DIY MTB "rack"

In order to avoid paying unnecessary a**loads of money for an aftermarket truck bed bike rack, I decided to make my own .

The Yakima keyed mounts were roughly $30 each, and the wood/hardware from Home Depot came out to ~$25.

My original idea was to pull the plastic liner out, and screw the yakima fork mounts to the actual bed of the truck. Being a person who isn't keen on making extra holes in his aged beast, I decided to go a different route.

I ended up removing the plastic liner, and building the simple 2x4 based design inside. I used lag screw shields, rubber/stainless washers, and lag screws to secure it to the bed. This allows for easy removal, and also a secure mount.

Any suggestions for a simple weatherproofing of the 2x4? I thought about simply painting it black to seal the wood? Future design will be made out of aluminum, or include the integration of a "mini" toolbox.

Pics:







-nate

 

This is how the unit works. Both of my bikes have quick release wheels. A simple removal of the front wheel, and the forks are placed on the blockhead, thus locking them in.

 

Nice idea. Simple and effective.
Like the design, may have to do it myself...

 

Thanks much! I'll trade my bike rack expertise for you and your buddies rear bumper skills? =)

Just checked out your truck...nice rig!

 

I made a real simple one from 2 inch angle welded to the tie down hooks.

 

Nice setup! I thought about mounting off of the tie down hooks, but wanted to be able to use them in addition to the bike mounts.

I'll probably do something like your setup next time. I'm going camping in Big Sur, CA this coming weekend, and wanted a quick setup.

 

You can still use the tie down hooks. I sold that truck but still have the rack with mounts never got around to selling it, but it's for a 01 to 04 double cab won't fit reg or extend cab.

 

to OP....use some thompsons water seal to keep your 2x4 waterproof. i am wanting to do a similar setup, but the problem is I have a toolbox and I definetly do not want to but holes in my toolbox just to mount the fork clamps. any ideas?

 

thanks for the recommendations. i'll have to check out the product next time i make it to a hardware store.

if it were me, i'd just drill into the side of the toolbox, and mount the clamps there. of course i'd have to make it sealed with either a rubber gasket or silicone...etc...but you mentioned you don't want to mess with the box.

not sure how i'd do it with a box.

 

Exactly how I had mine mounted. Now I have a newer truck, so I need to mod it a little to work....

 

I Used to do that but I know have an AM Bike with a 25mm thru axle and Dual crown fork so taking the wheel off and on isn't a quick task. I just tie it down AKA motorcycle style and that's it. Still need to make a small chock to hold the wheel from moving. No biggie

If you really want to go hog wild check this out. I contemplating doing this last year but the tie downs work fine

http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/goodies/TruckbedBikeRack.htm

 

That's a neat setup, Shift. I'd consider doing something like this if I had bike that were a pain to tear down, and trail ready.

Werloc...right on man.

Well....I arrived home last night from our trip to Big Sur. I'm going to make a separate thread here in a bit.

 

Here's my setup. Old school baby works great and simple.

 

This is how I used to have the truck set up. I changed to the mounts and 2x4 recently.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off-roading-trails/85383-camping-big-sur-ca.html#post1621701

That's the link to my thread in the Off-Road & Trails thread which covers our camping trip, and has a few pictures of the bikes mounted.

 

Nice setup! I was ganna do something similar also, but I have a tool box so I just screwed it down to my box and weather sealed it with a foam gasket and silicone. Works perfectly!!!

Dont have a real close good pic of it, but you can see them in this one..

 

Shoot...if I had a box...this is EXACTLY how I would do it. Well done.

PS: sell me your mud flaps and fender flares!

 

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1031488_-1_1529500_20000_400019