How to secure bike mount to bed?

Spranger · 07-13-2005, 07:34 AM

I want to install a fork-mount bicycle clamp to the top rail of the bed just behind the back window. I searched and found a lot of nice installations on the utilitrack but I don't have the utilitrack on my truck.

I would rather just screw or bolt the mount to the rail but looking at the rail it looks like it may be hard to get a nut and lock washer under there. Can I use self-drilling sheet metal screws? ...or what other alternatives are there?

This is the type of mount I am thinking about. I know Yakima makes a clamping style mount but it is ~$50 - I wanted something a little cheaper.

http://www.yakima.com/tech_manual/vi....asp?part=2401

Retriever · 07-13-2005, 07:40 AM

Here's a Thule one for $16:

http://www.actionsportsct.com/Thule-...sku_82117.aspx

tnbowhunter · 07-13-2005, 07:41 AM

try this...........
Bike fork attachments for Utili-Track?
or this...........Utilitrack Yakima bicycle mount
The search feature is our friend.....

travism · 07-13-2005, 09:15 AM

TN - he specifically said that he doesn't have the utili-trak, so your links won't do any good. Your eyeballs are your friends too...

travism · 07-13-2005, 09:19 AM

Spranger - Another option that you may or not be aware of is how easy it is to just use a 2x4 and screw the mount to it. The Titan bed has grooves on the side made just right for sliding 2x4s in them. I did that, painted the 2x4 black and it looks and works fine for me. If you are looking for cheap, it don't get much cheaper. I don't like attaching the forks to the bed rail because the handlebars will be above the cab roof and you'll have bug guts all over the handlebars.

Retriever · 07-13-2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travism

Spranger - Another option that you may or not be aware of is how easy it is to just use a 2x4 and screw the mount to it. The Titan bed has grooves on the side made just right for sliding 2x4s in them. I did that, painted the 2x4 black and it looks and works fine for me. If you are looking for cheap, it don't get much cheaper. I don't like attaching the forks to the bed rail because the handlebars will be above the cab roof and you'll have bug guts all over the handlebars.

That's a good idea. I might modify your idea to make a kayak rack in the bed. I could use two 2x8 and carve out the shape of my kayaks into them. Screw a couple of eyebolts into them to strap them down. That would elevate them off the bed and keep them from sliding around. Actually, maybe I could use a 2x12 so I could store stuff under them.....looking forward to trying this out now.....

I'll post some pictures when I'm done.

Spranger · 07-13-2005, 09:31 AM

I've got the 2x4 method, kinda. I have a 6x6 piece of wood about 2' long that I have a mount screwed on - this is what I use for inside the cab, with back seats folded up.

The times I need the bike in the bed I usually have the kennel back there also and the 2x4 would get in the way. When the kennel is in the bed it is always strapped down to the tie-downs closest to the rear window. The straps get in the way also but I think I can position the bike so that the strap goes through it...

My bike is pretty low in the front end, I held it up and I don't think it will be exposed the bugs that much.

travism · 07-13-2005, 09:38 AM

Retriever - there are also slots that are higher up in the bed to lay 2x4s or 2x6s flat. This wouldn't give you as much room to carve out, but may give you more storage room underneath. I would think if they are strapped down then you wouldn't need to carve out the wood, but maybe. I didn't even know that they made 2x12s. Let us know what you end up with.

OK, thread hijack over. Good luck to you Spranger.

Retriever · 07-13-2005, 09:48 AM

You can't get a board that's a foot wide? I don't know, I'm no carpenter, a 2x10 then. I'll have to check the layout of the slots on the bed before I start. I would carve it out to keep them from sliding back and forth. Even strapped down, I imagine they would slide a little otherwise.

tnbowhunter · 07-13-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travism

TN - he specifically said that he doesn't have the utili-trak, so your links won't do any good. Your eyeballs are your friends too...

Huh oh, sorry about that. I saw Utilitrack in his post and assumed his truck had it. That's what I get for "a ss u me"ing. Just color me