Here's what works for us, a Bike Tite for the fork and a short wheel tray for the rear wheel mounted on the fiberglass truck bed lid. The front wheels ride in the truck bed. You want to mount everything as far forward as you can without the bike hitting the cab when the lid is open. That will minimize the weight you lift when opening the lid. Also be sure to fill the open space between the upper and lower skin of the lid with expanding foam for structural support after drilling the holes. The wheel tray is spaced above the lid by a couple of washers that allow a small bunge with ball to hold the rear wheel in the tray. Used rubber washers and clear silicon caulk at each mounting hole to eliminate water leaks. The open area of the Bike Tite allows room for the security cable. I've done this on all 3 pickups I've owned since 1996 and it works great whether towing or not.
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There are all sorts of options, some more expensive than the other. For me, it came down to, how much risk I'm willing to accept to my bikes. If I had some basic wal-mart rides, I wouldn't be too concerned to hang them off the back, and hope for the best. Biggest risk, would be if they fell, could cause a wreck behind me. Not good. But for me, I was more concerned with the rocking and rolling they'd be doing back there. My wife and Son also Mountain bike, and, frankly the thought of a few thousand dollars worth of Specialized, Trek and Diamondback bikes bouncing around back there turns me off.
I built a bed rack out of PVC to secure them in the bed. (google PVC truck bike rack, you'll find the plans) I can keep an eye on them while travelling, don't have to worry about them getting swiped as much, and they're ready to go to the trailhead at any moment, if we want to ride a trail not connected to the campground. Kills several birds with one stone.
Of course, if you need an excuse, you can always get the bumper mount, and then explain to the wife you NEED a $9000 Carbon Fibre mountain bike, so it's light enough to ride back there!
* This post was
edited 04/06/12 01:09pm by AV8R 130 *
fordsooperdooty wrote: Yakima Roof Top Bicycle Racks. We've had one of these on the roofs of our tow vehicles with 2 Expeditions and 2 Pickup Trucks...No better, safer or easier way to transport multiple bikes or just one.
I can debate the safer part.
A long time ago I had a roommate, normally quite the intelligent guy, that came home after a long ride, bike on his Yakima roof top bike mount. He decided to park his car in the garage and at the same time, removed his bike and rack system with the garage. It was his race bike and extensive (note, expensive) damage occurred.
Believe it or not, that is actually a very common event for people who roof mount bikes that also park in garages. It usually only happens to an individual once though.
As one of my High School Theology teachers Father Patrick used to say..."Look up my Son and ye shall find answers"...
Yakima Roof Top Bicycle Racks. We've had one of these on the roofs of our tow vehicles with 2 Expeditions and 2 Pickup Trucks...No better, safer or easier way to transport multiple bikes or just one.
(CUT AND PASTE THIS in your browser!)http://www.forums.carrackresources.com/attachments/car-manufacturers/toyota/112d1254697359-2004-toyota-sienna-4-bike-roof-rack-yakima-railgrab-towers-2004-toyota-sienna-bike-roof-rack-103.jpg
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
rgolding wrote: I did a Google search on the word "Arvika" and got all kind of information about a Swedish City. Can you please explain further the spending of $700?
There is a link on the previous page. I believe the site is Arvika.ca/
2013 Keystone, Laredo.. 291, Outdoor kitchen (my camping man cave)
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