The Best Way to Mount Bicycles to the Toyota Bed Rails

FWIW I made a couple of these back when 15mm was a new standard and no pre-made options were out yet-- they work perfectly enough I have never needed to change them. 1/2" galvanized pipe and threaded PVC nipples, mounted onto a scrap piece of 80/20. The 80/20 quick releases to the sides of my carpet kit near the rear window using 1/2" brass quick release air compressor fittings which are press-fit into the aluminum. It only takes a few seconds to pop it in across the mattress to load up the bikes, and pops off in 2 seconds if you want to take it off and use the bed. 29'ers fit too since the shell is a high-rise 122.

 

There’s a reason there’s so much space between cab and the back wall of the bed: It’s necessary; it’s not necessary every day, but when you need it, you need it, and it better be there. Flipping the rail around reduces the space between the bed and the cab. If I damage my truck by grinding the rail into the cab, RockyMounts won’t take responsibility, Toyota won’t take responsibility, and my insurance company won’t pay for it.

The truck cost over $30K. The rack cost $90. If can’t modify the rack to make it work, I am going to return it, or put in the trash.

 

Like this because I hate taking off my front wheel for a quick ride. Betting this would be fine with the shorted and the gate down.

 

It’s perfect for me. Takes 3 seconds to unvelcro and pull the bike over the bed. I use a flip bed cover as well. I’ll just loosen the bolts and flip the mounts upside down and the cover goes right over it.

 

I can't speak to the mount itself, but those angle brackets are on my truck. I put them on to lower the front of the bike so the handlebar gear wouldn't be in the weather.

I've been using this setup for three years, often with multiple bikes, including two 40lb plus fat bikes mounted at the same time. I ride three to five times a week, and often down rough dirt roads. Obviously, I've had no problems and checked today, no signs of crackingor fatigue.

Just saying...

 

I ran a similar setup with medal beds. I had a long bar with giant HF magnets, and The two skewers bolted to it. It was rock solid, removable, and super easy to get the bike in and out.

 

I made an adapter plate this morning and attached the RMDST to the rail behind the cab window. After a close examination, decided that I didn't like the way the mount works with the factory rail, so removed the mount, and just bolted it to an old pallet that I keep in the bed of the truck. Like your modification, the bike sits down low inside the bed, so I don't need to worry about the bike colliding with my garage door.

Ran a heavy duty locking cable through the bike, pallet, wheels, and one of the bed's tie downs to discourage casual theft. I don't leave the bike in the truck unattended, doubt anyone would bother stealing the pallet while I am riding the bike, and they are welcome to steal this POS mount. It's butt ugly, but functional enough to use until I can find a better mount.

 

Still having a hard time getting the 202 mounts flush with truck bed
They do work but dont fit tight

 

Hauling a bike in the bed of my Tundra was no problem, but the Tacoma bed is much shorter. I haven't tried to haul a bike yet, but at some point I probably will.

As to a tailgate blanket, how about moving blankets from our friends at Harbor Freight? I'm working on the premise that the inside panel of the tailgate is metal with the plastic bed liner over it, these might work to keep in in place. Unlikely that anyone would steal them, but of course you can remove them and toss them in the back seat when you're out riding.

I haven't checked all four pages of this thread, so I missed it if someone has already suggested this.

 

Missed this reply earlier. See pic below. Reversing the rail cap does not reduce space between the cab and the back wall of the bed because the piece below the cap already sticks out more. This is a non issue.

Gwlee seems to be too stubborn to do any sort of modification whatsoever. For everyone else, reversing the rail to be able to use the Rockymount works great.

My only issue is not with the rail or the mount. My thru axle is tapered in the middle so the Rockymount clamp doesn't hold it 100% firmly. Need to get an axle that doesn't taper. Otherwise this setup has been perfect.

 

I was actually just mounting mine today and came across your post, glad I found it because your tip worked. Must say, there is a sliver of a difference though, maybe 3 to 5mm closer to the cab. Such a small amount that I wasnt uncomfortable about the changes though.

 

I made a thing the other day. Had a metal shop cut n bend, then I welded on the 1/2x1/2 bar for spacers. The silver bolts hold it into place but it rests on the bed rail for support. I can pull it off easily and use it on a Prinsu rack or my cage on the trailer. 3 diff style of fork mounts for the three bikes we usually take. Cost me about 20$ (without mounts).

 

i use a ratchet strap to hold the bike in place. the tailgate mat is pretty useless without it, unless i am somehow not using it properly.

 

I have a raceface tailgate pad and it has velcro straps that hold the bike surprisingly well. I traveled 4 hours on windy back roads and the bike barely moved. Other pad options, like a blanket, are obviously going to be a different story. It's my favorite thing since getting the truck, makes loading/unloading the bikes so fast and easy and the mat attaches and removes from the truck in a couple minutes tops.

That said, I don't currently live in a place where theft of this kind is rampant. I do still cable lock the bike for travel or if I am going to be away from it for any length of time.

 

@canyonchaser
Are you able to carry 3 bikes with the front rail setup or do the handlebars prevent it?

 

Ride88's are super awesome and easy to use. System uninstalls in minutes for when you need the whole bed. Folds down under the Bakflip MX4. I think I have my truck sold so selling these soon maybe.

 

Yes. The two outboard bikes would need to slide all the way to the outside.

But also, I've modified my setup. It now looks like this. I got tired of climbing into the bed.

Also, I worked with a local machinist @TMCmakes do alpha and beta testing on the Wheel Deal - the thing that holds the wheels onto the bed rail. The thread on those is here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mtb-wheel-hauler-contest-name-this-thing.711725/

 

Does any company make a wheel holder that mounts to the Bed Rail system?

I mounted the OEM bedrail to the front of the bed (not included on the Gen3 models) and I have a Rocky Mounts fork mount for the bike, I just need a mount for the detached front wheel. Any suggestions?

 

There is a guy on here than custom makes something in mounts to your side bed rails that looks pretty slick. I did a bit of searching and couldn't find it but I know it's on here somewhere.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mtb-wheel-hauler-contest-name-this-thing.711725/