Removable Canoe / Kayak and Bike Rack

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, so I thought I would contribute my latest project. I have been trying to come up with a way to transport my kayak and mountain bike on my Tacoma with a tool box. I personally don't really like headache racks, but knew a rack of some sort would be necessary. I figured I could handle having a rack to use for my kayak, but wanted to be able to remove it. After looking at all of the manufactured ones and the cost, I decided that I would try to make one. So, here it is. Materials for the whole thing cost about $110. A friend let me borrow his welder and it took us about 10 hours to build. We are no pros and weren't in too big of a hurry, so probably could be done quicker.

For the front rack, we built a "permanent" rack. It has angle iron that wraps on the bed. There is a cross bar that connects the two with two posts that rise up. I removed the rail system that is attached to the bed by the cab and utilized it on the rack system to mount my bike on. We welded it between the posts on the front rack. The posts serve as couplings and the removable rack slides right in and there are bolts that secure it in place. Therefore, when not in season, the rack can be taken out and the bike mount is still in place. If needed, it slides right back in. We used a peice of 1" flat strap and welded a nut on it, then drilled a hole through the angle iron. The flat strap slides perfectly into the rail system and we put a bolt through the angle iron and into the flat strap to hold it in place. Tool box was placed on top.

For the back rack, did very similar. Used angle iron on the bed and welded another peice of angle iron to make a platform. Then welded a post onto the platform to slide the removable rack down in. We did the same thing with the flat strap to mount it to the bed. Same idea with removal. During the off season, the rack can be pulled out. If I need more room in my bed, all that needs to be done is unscrew four bolts and the system comes right off. Painted it all black and it is good to go.

Since this is all attached to the rail system, it can be moved up and down the bed, if necessary. I have plans to build a basket that will drop down a bit to throw gear in and still keep room in my bed for other things.

Supply list:
Front Rack
- (2) - 24" peices of 3" angle iron
- (1) - 1 1/2" square tubing 62" long - bottom rail
- (2) - 1 1/2" square tubing 4" long - posts
- (1) - 1 1/4" square tubing 57" long - cross bar
- (2) - 1 1/4" square tubing 22 1/2" long - Front Rack Risers
- (2) - 1 1/4" square tubing 12" long - angle support
- (3) - D-rings
- (2) - 3/8 x 2 Grade 8 bolts - securing rack to posts
- (2) - 3/8 nuts
- (6) - 1" flat strap 3" in length with nut welded on - attaches to rail system

Rear Rack:
- (4) - 12" peices of 3" angle iron
- (2) - 1 1/2" square tubing 4" long - posts
- (1) - 1 1/4" square tubing 57" long - cross bar
- (2) - 1 1/4" square tubing 29" long - Rear Rack Risers
- (2) - 1 1/4" square tubing 12" long - angle support
- (3) - D-rings
- (2) - 3/8 x 2 Grade 8 bolts - securing rack to posts
- (2) - 3/8 nuts
- (6) - 1" flat strap 3" in length with nut welded on - attaches to rail system
- (2) - cans of black spray paint. Living in Texas is hot, so I purchased the high temp paint.

 

Looks great! I am starting to build mine. I am going to build something similar to to the Yakima Outdoorsman. I will be using my Yakima roof rack for the front mount but want a wider supports then the roof rack can give me.