Wanted: Bike Rack

[rghbsn]

Looking for a bike rack, for use in the truck bed, that will lock. Don't have a specific brand in mind, but not looking to break the bank, either.

[Matt_]

i made one that works really well and holds 4 bikes. ill take some pics tonight after work if i remember.

[rghbsn]

Thanks, that'd be helpful.

 

I was looking at this one: www.recrac.com

 

But I don't know if I'll be able to make it work if I put a tonneau cover on that has a frame.

[Matt_]

Ok here's some pictures.

 

First off, i apologize.... i buit this rack for my 2005 Silverado , so of course it doesnt fit right in my 2008 Sierra. But i put it in position as best i could to give you an idea of how it worked.

 

The close up picture shows the notches i had to make so the rack wouldnt get hung up on the tie down loops in the bed.

 

In the correct bed the rack would sit flush to the bed and would not be able to move at all due to the dimensions and the notches/tie down loop locations. With a bike installed, no one would be able to steal it without breaking the rack and/or damaging the bike.... and they'd make one hell of a ruckus trying to do it so im pretty sure youe bikes are safe with this method

 

 

 

 

Edit:

 

Some more quick notes. The actual bike mounts are through-bolted, so they can not be taken off unless the 'theif' was able to take the bikes AND rack out of the bed to try and unbolt it from the bottom.... which is virtually impossible. Also, I have put 4 bikes on this rack and it works great, thats also the reason for the staggered mounts; in case you were wondering.

[rghbsn]

Thanks for the info and the pics... I just may have to go that route, looks like it's pretty secure.

[pmillen]

I use Thule racks that are a bit pricy but super-gentle on graphite forks. They are fast at mounting and dismounting the bikes and hold solid at 75MPH. They have optional locks but for absolute security you'll need a tailgate lock. Go to: http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=75&sku=501

[Matt_]

Here's some updated pics. I decided to modify the bike rack so it would fit in the back of my GMT900.... and then the wife and i went riding since it was so damn nice today!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my 05 i've carried 4 bikes at the same time with this rack. Works like a charm

[Nick The Great]

What keeps 'er from flying out of the bed? Is it just enough of an interference fit?

 

I have my skewers already, I just need to put them on the boards. Should be a fun weekend project!

 

[Matt_]

yea when i first designed/built it for my 05 it was a tight interference fit. its not needed though, like how i have it on my 08. There's absolutely no way the bikes will come out of the bed when attached to this rack. when connected to the rack they're so well secured that they dont even vibrate/swing to the side. they aren't going anywhere in there

[GARB55]

yea when i first designed/built it for my 05 it was a tight interference fit. its not needed though, like how i have it on my 08. There's absolutely no way the bikes will come out of the bed when attached to this rack. when connected to the rack they're so well secured that they dont even vibrate/swing to the side. they aren't going anywhere in there

 

Nice Set Up!! What are the clear plastic Tubes on either side of the bed?

[Matt_]

those are the drain tubes for my bakflip HD cover.

[GARB55]

those are the drain tubes for my bakflip HD cover.

 

Gotcha.. Thx

[Nick The Great]

yea when i first designed/built it for my 05 it was a tight interference fit. its not needed though, like how i have it on my 08. There's absolutely no way the bikes will come out of the bed when attached to this rack. when connected to the rack they're so well secured that they dont even vibrate/swing to the side. they aren't going anywhere in there

 

 

Gotcha