Custom Over Rolling Tonneau Cover Bike Rack

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haleme

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Finished up a custom bike rack that installs over a rolling tonneau cover this weekend. Got to say I am really happy with the results.

The biggest challenge was getting bars that would work with my Gator Recoil tonneau cover. I looked at the load bars from KBVoodoo and price was just too much for me. The Dee Zee bars would have worked, but again, the cost was pretty high and I hate the bars running front to rear on the bed side.

Only option was to make my own. All parts assembled for less that $500.

I used two Elevate Outdoor Rear Bars. These mount to the stake pockets. The front was easy and cleared the Gator Recoil rails.

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The rear needed to have the Recoil rails cut to clear the bolt, add a flat metal bar to level the load bar mount on the rail, and finally trim the rear of the rail cap.
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The bike rails are 6' long 2" and 3" aluminum channels I drilled and attached with u bolts. The wheel forks are mounted on the channels. Going to replace the thin metal bars holding the wheel forks on with 1"x2"solid aluminum bars this week.
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And, when I want full access to the bed, I just remove the pins holding the load bars on and lift the whole rack out.

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Last edited:

mtofell

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Wow... nice job. Can the bed cover still open/close with the bikes in place? Is opening/closing the gate still easy with bikes loaded up?
 
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haleme

haleme

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Yep, the cover rolls and closes as normal, with or without bikes. The tail gate opens and closes normally too.
 

regal81455

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That looks great - nice job! It's always neat to see other peoples solutions to similar problems. I did something similar for my fishing poles and bikes too. Bought my parts loose from e-trailer. I'm able to reposition the risers front to back so I can rearrange the cross beams based on what is being placed upon them. Bought the snowboard holders for the rods. Still need to purchase the bike holders but in due time. I've got a tri-fold. A roller would be really preferred but since I'm able to move the risers it's only a minor inconvenience. Here's a pic of my setup to assist in others who might be considering this type of mod.

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haleme

haleme

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I really like your solution too. Looks very clean. If I ever take up another hobby, I can also easily reconfigure the bars over the bed.

In the meantime, I'm going to Plastidip the the ends of the channels to prevent cuts on people and scratches on the truck.
 

regal81455

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Tx man! :)

Plastidip would definitely work, another option to consider if available, is to have some end caps 3d printed.
 

SitKneelBend

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I really like your solution too. Looks very clean. If I ever take up another hobby, I can also easily reconfigure the bars over the bed.

In the meantime, I'm going to Plastidip the the ends of the channels to prevent cuts on people and scratches on the truck.

Tx man! :)

Plastidip would definitely work, another option to consider if available, is to have some end caps 3d printed.
To pile on, Amazon has sellers for al types and sizes of rubber caps for things. Might be able to find something sized perfectly dirt cheap.
 
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haleme

haleme

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Tx man! :)

Plastidip would definitely work, another option to consider if available, is to have some end caps 3d printed.

To pile on, Amazon has sellers for al types and sizes of rubber caps for things. Might be able to find something sized perfectly dirt cheap.
So many good ideas.

I would love a 3d printer, but have my eye on a laser cutter/engraver first.
 
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