Bike/Roof Racks on a Cap

I am trying to figure out how I want to carry my bikes on the 2013 DC I am looking to buy. I would like a cap for the dry storage and was thinking of putting the bike racks on top of the cap.

One problem, it seems like if you are under 7 feet tall it is not easy to place the bike up there. Seems to be a pick up bike, climb on rear tire, get smacked in the face with the front wheel while maintaining balance type of ordeal. Can someone out there speak from experience and how difficult is it really?

P.S. I don't like the idea of a hitch mount. Having a couple of $4k bikes sitting out there behind the truck is scary!

 

I've got a Leer cap with a Thule rack but I've only used it for my canoe. I can't imagine getting a bike up there. I usually take the wheels off my bike and stick it inside, under the cap, out of sight and out of the bugs and weather.

 

Yes, putting stuff on top of a cap rack can be a PITA particularly if you lift the truck at all. I'm on 32's with 5100's set at 1.75" (stock coils) and the TSB rear leafs. This puts my rack crossbars at 74" (Leer 100RCC w/ Dewalt commercial rack). I don't know if you're considering putting steps or sliders or some such on the sides, but it would definitely help. And standing on the rear tire is okay, but would suck to try to step up on it while holding the bike high so it doesn't bounce off the side of the truck.

 

This is expensive, but interesting idea. It is sold at BMW Accessories. I wonder if it would work with Tacoma height. Does anyone have this or seen it?

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryType=Accessories&ProductId=74

 

I'm trying to figure out if you're serious or if you're trolling....
Bike... truck.... truck... bike IN truck. Isn't that the whole point of a truck?

 

Wow that's helpful dhk


OP , sliders with a kickout is what I plan on adding to reach my rack ( I have exactly the same set up as Bobbb , Leer 100RCC )

However , a bike is so much taller than the lumber I tie off that you may need to access the rack from the open tailgate

 

The hell is the matter with you?
Get dropped as a child?

 

I could lay a bike down in the truck, but that does not work for gear + bike or if there are multiple bikes. It is all about toys: bikes, gear, truck - I want it all, okay.

 

Others have used the front bed rail to support the bike with a contraption that hooks onto a wheel (or something, I didn't pay that close attention to the thread). Support it upright in the bed. Would that work for you? No climbing, security of being less obvious, AND you can fit in underground parking.

 

Good idea. I was going down that road and it appears that the handlebars and seat would be higher than the cap. I would need a taller cap.

 

I have two thule racks where the wheels stay on the bike. It is fairly easy to get my mtn bikes on the racks. I just use a small collapsable step stool to get a little extra height. (I'm 5' 11").

Mine looks like the red one in the first link. It collapses very small and I leave it in the pocket behind the passenger seat. When I put snowboards, kayaks and other gear I don't need the stool, but with bikes it is very helpful. The second stool is what i used to use. Gives more height but is more bulky.

http://www.amazon.com/75-90612-Fold...205324&sr=8-9&keywords=collapsible+step+stool



http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Tw...05289&sr=8-13&keywords=collapsible+step+stool

 

I have no problem lifting my bikes onto the racks on the hard top. 3" lift and 33's. And I'd bet my $300 bikes are a bit heavier too....
I'm 5'10 (and a half if that matters )

 

It is an easy solution. Thanks for sharing. This is probably the route I am going to go.

 

I like the idea. I was even thinking about putting a Yakima Load warrior between the bikes, but I will miss out on a lot of storage. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.

 

I know this starts to get complicated, but would removing the front wheel be an option? Most of the time I see bikes mounted to car roofs, the wheel is removed in order to secure the bike via the forks.

 

i have a cap, and i have yakima racks on it.

it IS too tall. i dont like it. i have a bad shoulder and i just about guarantee myself a sore shoulder if i lift my bike up there. i toss the bike into the back...my bike mechanic saw me doing this and suggested that i always make sure the derailler(s) are not taking the brunt of the load by being on the bottom..truth? dunno.

i borrow a hitch rack for long trips..and that is really the best way to roll. no way, you stand a bike upright (sans front wheel) under my cap.

 

I have a DCLB with a Leer 100R top and bought a Thule Vertex Swing Away 4-bike 2'' hitch mounted rack #9031 brand new from ebay for $335 and free shipping. It makes the whole experience much easier to carry bikes and still get full access to dropping the tailgate by just swinging out the rack. Well worth the cost and will last a very long time. I still have an entire Yakima roof rack system from my past Subaru with bike mount, ski mounts and canoe mounts all work as well as they did day one and are 15-17 years old. While the rack products are expensive, the cost is small over the life of owning them.

Here is the exact product, but you can find it cheaper elsewhere: http://www.rei.com/product/832028/thule-vertex-swing-4-bike-hitch-rack

The Thule Apex adds built in locking cables and is $100 more. I have plenty of locking cables as is. The Vertex is built like a tank.

 

Yes, it is an option. If I take off the front wheel and mount to the floor to bring the handlebars all the way down I still have the seat being too high. Removing the seat is not a great option, once you have the seat at the proper height you don't want to mess with it.

Thanks!

 

check my pics. im 5'8" my truck has 3' lift. i lift my bike at least twice a week and it weighs 38lbs. no problems here.
I would just make sure the rails arent installed too far in.

 

plus you have to crawl in after the bike to secure the front fork down to a clamp..if the clamp is near the tail gate..you have to walk the rear back..it sucks.

i tried, my seat doesnt clear..not by a long shot.