Mountain Bike Short Bed Setups

Rocky Mounts Monorail with the Kuat 7”/10” extender to clear the tailgate perfectly. Like you said you can run the adapter on your rack but if you got the bed space, a tailgate pad is the way to go.

 

This is the best setup if you're not going with a hitch rack, I think. You still have all your bed, don't have to take a wheel off, and don't have to lift your bike up to the roof.

My other rack is a Seasucker....which is awesome for what it is but taking a wheel on and off each, though trivial, made me so mad every time. Ha. I now use a 1up 90% of the time. I can load and unload in a few seconds. Takes me less time than getting my shoes on and off.

 

What are people doing with the factory tonneau cover? I typically use the tailgate pad but its not my favorite method, esp if Im camping since it takes up bed space. I used the Rocky Mounts before and loved them, but they are inaccessible with the cover. The hitch rack is an option, but I dont have storage for it when its off the truck and I dont leave it on all the time.

 

We shuttle fairly often, so the tailgate pad is the best way for me to go. 5 bikes, people, and gear no problem. Plus the pad is super easy to remove and store when I'm not using it. I'm looking to add a sliding tonneau cover so I could actually put the bike and pad entirely out of sight if need be.



Also added bed stiffeners, so I can lock it up fairly securely with a chain and lock that is way more secure than a cable lock/hitch lock. Basically would need a torch or grinder to steal it. -not likely to happen in a busy parking lot.

 

I use a pad with my oem cover. Can fit 3 bikes at an angle

 

I've had most every tailgate pad... and found the Raceface the best with a backup camera. Also have a 1up if i need the bed space...

But i found this my favorite solution. If you want a sliding cover... make sure you measure the space it will take in the bed. I found that the gatortrax was the only one that left room for my 29er (barely). But I LOVE this setup. Worked great this season.

And since the cover locks... you actually don't have to throw the pad in the back if you don't mind a little rain getting in there. It actually closes better with less gap than the picture shows.

 

Rack with RTT and Bed platform
If I tow my trailer I pull my platform out and I can have my bike inside my cap

 

Are the SideRide mounts aluminum?

 

I use a Prinsu rack with adapters for all of my bikes.

 

That's pretty sick

 

Nope! beefy steel made in the USA!

 

On longer trips, I found a boost front fork mount on Amazon and attached it to a 2x6. I maneuver it around the bed so it stays in place. I lock it via a secure cable into the bed loops when I have to leave the truck unattended. Other than that, I use a 1up bike rack which is awesome and worth the premium price.

 

Big fan of the Race Face tailgate pad. Took three bikes 460 miles and back this weekend:

 

I recently bought a Thule hitch mounted bike rack, the helium. It’s lightweight making it easy to attach. Probably takes me 2-3 minutes to attach it and mount the bike. I don’t have any pictures but here is a link to it if anyone is interested
https://www.rei.com/product/152004/thule-helium-pro-2-bike-hitch-rack

 

kuat sherpa with an adapter. i also use a seasucker, but a truck with a hitch rack is way easier.

 

I agree, any solution that involves removing the front wheel is a fail in my book. If you don't need the bed space, even though there is still lots of room to pack bags and boxes around the bikes, the tailgate pad is the way to go. lol@ mr micro-scratches

 

Nothing wrong with mountain biking at 60. Straight up respect.

 

I used to detail cars through college, and I'm gonna call BS on this. Sure, you'll cause scratches if you put some 60 grit on the back of your tailgate pad, but wash your truck, put on a low grade wax, and throw a tailgate pad on and you'll be fine. Every tailgate pad I've owned (Yakima, Sensus, Fox Factory) has a microfiber cloth on the back sewn into the back.

 

Best tailgate pad I've owned at a killer price.
https://www.raceface.com/products/t...wkYcTwla5BEKf66cmjNLDAvJ3F3QIoclNqocwE.JYN7ER

 

And if you used to detail cars you then know what microfibers attract…dust and dirt. Even if you clean your truck right before you put the pad on the tailgate the dust is still collected and held to the pad from driving. Sorry but rubbing a dirty microfiber across your paint will scratch it.

It may not matter to all but I want to keep my paint nice and shiny because I like nice things. Fork mount or hitch rack for me.