Hauling dirt bikes in a double cab short bed

Ok, so before you flame the new guy and tell me to do a search, I have searched my ass off and read just about every post there has been about the D-rings. I have a couple of ideas but wanted to hear some opinions. Here is my issue. On occasion I need to transport 2 dirt bikes. Just picked up a 08 double cab short bed. I purchased 2 sets of the Toyota d-rings. Problem is, if I install them in the location specified in the instructions or under the factory bed bolt that doesnt really look like its going to work out very well because the strap will basically be straight up and down on one side when hauling 2 bikes due to the whole wheel well running all the way to the front of the bed thing. So here are the ideas/questions.....

1. Has anyone mounted the d-rings on the top of the wheelwell? This would put the d-ring further to the side of the bed and should work fine for what I need. Just not sure if this is a good idea structurally.

2. Has anyone used one of these products on the composite bed? http://www.ccrsport.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=10 I used one in a Chevy I had a while back and it was ok.

3. I know theres a couple guys that just use the rail system. I think I would trust it better if the cleats were made of metal. Can Tundra cleats be used in the Tacoma rail? I think I saw a picture of somebody who was. I think I would trust this more as they appear they are made of metal and the only failure with a cleat I saw, the plastic cleat is what broke. Even so would anyone still suggest using it with those if you can?

4. If you have any better ideas let me know.

Thanks.

 

1. I'm not sure about moving the D rings to there. They might just rip out of the plastic bed.

2. Never heard ot it.

3. The cleats are not the problem, the entire system is weak and is NOT to be used for transporting a bike.

4. I would look into a small trailer IMHO.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/8799-question-those-who-carry-motorcycles.html

 

I recommend a rack from US Rack, no drilling required and great for hauling 2 bikes. By far the best set up I have seen and very secure. usrack.com

 

I myself am going thru a mishap, at least for me, the D-rings and the movable cleat did a fine job, it was the tailgate that failed on me, I did look at your system and it looks like that is a safe way to go, nice bikes may I add.

 

Damn. Sorry to hear that man. I guess I am fortunate because I just got mine and based on the VIN in the tailgate TSB mine has the update. Good luck with yours.

 

Thats a great idea. Thanks. Im really considering this one. From looking around it looks like I have to buy the rack then there is some kind of kit for another $50 for the Tacoma with the rail system is that right? Did you get yours from their site or another one? I cant find that Tacoma kit on their actual site but I found it on www.discountramps.com Thanks again.

 

If you must haul in the bed, Old Cow seems to have a killer set-up (ultra heavy duty, ultra $$$). I have seem many of the bed-buddy type systems at the track, thay all seem very functional. As you mentioned though, not sure about the integrity of the composite.

I use a 6X8 utility trailer myself

good luck

 

I got mine from usrack.com and received great service. Tell them you have a Taco and they will set you up, seems to me the extra kit for it was $25, definitely not $50. Its the cradle rack. http://www.usrack.com/motorcycle_rack.shtml

 

i know that this was an old thread and i am sure you have found out how to do this but i just stumbled arcoss this pic on the net



hope it helps maybe i have put ONE bike in my bed using the rails and the tie downs but not 2

 

That picture makes it look like the bikes are held in place with twine.

 

Old cow...Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! I have debating this since I got my 08 a month ago. I carry my CR500AF and my sons CR125 and I just ordered on from US rack...called them and they were super nice! No tax, free shipping 244 bucks for your set up....SWEET!!

I know it ain't the prettiest thing but I go riding EVERY sunday with my son and friends and I need something stable and reliable and this is it!

 

ok guys, i've used the cleats for 2+ years to haul 2 full size bikes around. Using 4 cleats it is very stable when using a fork saver.

 

This is how I spend my weekends... not really much of a problem. (07 CR 125 and KTM 200EXC)

 

those are awesome! I was looking for somthing like that for mountain bikes!!!

 

I don't understand what everyone's problem is with the stock rail/cleat system when hauling dirt bikes. I agree that the cleats are not as strong as they should be. But for hauling 2 dirt bikes under 250-300 pounds each the system works fine. The problem arises when people bear down hard on the tie-down straps -- they don't need to be super tight! Your brappy baby will not grow wings and fly out of the bed. You just need to make sure of three things: 1) the straps are slightly tighter than needed to keep the bike upright when the truck is stopped; 2) the strap hooks don't come off the anchor points; and 3) the forks are blocked open with a 2x4 or similar between the tire and the lower triple tree. Put a bungee between the two strap hook eyes on each strap so no matter how much slack occurs in a turn or bump, the hooks never come off the anchor points -- there is always tension keeping them hooked. It also helps to put the bike in first gear, and secure the rear wheel(s) with a rope or bungee or something so it can't shift side-to-side too far. My biggest problem is keeping the rest of my gear from sliding or blowing out of the bed -- can't close the tailgate after loading the bikes.

If you're hauling a harley or a cruiser or big sport bike, that's another story entirely and a custom or aftermarket rail system would probably be in order.

 

I dont know man, ive had to go through some rough shit to get to the staging area and my rails were screaming. Yes they held but itd be way better to have something like this. I might start playing with the welder and make me one...

 

That exhaust outlet is nice!

 

This looks good. I like the ability to haul one bike in the middle. Looks better, imo. www.yotarack.com. It looks much less expensive, too. How much was the US racks one? Their website makes it look like it is 400+bucks??

 

Hey guys, i'm curious if anyone here has any experience hauling street bikes with the US rack system using the tacoma rails. I am looking for a setup capable of hauling two sport bikes on occasion. I'm wondering if the rack will more evenly distribute the load on the rails and make it a little more secure because i know i would not trust them on their own for securing either of my bikes. Has anyone seen pics of this being done? Thanks a lot for any help. I may end up having to make something if this isn't the ticket like Yoytoda was saying.