1st Gen Front Rail install

I would like to install a front rail in my 04 Xtra cab bed. I have the rails from a 2ed gen already and I'm just starting to plan it out. The rail will be hopefully used for 2 bikes using a "Ride88 QR3 OEM Kit" bike rack (sub 100lb). I'm wondering if anyone has done this before and have any tips?
Thanks.

 

I’d use Rivnuts into the bedside rail sheet metal. You can buy the tools and inserts on Amazon.

 

I know @crashnburn80 hauls bikes in his DCSB attached to the bed, but I forgot what his setup looked like.

 

First, welcome to the forum!

I used the Ride88 cross bar mount for my Ride88 racks on my 1st Gen. I did use the track mount on my 2nd Gen. Post from my build thread copied below.

Got the Ride88 hanger crossbar installed today to finally mount the bike racks. The tension system is a bit of a PITA to dial in compared to using the bed rails on the 2nd/3rd Gen. But once installed works great.







Put it to use immediately after install.

 

Wow, thanks. this is exactly the set up! I was eyeing that cross bar option but will be removing everything every couple of weeks which made me want to go rails. Rails would also give me options for other thing, not that I have plans there. Would the bar style you have be THAT much hassle for frequent removal?

 

The bar would be a hassle to remove/install constantly. I just leave it in as it takes up very little space and pull the bike carriers independently as shown. Even if you went with the rail instead, you still have to install the bike rack base bars into the mount, for the racks attack to. So you end up with protruding bars in the bed still, just not a full length bar. The rail mount bars are also a hassle to remove/install, so again you just pull the racks and leave the mounts regardless of which solution you go with in most cases.

Edit, like this:

 

Ok, now I get it. With your style I assumed the bar and everything would always have to be removed. I didn't want to have to adjust that every time so was avoiding it. Where as with the rails I was thinking of cutting a notched section out of the rail in one spot that I could just slide the bike stand in and out via the rail slides...but I guess that may not even work depending on bolt access. You gave me something to think about, thanks a lot.

 

Im not sure that cutting the rail would be the best idea for the mount strength. Pulling the racks off the bar mount for either solution is just 2 pins per rack, no tools required. Very quick and much easier than dealing with removing either bar mount, including cutting the rail as you propose.

 

@crashnburn80 - unrelated question...I see you have a spray on bedliner, and I am considering one. Does the oem bed have drain holes on the front edge? Mine currently has a drop in liner that is PITA to remove or I would just take it out and look...

 

Yes, there are 2 large front drain holes that have removable rubber plugs.