Bike Rack on Bed Rail

[RyeRey521]

Hey Guys,
Looking for some advice here as I am about to make a purchase of a bike rack and have been looking for ways to mount it securely to my truck. The link shows the rack that I am getting. 1uo Roof Tray

My question to you guys is whether or not you think the rotational forces of this rack being attached directly to the bed rail will cause any sort of visible damage to the bed rails. I plan on simply drilling four hols in the bed rail, backing each pair of bolts with a drilled plate of aluminum (to act a big washer) and disperse the pressure more evenly. I have no doubt in the attaching of the rack to the truck, but do you think this will bend my bed rails up or down over time?

The heaviest bike that will be on there may weight 25 lbs and the lightest around 15. I was also thinking of using some rubber washer to help keep moisture out of the unprotected holes fwiw.

Ryan

 

[Ram-Rod]

Why not consider making a drop in rack using those and a wood base? I did something similar with my old truck and plan to with this one as well. Make a simple wooden mount that fits in the bed. Mine used the slots in the bed to hold a 2x8 so that there was room under/around the rack for gear. Took about 30 seconds to install/remove and hung in the garage when not in use.

 

[Phylodog]

I use a Yakima Bedrock setup. No drilling, locks in place so no one can steal it and it's easily removable in a couple of minutes.

 

[jadocs]

Hey Guys,

Looking for some advice here as I am about to make a purchase of a bike rack and have been looking for ways to mount it securely to my truck. The link shows the rack that I am getting. 1uo Roof Tray



My question to you guys is whether or not you think the rotational forces of this rack being attached directly to the bed rail will cause any sort of visible damage to the bed rails. I plan on simply drilling four hols in the bed rail, backing each pair of bolts with a drilled plate of aluminum (to act a big washer) and disperse the pressure more evenly. I have no doubt in the attaching of the rack to the truck, but do you think this will bend my bed rails up or down over time?



The heaviest bike that will be on there may weight 25 lbs and the lightest around 15. I was also thinking of using some rubber washer to help keep moisture out of the unprotected holes fwiw.



Ryan

I want to do the exact same thing with the exact same rack. I currently have the 4 bike hitch mount from 1up USA, but want to add a tray to the bed rail as well for a fifth bike. 1up USA makes the best racks hands down. There is no other rack that has the weight rating this has combined with ease of use. Mounting to the rail would keep the bed clear without having separate mounting systems, cross bars, etc. I would reinforce under the rail somehow, just haven't figured out how I want to do it yet.

 

[hotrodderscott]

I use a Yakima Bedrock setup. No drilling, locks in place so no one can steal it and it's easily removable in a couple of minutes.

Like this idea if, like you said, it was easily removable. You have any pics of where/how the cross bars attach to the bed rails. Wiukd be perfect if could still use a roll up bed cover to keep clothing and hunting gear dry and the rack for game cooler and 4wd accessories like high-lift jack , shovels, ex... for those back country hunting/fishing trip.

 

[Phylodog]

You can't use a bed cover with the Bedrock system as it uses clamps which hit both the top of the bed rail as well as underneath it. I've seen someone use different mounts from Yakima which screw in place through the top rail, that option would allow you to use a bed cover as long as it didn't lay on top of the bed rails.

 

[SIhemi]

I made my own bike rack out of PVC pipe.

 

[BoldAdventure]

I use a Yakima Bedrock setup. No drilling, locks in place so no one can steal it and it's easily removable in a couple of minutes.

I have a Baja Rack myself. Trying to think of a way to mount it, I have the Rambox so my options are limited. Not sure if I want it on the roof.... hmmm...