Bike Rack

I need to get a bike rack (to hold 2 bikes) for the bed of my 08 Tacoma. Toyota sells one, but it seemed kind of shabby. Thule has one that looks decent but of course is more expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

Buy this

That Toyota one is flimsy and overpriced. Buy two of those and be done with it.

 

I have a set of the cargo bars from Toyota and Thule trays. Works great for me and still leaves my bed free for items below the bikes.

 

Do the Toyota bed bars have any holes or tabs drilled in them for lights or a CB antenna?

 

heres one

http://www.performanceproducts4trucks.com/productpage.aspx?pid=110670&cid=1&sid=52

 

Ditto on the Rocky Mounts version. Very beefy and works well. If you have a nice bike, you will appreciate the quality of the racks.

 

j4x4ar3:
How do your cargo bars connect to the bed rail? The reason I ask is that I'd like to take off the tailgate and use a net, and use a cargo bar at the back of the bed to stiffen the bed sides. Would the bars do this?

Thanks!

 

The Toyota cargo bars are basically bed rails spot welded to mounting brackets so that they can be bolted to one of the large tie downs that fit in the bed rails. They don't really have holes persay that can be used to mount CB antena and such HOWEVER you could easily attach a CB antena to one or drill your own hole. The only problem I see with attaching a CB antena to them though is that there's no ground plane since the metal cargo bar bolts to the plastic tie down so you wouldn't be getting the best results for range and such.. tuning the antena would be a PITA.

As for strength for supporting the bed sides... good question and I think unnecessary to even consider. The tailgate gives absolutely no support to the side walls of the truck as it is so taking it off shouldn't be a problem at all.

I'll try and get some pics this weekend. I've been meaning to for months since the last bike rack thread was started. It's hotter than heck here today so I'm staying inside with the A/C on for now.

 

Hot Tamale-

I sent you a PM. I've got something you might be interested in.

 

I would be using a no ground 4FT Firestik. Do you have any good pics of the bed bar? I'm debating on whether or not to spend the money on one or just mount the antenna directly to the bed rails.

 

I'll try and take some pics this weekend. It's still too hot to stay outside for very long.. .especially if you don't want your lungs to fill will smoke from all the fires round here.

 

I use the Thule bed bike rack on my 1st gen and its been nothing but great. Its well built and withstands all weather conditions. It comes with two quick release mounts with the option to buy more. Here's a link: http://www.autoanything.com/bike-racks/69A3107A0A0.aspx

 

I'm using the Toyota mounts and they are fine. I've wheeled with the bike and sure it's wiggles around alot, but it's not going anywhere. Not to mention I can install them and remove them in under 5 seconds.

 

these are supposed to be easy to use...

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/sportworks-instagater-truck-bike-rack.html

 

Thanks FearNothing 321. I think these are the ones for me!

 

Here's a tread discussing the bed cargo bars and the way they are mounted if it helps.I also included a pic of my bike mounted using Yakima trays.


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/4440-factory-cargo-bars.html