Ideas for bike rack

I am looking to make a bike rack for the bed of my 17 long bed Tacoma to haul our bikes in. I keep looking at the top of the wheel wells being flat and how our bike pedals rest on top of them. I like the bikes standing up on each side of the bed with the front tires still attached. I am still thinking about a bar connecting the bikes to the sides of the bed that can be removed when not needed and someway to secure the pedals to the wheel wells. This would also open up the bed between the bikes for more storage. Has anyone tried a set up like that ? I would like to see pictures. I have some ideas but have not done anything yet but would like to come up with something before spring.

 

Duh!
I put this on the wrong thread. I was reading buy,sale and trade and forgot to put it where this should have been posted when I was done.

 

The easiest way is to buy a third rail for the cab side of the bed. You can get them on Amazon for about $40. It is the exact same as the rails that come standard on the truck. Rocky mounts does a locking fork mount that can be placed on the rail. You will need to remove the wheel to use them though. They are low profile and can be left in the truck. Worth looking into. I think I did the entire setup for about $70 or so.

 

RockyMounts LoBall Track quick release bike rack pick up truck

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019...3_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8CY1MV96T9D96RRKX89N

$57 Genuine Toyota Accessories PT278-35100-BH Truck Bed Header Rail

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D...g_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WHECAKAQDWGADMHGE1ZC

Here are the links. I didn’t pay this much. You just need to search.

 

I made this. I wanted the rack to be as small as possible, not have to remove the front wheel, fast to remove, and not get in the way of hauling stuff. I use an old heavy duty tube around the crank arm to protect it from the bolt head. This works great and is really simple. I have tried to get the bikes to move and cannot.

 

You're a genius thanks for sharing

 

I got this from AMAZON: INNO

$109 INNO RT202 Truck Bed Bike Rack - Bike Mount for Pickup Truck with C-Channel Track Systems

https://www.amazon.com/INNO-Gripper-Pickup-C-Channel-Systems/dp/B002N0013G?ref=ast_p_ei

 

Easiest way to transport bikes in a truck is a tailgate pad & it also fits the most # of bikes

https://www.rei.com/product/112535/...8a-b521-6a0eaae34d3d|kwd-1100000899247&gclid=

 

If I had found that first I would have bought that, looks great.

 

Thanks for the ideas PinnacleChris and DA3
I really like the Inno set up.

Question for DA3 - Will the bikes be secure using just one mount on each side and securing the front tire with other means? I really like the bed being open between the bikes but the price is a little much for 2 kits.

My original thoughts were more along the line of what PinnacleChris had done.
The question I had for him is what did you use to secure your bikes with? I have never seen a strap like that before. Would a bike shop have something like that? I had the same idea with the threaded rod and bolting it to the side tracks but that rubber piece attached to the bikes is something I have not seen.

I liked the other suggestions as well but these were more what I was looking for.
Thank You

 

Toyota Bed Rail Cleat T Slot Nuts, (4 Pack), Fits Tacoma & Tundra Bed Deck Rail Accessories & Tie Downs, Fits Screws with 3/8"-16 Thread. By Bolt Dropper

T Slot Nuts (4 Pack), T Slot Nut for Toyota Tundra & Toyota Tacoma Pick-Up Truck Bed Deck Rails Accessories & Tie Down, Fits Screws with 3/8"-16 Thread.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZN63BH?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Original Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 1" - 2-1/4" diameter (Pack of 2)

$10 END OF ROAD Original Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 1" - 2-1/4" diameter, 2 Count (Pack of 1) - 0010

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CQPANY?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The rest was just some stainless hardware from the store.

 

simple and to the point. I love it. Have you noticed any issues with the front wheel turning while driving?? Thanks for the info!!

 

X2 thanks for sharing this.

 

- They are super secure with 2 meaning they don't move a bit- I like the fact they can be adjusted (slide the clamp in rail to get the best fit) my bikes are large so I was happy with 2 each- but yes 1 would work. You can always get another set. (Pinnacle made the same thing) I like how the INNO attaches to the frame parts and INNO has the hoop on the end of mount to add a strap if you prefer- I removed all of the hoops as I only use this TACO as a rolling bike rack to bike trails. I'm the guy with 400 miles on my TACO and it's parked till June.

 

DA3 I have another question.
How secure do you feel these Innos are ?
Being on the top of the bed sides they are visible for theft.
I still like these and what Pinnacle Chris suggested.
Also appreciated the additional information he added as well.
I definitely will be going with one of your suggestions.
Thank You

 

How long is the bolt ?

 

Yes, so it does slide into the rail and yes it has a metal part that rests on top of bed frame (literally not sure what that is for as nothing touches the bed frame) it's hand tightened into the rail - never thought about theft as much I park in garage and it wasn't a major expense to begin with. I personally like using 2 arms per bike - as you know the beds aren't deep and esp my bikes with larger tires- was thinking how big of a bump would send it out .. just a thought (I'd be more worried they steal a bike)

 

Works fine at interstate speeds. The one above by @PinnacleChris would be more solid if you had rough going to a trail head or something.

 

These are what I use and love them! DCLBFTMFW!

 

I currently have a metal rack that fits in the bed that holds the front tires with a strap going over the bikes side to side. It seems to work but makes me nervous. I released the strap one day and the one bike fell over. I barely caught it before it scratched the bed. Wont be using that set up anymore. I got a Amazon gift card for Christmas. I now know what it will be going for. I appreciated everyone's thoughts on this. You gave a couple really good options.