Does anyone have an In-Bed Bike Rack in their F-150? I have been considerring getting one for my 2012 with a 6.5' bed.

If anyone has one, do you like it?

Thanks!

 

Let me lead off by saying that I do not have one myself, but I have been researching this pretty extensively as I plan to add a bike rack in the near future to my truck. I have found several different options, my favorite of which is-



Note how the system allows you to still have full use of your bed, have a bedcover, and still be able to use your stake pockets. I realize that you mentioned you wanted an in-bed solution, so I am not sure if you will be interested in this. However, I know that I started by looking for an in-bed solution only to realize there were times that I would like to take my bikes AND other items such as coolers, etc. This, to me, seemed like a very solid solution to that problem. Anyway, if you are interested in this setup go to-

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/2012-f...ike-racks.html

It lists all the parts you need to put this together. Good luck with your search!

 

My brother uses Yakima BedHeads on his 04 Lariat with the 5'5" bed...

http://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-Bi...ma/Y01132.html

Clean, purposeful and stays outta the way.

 

I looked this over and saw how much the pre-made racks cost and figured I could do better myself. I took a treated 2x4, two of the biggest slide locks Lowes makes and three front wheel cleats and made my own. A year and thousands of miles later it all is still working great. The only thing to watch for is the height of the front brakes on a road bike. Mine were hitting the tailgate just barely. I added a small piece of 2x4 to lift the wheel cleat and it all fits great.

My homemade setup uses the holes in the end of the bed for the bed extender. The big slide locks fit perfectly into the holes and the 2x4 is cut to fit snugly between the sides of the bed. If there is interest I can add some pictures tomorrow.

 

I'd like to see your setup, Wookie. Sounds solid!

 

Here it is.
WP_20130714_001_zps18f17500.jpg?t=1373850157

Here's a better look at the "lift kit" I used so my road bike clears the tailgate.
WP_20130714_002_zpsc8e5dc39.jpg?t=1373850279

Here it is with the tailgate closed.
WP_20130714_003_zpscec80653.jpg?t=1373850156

A few things I would do differently.

Move the fork mounts as far outboard as possible. This would make it easier to have 3 bikes in the rack since sometimes I have to loosen the handle bars and rotate them so they all fit.

I counter-bored the holes on the bottom so the board would fit flat on the bed of the truck. After the board dried out more it shrank a little bit and the cleats loosened up. An exposed head with a large washer under it would make it easier to tighten back up.

 

Thank you for all the ideas. What I would like is one that is in the bed but low enough to fit under a bed cover such as the Peragon or Solid Fold.

I was looking at this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Heininger-Automotive-2025-Advantage-SportsRack/dp/B000FQ75B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373852090&sr=8-1&keywords=Advantage+Truck+Bed+4-Bike+Rack#productDetails

But I don't know if it is low if it is low enough to fit under a bed cover.

Thanks again!

 

What length bed do you have? If you have a 5.5' bed that won't work unless you take the front wheel off or you have really small bikes. The bed isn't long enough to have a bike with both wheels on it and the tailgate closed. If you have to take the wheel off might as well use a mount that attaches to the front fork since the bike will be more secure that way.

I also use mine as a work bench for bikes. I will load the bike into the truck backwards and have it sit on the tailgate. This puts all the important stuff at the right height to work on.

 

I have a 6.5' bed. My concern is being able to keep the empty rack in the truck with the bed cover closed.

 

I didn't look at the rack you're considering close enough to see if it had the size listed. That info an a tape measure will let you know if you can close the cover. It says 4 bikes but I don't see that happening with 4 adult sized bikes unless you rotate the handle bars.

The other thing to consider is the size frame and type of bike you are carrying. My friend's 29" mountain bike with a XL frame just barely fits with the front tire off. If the rack you have above doesn't let the tire touch the front wall of the bed a large bike might not fit very well. The road bike I have in the picture above is a small road bike. Road bikes are a lot shorter than mountain bikes are.

 

That's the problem. Amazon and the manufacturers website only list the width and not the height. It looks like I may end up making my own! At least then I'll know it was made in the USofA!

Thanks again for the advice and pictures!

 

I used this rack in my 02: BeddyJo

I loved it. Super simple to take in and out. If you have a locking tailgate, its secure if you want to leave it. Especially with your bedcover, wouldn't be a problem. Easy to take in and out on the fly. I'm ashamed to say I haven't used it in my 2010 yet but I see no reason it wouldn't work.

 

Retrogameroom,
I have that exact rack and I love it. It fits under my Lorado Access cover no problem. The screws that hold it to the bed sides are kinda funky, but that is the only issue I have with it. You will need to use rachet straps to hold the bikes up on longer trips. I have the pop up rings in the top rail pockets of my truck for the straps to hook on to. If you need to carry something in the back of the truck the rack has pins that allow it to fold flat. I have a MTB with 29s on it and the bike will just fit into the bed so the tailgate closes. Well worth the 110.00 dollars from Autoanything.com
Joel

 

FYI
I have a 6'5' bed and a 19" frame bike.
Joel

 

Why not just use tie downs with soft straps at the handle bars. This works for my road, mountain and dirt bikes. On a 6.5 bed we fit 4 bikes no problem. Two facing forward and two facing rear using the factory tie downs. on my 5.5 I can fit 2 with tailgate up. I mount the front tires facing straight forwar, then kick the rear tire sideways. Flip the tailgate up and snug the the rear tire up to the tailgate.