Bed bike mount alternatives - 15mm TA

I picked up my DCSB a week or so ago and have been researching bike mount options. Rocky mounts seem to be the most popular, but the current version of the driveshaft can only be mounted horizontally. My bike (salsa horsethief) has a pretty long wheelbase and I would like for it to fit with the tailgate closed.

Does anyone know or use an alternative...preferably locking?

 

Stupid question, but what does horizontal mounting have to do with it? How are you trying to mount it?

Also, I have a short bed and ride a medium frame 26" wheel bike and it barely fits with the tailgate closed. Not sure any fork mount will allow you to get your 29er in with the tailgate closed.

 

I know you asked for an alternative, but I've got two Driveshaft SD's and have no complaints. Fits my 20mm, friends 15mm's and 9mm's and is lockable.

 

Boone, gate up or down? Assuming 26'ers?

Tr, from searching these forums it sounds like the original driveshafts were a two piece design that you could angle the axle tray "up" or "out". Angling up would give me a couple of extra inches (gee, where have I heard that before...).

I could order one to give it a try, but would ideally want two keyed the same. I may just order them and see how it goes...

 

Got it.

In my Ram I mounted my thru axle mounts to a 2x4 and laid it across the bed snugged up against the tailgate. I considered this option with my Taco but really couldn't figure a good way to secure the 2x4 or mounts to the bed.

I am using the following TA mounts and like them a lot...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-mm-LOCKI...600&pid=100012&prg=1014&rk=3&sd=221227462456&

If you are trying to maximize space, these could be mounted in the bed up by the tailgate. Another option would be to mount them vertically to the cargo rail under the window to maximize space, which would only require two additional holes to be drilled. Just a couple options.

I actually have an extra thru-axle mount I acquired due to a shipping error. I could sell it to you on the cheap if you wanted to experiment with it.

 

Yeah 26ers tailgate up. Beauty of the long bed I guess. There is a member here, KBvoodoo IIRC, that had a pretty good crossbar system for sale that utilizes the stock track system. He has some pictures of it on his truck with the bike's rear tire sitting on top of the tailgate. I'll post a link to it when I get caught up at work.

 

I saw his posts as well. Interesting idea...

 

So after putting my bike in the bed it is obvious my monster truck bike isn't going to fit with the tailgate up...unless I am able to angle the rear to the opposite corner. I'm afraid that might put too much side load on the fork mount though

 

That's what I was thinking. You may not want to go this route, but I know several MTBers that just use hitch mount racks. I have one, but prefer thru axle bed mount.

Also, I have seen rigid tailgate straps that can hold the tailgate open partially. You may want to research that.

Or be like my and ride old school on a 3x9 26er

 

I had to go with a roof mount for my 29er. I am surprised at how stable it is up there. Since you want to keep it in the bed, how about some cross bars over the bed?

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...ars-hold-your-tg-about-30-degrees-locked.html

 

I have a hitch mount rack that I used on my jeep, would just rather have it in the bed (now that I have one!).

Thanks for the tailgate strap link...definite possibility.

Up until quite recently I was rocking 3x7 26er OLD school

 

Lol.

My son and I roll on some pretty nice wheelsets, Crossmax SLR, Stan's ZTR etc. and rather blingy thru axle fox forks that are 26er specific. Not sure I'll ever drink the 29er Kool aid.

Good luck on your quest.

 

I have the same issue with both my mountain bikes. You really only have two options. Either you fab/have someone fab a 90 degree angle piece to mount your rockymount to (but it makes it much easier to accidentally break or crack the rear window of the truck) , or you just keep your tailgate down.

None of my mountain bikes, yeti 575, SB66c, nor my Salsa 29er (Selma) fit in my short bed with the tailgate up. I would get used to having it down its not really a bad thing, if your worried about losing stuff out of your bed get a bed extender.

If you are worries about scratching your tailgate get the protective clear film (usually for bumpers and hoods put on it).

The only real alternative is a tailgate pad, a lot of people who shuttle use them (lots of my friends have them to) they work pretty darn well.

http://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-B...tml?feed=npn&gclid=CMr9gNWDirgCFVRo7AodgjkAbQ

 

Best solution in terms of mounting bikes and freeing up the bed for various cargo. Highly recommended.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/273017-bed-brackets-pic-heavy-4.html

 

I bought Inno mounts and bars. I have two Yakima stand up mounts that I put on to carry my bikes.

Here are the bars, I'll see if i can find one of the rack with the bike trays

 

Here is what I did for my bike's Had cross bars fab up then got the THULE sidearm roof rack and mounted it up!!!!!!!!!! Works frecking great easy to load and unload bike!!!!!!!!!

 

So the rocky mounts came in. I snapped a few pics of where the tailgate hits and how far I have to move the rear over for it to shut. Think this puts too much stress on the mount/rail? I think a 26er would still go in beside it...

 

Anyone see any issue with the bike at an angle (obviously, not for the bike, but for the rail)?

 

I wouldn't think that a bike at an angle would pose any problem for the RM or the rail system. I'd say if you were really concerned with it, throw a strap across the rear to hold it in place.
Didn't get to bend any tube, but did throw together some crossbars for the bed out of 1"x2"x .120" rectangle tubing. Not exactly what I wanted, but I was in a hurry and the steel was already paid for.