Mountain Bike Carrier Ideas

I'm about to purchase a mountain bike and looking for carrier ideas. I'd love to see photos of people's setup. I've read about the tailgate pads, but those make me a bit nervous for any larger distance of travel. I have a factory toneau cover and was considering the kbvoodoo high rise bars and then some sort of carrier--enough clearance to add a rack? I also have the factory roof rack but putting the bike way up top makes me even more nervous. I'd love some feedback too on the tailgate pads as those are obviously a significantly cheaper investment.

 

@Nimble9

 

home made crossbars with parts from Lowe’s. Using a Yakima front loader rack.

 

Check out @upTOPoverland stuff

 

I've run every setup, but tailgate pads are okay for long distance travel. Just make sure you have a way to lock the bikes down.



The only drawback is it takes up bed space, which is why I created these!

https://squareonecreations.com/collections/sideride-bike-mounts-1/products/sideride-bike-mounts



But I'm not sure if these will 100% work with a factory tonneau cover.

 

I made my own, similar to the Inno mounts. Works great with a 50lb fatty or my MTB that is shorter and less than half the weight.

 

Genius that's one way to save costs.

 

Did you weld those yourself? Also as far as the tailgate pad how does the bike stay secure from movement? I guess i don't fully understand how they secure the bike from jostling around.

 

Just use a tailgate pad. Don't overcomplicate it. There are minimal downsides to the tailgate pad (cargo capacity)

In that case, Latch-It Rack is an option

 

My friend does! and the raceface pad has ridges which divide the bikes up and a strap at each section for the bike.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/first-look-race-face-t2-tailgate-pad.html

 

Super CLEVER!!!

 

I had a bike rack mounted to the @Mobtown Offroad bed bars over the OEM tonneau and now have a 1up hitch rack since I’ve gotten the shell.

The bike rack on the bed bars was nice because I was always ready to go, didn’t have to spend any extra time getting the hitch rack mounted. The 1up is really nice though. Lightweight and super sturdy.

 

You will get as many opinions on this topic as there are options. Try them all, find out what works for you. I use tailgate pads, roof racks and hitch racks depending on the day and if my tent is on or not. Also come see us on the bike thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/all-things-bikes-and-tacos.445155/

 

Sweet Yeti, one day I'll have my wife let me get something like that LOL. I've perused that thread it's overwhelming but super informative on mountain bikes. Hard to pick through the rack talk though even with search. Thanks for the input, what tailgate pad is that? Is it protective enough?

 

It's a bomber strap. Does the job but I wouldn't buy one, they are almost as much as a full tailgate pad. I got this one for free. When you go to by a rack, roof/tray for bed bars or hitch, look no further than 1UP USA. They are expensive but better than anything on the market and resale is crazy good on them if you ever want to change it up.

 

I did this a few years ago to my toolbox lid. Also makes a nice anchor for cargo net and straps. I can carry three bikes across the lid.





The red bike is a large frame 29er.



Tail gate stays up, no obstructions to the backup camera.

 

1up hitch rack.

 

Tailgate pad is great for 3 or more bikes IMO. If it's just 1 or 2 bikes I'd get a nice tray rack (1up, Kuat, Thule, Yakima, etc). Rockymounts makes a cool one that swings away so you can still access your tailgate.

 

Yes 1-2 bikes

 

I like my tailgate pad because it's cheap and does the job well. If i'm going long distances I might put a tie down between the frames or something but honestly I've never worried about it too much. Downsides would be 1) takes up room in bed and 2) rubs on downtube and side of fork.

In the future I may invest in a tray style hitch rack.