I know this is probably been covered before but I have a new pickup truck with a standard size bed, F150 supercab. I'm purchasing a new mountain bike and I really want to protect it when I transport it. I'm thinking the bed rackmount would probably be the best but sounds like more trouble than a hitch mount. If I got a hitch mount I think I would have one with a wheel rack rather than a cradle. I will be transporting only two bicycles at the time
Best bike transport for a pickup truck.
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Vagante
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To protect the indentities of the 3 frame( so far)manufacturers, I'll just use the first initial of companies names, T, I and S. Aluminum and steel bikes can also create stress risers from the continuous rubbing of a tailgate pad, while you may not think it's a big deal, with thin tubing, any amount of wear is a stress riser in probably one of the most crucial sections of a frame.
With trucks costing upwards of 70k and 10k bikes, the MultiTaskR makes a lot of sense. For a beater truck and bike, a moving blanket works I guess.
I realized that any product that I or anyone designs is not for everyone, so if a pad, blanket, hitch, roof or fork mounts work for your application, I get it.
With trucks costing upwards of 70k and 10k bikes, the MultiTaskR makes a lot of sense. For a beater truck and bike, a moving blanket works I guess.
I realized that any product that I or anyone designs is not for everyone, so if a pad, blanket, hitch, roof or fork mounts work for your application, I get it.
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I went ahead and circled what will probably rub on both pics
Driving through the city to a trailhead might be fine, but shuttling some terrible forest service roads, things are going to rub.
Some people might not care, that's perfectly fine, but others do.
I love my Thule Tailgater that I've been using for a couple years. It's super fast and easy. I made a leash with some 500 cord and a carabiner to loop through my rear tire (keeps the rear tire from walking left/right and will keep it in the truck in case of sudden impact). Bike wobbles some on bumpy rides, but hasn't caused any issues with the front wheel.
Biggest issue was I had a typical toolbox at the front of the bed, sitting on top of the rails. But the bike was too long. I thought I could angle the bike catty-corner across the bed, but it canted the frame of the bike at a weird angle because head tube angle. I ended up trading that tool box for a box that sits on the bed floor, but leaves full length on either side, where i need it.
Biggest issue was I had a typical toolbox at the front of the bed, sitting on top of the rails. But the bike was too long. I thought I could angle the bike catty-corner across the bed, but it canted the frame of the bike at a weird angle because head tube angle. I ended up trading that tool box for a box that sits on the bed floor, but leaves full length on either side, where i need it.
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If you're special enough to not know how to properly secure the bikes down and arrange cranks etc so they don't rub and slow the fvck down, then not my problem, I have been using a tailgate pad for over 2 years, no such issues.
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My bike has been shuttled ONCE on a truck with a tailgate pad, and the chainstays and seatstays of my bike banged against other bikes in the truck and scratched my bike up (not sure about the others).
While tailgate pads are quick and convenient, they're not all that secure (and by that, I mean holding the bikes stable during transport, esp down rough roads).
Count me in as someone who likes more secure carrying methods. I want to get a pickup for my next vehicle and I'd like to do interior in a camper shell for primary bike transport. I currently transport my bikes inside my own car (hitch rack on the wife's car) and inside my own car is so much better for fuel economy, security, and protecting them from nasty winter road salt when heading out for snow rides and hitting up the available indoor/underground bike parks.
While tailgate pads are quick and convenient, they're not all that secure (and by that, I mean holding the bikes stable during transport, esp down rough roads).
Count me in as someone who likes more secure carrying methods. I want to get a pickup for my next vehicle and I'd like to do interior in a camper shell for primary bike transport. I currently transport my bikes inside my own car (hitch rack on the wife's car) and inside my own car is so much better for fuel economy, security, and protecting them from nasty winter road salt when heading out for snow rides and hitting up the available indoor/underground bike parks.
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I threw this together last night and it works well. It's not pretty but it's very stable. I am probably going to set it up at the tailgate though. It will be much easier to load after a long ride since I won't have to climb in and out of the bed.
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1,135 Posts
That's the way I run mine, with the mounts at the tailgate. Works a lot better than having to climb into the bed to tighten the mounts.
I got interested in 1up and several of their products. I called them today to discuss the same and have to tell you that I've never had such a rude salesman on the phone in my life. He acted like I was taking up his time and I was so stupid for asking questions that I was asking that I finally ended the conversation and decided I would never buy from them. Their product look great but their sales support is just absolutely the worst I've ever seen. Looks like Thule insta-gater for me
Thanks everyone for all your input
Thanks everyone for all your input
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150 Posts
I have used a pipeline rack for a few years now and really like it for ease of getting the bike in and out of my truck. I have an F150 also but I have a SuperCrew with the short bed so I have to put the bike in at an angle but you should be fine with an extended cab short bed since the bed is longer on your truck. I have carried multiple mtn bikes with the tailgate down also. I have a hitch mount which I have used with the truck but also an SUV I had and it works great but it adds a few feet of length to an already long truck
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YGSXME/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-classic-9045-_-1689773
You can build a rack similar to the pipeline rack with pvc or wood also and I have read threads on here and the F150forum where people talk about how they did theirs. This would work also if you don't mind taking off the front wheel
https://www.rei.com/product/854753/...bPGBRDhoLaqn6HknWsSJABR-o5s5vFZIHLjBTlP7bbnYqytrWYfwykfJTEhfSdvu0uhLRoCmK_w_wcB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YGSXME/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-classic-9045-_-1689773
You can build a rack similar to the pipeline rack with pvc or wood also and I have read threads on here and the F150forum where people talk about how they did theirs. This would work also if you don't mind taking off the front wheel
https://www.rei.com/product/854753/...bPGBRDhoLaqn6HknWsSJABR-o5s5vFZIHLjBTlP7bbnYqytrWYfwykfJTEhfSdvu0uhLRoCmK_w_wcB
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2,526 Posts
That's a bummer that you had a bad experience with the 1Up rep, but don't let that stop you from buying one, you're blaming the owner of the company for something he may not know one of his employees did. What would you say to buying one, but then letting them know about your experience?
I have a Thule Instagator as well as a 1Up, the Instagator was from when I only had my pickup. It works great BUT...you can't put the tailgate down once when using it, big drawback.
Good luck whatever you do.
This is a picture of my 1 up rack with my tailgate open!!! I used to carry my bikes in the bed of my truck but with the short bed and the cap, I got tired of taking off the front wheels for both mine and my sons bikes... I can mount the rack on my truck and have 2 bikes on it in 5 min. Good luck with whatever you wind up with!
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2,272 Posts
My bike always seems to tip over when I use the moving blanket. How do I stop that?
I have a bed rug in the back of my truck and will just throw my bike back there when I ride by myself, otherwise I have a Kuat NV that I throw on.
I have a bed rug in the back of my truck and will just throw my bike back there when I ride by myself, otherwise I have a Kuat NV that I throw on.
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37 Posts
I have a save-a-load bar and 3 front wheel attachments. Great to transport the bikes!
I use it as my bikes are made out of carbon etc...and need "special care" LOL
Here's what I threw together. I also have a Kuat Transfer 2 and a Thule Sidearm if I want to lock them up. This is good for going short distances. I plan to add a couple more slots so I can take the kids bikes as well. I've also added retractable tie downs to secure it to the tie down hooks in the bed. Once tightened down the bikes and rack don't budge.
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I usually have a cover on my bed and wanted something to go over it. I got Summit Rack rain gutter brackets that clamp on the bed and then used thule towers and bars. Pick the attachment of your choice. Only problem is I can't get in the garage with the bike up there and forgot the bike was there twice. Definitely didn't learn after the first time. The bike is fine.
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556 Posts
For that reason, i built some custom drop brackets to fit thule load bars that drop the rack down inside the bed enough so the cover closes over everything with no bikes on. The bikes are low enough to clear the garage door when they're on.
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37 Posts
That's a great idea!
Do you have some pictures of it?
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