Over the Bed Bike Rack - 5 Bikes

[t2daniel]

Just thought I would share my Bike rack solution for taking my bikes along.

I looked at a hitch welded on the back of the trailer, but my local shop wanted $500 for that and then a 5 bike rack was about another $500. Found this rack for 5 bikes for $299 and then built a platform for it. The rack is designed to sit in the bed of the truck, but putting it above the bed leaves room for the grill, propane tank, generator etc. I made the rails adjustable so I can move the platforms as necessary.

It was a little tricky as one of my bikes has a shorter wheelbase, so the back/front wheels barely fit onto 1 board. I could have just added another board farther forward as well. Really flexible setup. Plus I like the look of the quarter sawed white oak!! Looks nostalgic.

It worked really well.

[Icescreamer]

Sweet, nice work!! Do you have a link for the rack itself?

[BigJohnD]

Thank you for posting this. I was fixing to build something similar. In the sketching stages now. I was going with a clamp on metal frame, but similar to what you have here. You've given me a few more ideas now. I need one for 5 bikes as well. We were hauling 2 on the back and a few in the bed, but generator is on the back now, thus coming up with something like what you've done.

[t2daniel]

Truck Bike Rack, Pickup Truck Bike Racks by Pipeline Racks

[t2daniel]

I like that I don't have to take the front tires off. Half the bikes don't have the quick release so it would have been a pain...then what to do with the tires!! The rack grips by the tire only so no damage to the paint. I bought the mounting feet too so I could pin the rack to the platform.

[Icescreamer]

Spectacular. Love it. I may have to add this to the want list!

Thanks

[BigJohnD]

Only problem I would have after looking at the site, is I'm dealing with bikes with small wheels to big wheels. Only the 2 adult bikes would work in the store bought version. I think I could duplicate the design though with tubing. Love the concept though.

[t2daniel]

The arms do adjust for smaller tires, but only to a limit. Then the issue with the different wheelbases come in. My kids are getting older so all but 1 are adult bikes. Definitely makes it easier with this config. A smaller bike just means a separate intermediate platform for the smaller bike.