switch to a different tonneau cover.


If anyone has any helpful advice or ideas, I would really appreciate it.

 

what about a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier that plugs into the receiver and runs parallel to the bumper? I used to carry a KLR650 that way.

As for the rest I suggest a good roof rack or basket system if you insist on keeping a tonneau cover. Such as the PrInSu setup. Group buy on now.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/364794-prinsu-roof-rack-group-buy.html#post9928716

 

I have always been leary of the hitch mounted motorcycle carrier. Are they pretty stable?

 

KLR650's a heavy bike. I used mine on lots of bad bumpy remote roads and trails without a problem. I just had a cheap one but you can spend as much as you want and get a super stable one. If you're worried get a welder to make you one out of some 2" square tubing and angle iron. Very simple design.

 

Thats a good point. Worth considering.

Ideally i would prefer to use the bed.

I was brain storming about a bed rack with a removable rear cross bar to allow loading of the dirtbike. Replace the cross bar and you can load the kayak.

 

I thought you wanted to keep your tonneau cover on? I may be missing your vision here.

I see now your cover is a vinyl roll-up deal. I still suggest the hitch carrier. It leaves the whole bed free for camping stuff, fishing stuff, etc. Also you can chain your bike to the hitch receiver which is nice security as well.

 

The bed rack would have to work with the tonneau cover. Thats part of the dilemma. The truxedo mounts inside the bed so a bed rack could sit on the bed sides....theoretically.

I forgot to mention that its actually 2 dirt bikes. Mine and my sons. Although his is much smaller.

 

Any other ideas out there?

 

I have considered a hitch mounted bed extender for kayak/canoe transport like the link below.

http://rackboys.com/products/15163/Boonedox-T-Bone-Bed-Extender.html


This becomes an issue if I need to transport the kayak and the dirt bikes together.

Maybe using the 5 x 8 trailer is really the best option.

 

You haven't said what kind of bike(s) but consider KB VooDoo's tailgate cap to reinforce the tailgate and save the paint under the plastic.

 

I have two dirt bikes: mine is a 2013 KTM 250 CX and my son has a Yamaha 80.


Fantastic recommendation on the KB VooDoo tailgate cap. I am definitely ordering one of those.

 

The Lund 601021 bed extender configures in several different ways.
Use it in the upright position together with a headache bar for your kayak, with bikes in the bed.

On the tailgate cap, there's also the Relentless cap. Check that one also before you decide. I Have the Relentless, and like it for full protection of the tailgate, plus, it uses all the mounting screws, not just the top edge screws.

 

If you do this, just remember that not all welders/fabricators are not created equal.

I've interviewed tons and tons of so called "certified" welders whom I wouldn't trust to weld a shopping cart

Sooo....find a reputable guy.

 

I really like the idea of the Relentless tailgate protection. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

I absolutely agree. I actually have a welder and use it quite a bit. Having said that, I would be flat broke if my profession was dependent on my welding skills.

One problem is my trailer is not designed for offroad use, although I could modify it further.

Currently I am entertaining the idea of a camping tent trailer (jumping jack) or pop up camper with a toy hauler section. The problem is these are so damn expensive. This may be the best all around option for what I need.

 

I will look into the headache bars. That might be a great solution if there is one I can use without removing the tonneau cover.

 

I got a basic one at harbor freight for $70 a couple weeks ago. Prob not the best quality but good enough for transporting my canoe, small loads of lumber, etc

 

I think I am going to buy one of these as well. It will be perfect for local kayak fishing trips.

BTW. I love the look of your truck. How much lift are you running?