Why would you need a bike rack designed explicitly for the truck bed?

Wondering what’s the best way to carry bikes on a truck? There are some great pickup bed bike racks out there that do not require a hitch receiver. You can get the best truck bed bike rack, make full use of the truck bed space and safely carry one or multiple bikes on a road trip. 

A bike holder for the truck bed is preferred over roof and hitch mount racks. These racks can be bought at a reasonable price and most of them do not have additional requirements. A bike rack for the bed of a pickup truck would not affect the visibility of the license plate or extend the length or height of the vehicle so you can drive easily. 

Moreover, conventional or most common bike racks are either designed for a car’s roof, trunk, or hitch. Trunk bike racks are not designed to fit a truck while roof and hitch bike racks extend the height and length of an already high roof and lengthy truck. Also since trucks have more space on their bed makes perfect sense to utilize that space for transporting your bike.

Pickup bed bike racks are built as tailgate pads, fork mounts, or wheel-holding racks that have to be installed in the bed or on the side rails of the truck bed. In this article, we have reviewed the best truck bed bike racks after carefully examining them separately. 

We have also compared these racks by using our Rack Score-based rating system where we rate the racks for features, value for money, capacity, compatibility, brand value, and security. For your convenience, we have rated all these factors on a scale of 10 you can easily pick a rack based on your priority factor. 

Looking for the best truck bed bike rack to travel along with your family? If so, the Pipeline Racks can serve the purpose. The rack is available in different versions to support 2 to 5 racks. You can get the one that fits your truck bed and accommodates a maximum number of bikes. 

The wheel cradles on this pickup bed bike rack can be adjusted to fit tires varying from 0.75″ – 2.8″ wide. You can also get additional parts such as a tire cradle assembly for holding extra bikes or a Fat tire tube kit for accommodating fat bikes. 

The Pipeline rack scored higher for its impressive features and high compatibility with pickup trucks and bike types. But the product lacks a locking mechanism for the rack and bikes. It is still one of the best truck mount racks but considering the price, they should include security features to it. 

Overall it is a handy bike holder for a truck bed with a good design and versatile features. So, if you are tired of tailgate pads because of the blocked back camera or inability to access the tailgate, this Pipeline Racks bike carrier is highly recommended. …Read the complete Pipeline racks review. 

Features: Versatility and Adjustability

It is the versatility and adjustability for different user requirements that make a bike rack stand out. While looking for a pickup bed bike rack, make sure it is easy and quick to install. Installing some bike racks can be laborious and who has time for this in today’s busy life? So you should consider this while looking for the best truck bed bike rack.

Also, some people need bike holders for the truck bed to carry expensive carbon frame bikes so frame contact with the bike rack is a risk you should not take. These issues should be addressed by bike rack manufacturers. So we have evaluated the features of different truck bed racks based on durability, ease of installation, and safety of bike frames.

The Pipeline Racks truck bike rack is rated the best truck rack in terms of features because of its impressive ability to be adjusted for different requirements. This rack is a go-to if you are looking to carry up to 5 bikes without risking any damage to the vehicle or bikes. There is no frame contact because the bikes are held by gripping the tires between the wheel holders. 

It is a durable product made out of aluminum and is very easy to install. It has separate straps for supporting the bikes and installation. The reason it tops the list of bike racks for the bed of pickup trucks is the adjustable wheel arms and wheel holders which ensure that it has high usability. 

The Yakima tailgate pad also tops the chart because of its super easy installation process. It only requires to be strapped to the tailgate and takes a minute or two maximum to be installed. The bikes are also easily mounted with the help of cradles without removing the front tire. 

One model comes with Velcro straps and the other with G hooks. We recommend the G hooks because they are durable and do not wear out like Velcro. Another convenient feature is the HindSight flap that allows a back camera view even when the truck bed tailgate bike rack is installed.  

The INNO Velo Gripper accommodates only one bike but has valuable features. It does not require any drilling for installation but comes in a package of 6 components that require to be assembled. This truck bed rail bike rack saves a lot of space on the pickup bed so you can carry other stuff as well. 

This bike holder for the truck bed is adjustable for the height of the bike and does not demand the removal of the front wheel. You can also choose from the two available models according to the rails on your truck bed. RT201 fits on the standard truck bed rail and RT202 slides into the C channel rail. 

But if you are looking for the best truck bed bike rack to carry two bikes you can get the Swagman pickup rack which can also be used if you have bed liners. This truck bed fork mount bike rack has a telescoping bar which is easy to install but mounting the bike takes more time since the front wheel has to be removed. 

The GateMate Pro, Demon tailgate pad, and Fox Tailgate truck bed tailgate bike rack accommodate up to 7 bikes. They work like the tailgate pad from Yakima but do not have the option of G hooks so you may have to compromise with the Velcro wearing out after a few months. 

The Delta bike rack is at the end of the chart because it only works after taking off the front tire and requires drilling into the truck. The front tire has to be removed and the installation is not as simple as tailgate pads but if you want access to your tailgate you can buy this rack. 

Security Features of the Truck Bed Mount Racks

While you’re traveling, there will be times when you need to leave the vehicle. We believe that you should be able to do that without any inconvenience and that is why we give the security feature high importance while rating the pickup bed bike racks. So when we rate the security feature, we are basically looking for the capability to lock the bikes and the bike rack.

The Thule Insta Gater 501 and Delta bike rack are the best truck bed bike racks in terms of security because of the built-in locking mechanism. Thule Insta-Gater Pro comes with the easy-to-install Thule one-key system and secures the bike. These compact locks do not affect the overall look of the bike and bike rack. 

The Delta Pro Lock has a lever with a hole in it. To lock the bike, you will have to align this hole with the hole on the base and put the lock in the holes. Although these racks are on the top among security features, they do not have a locking system for bike racks. 

However, the Swagman pickup truck rack can be locked to your truck. This means you do not have to uninstall it after you are done using it. It is locked with the help of a lock and key which ensures safety. While it has a locking system for the rack, it lacks a built-in solution for the security bikes. 

The INNO Velo Gripper does not come with locks but since it is installed on the rail it is not very simple to remove and would take some time. Pipeline Racks have no way to lock them with the truck or to lock the bikes on the racks. 

The Yakima tailgate pad, GateMate Pro, Demon tailgate pad, and Fox Tailgate truck bed tailgate bike rack all have straps to fasten the rack on the tailgate. These straps just have to be untied to be removed. This imposes a big risk to the security of your bikes and bike racks. 

Capacity and Compatibility of Pickup Bed Bike Racks

Do you have to travel with friends and family along with multiple bikes? If yes, you should get yourself a bike holder for the truck bed with a good bike accommodating capacity. So when you choose the best truck bed mount rack in terms of capacity, you should also check its compatibility with your truck and bikes. 

Not all bike racks are made for holding all types of bikes. Some are only made for quick-release bikes, some do not hold women’s or kids’ bikes, some bike racks can fit into medium-sized truck beds and some fit into full-size beds. So it’s important to identify your requirements before you get a bike rack.

Yakima tailgate pad, Demon tailgate pad, and GateMate Pro are ranked the highest in terms of capacity and compatibility for obvious reasons. These bike racks accommodate multiple bikes. Yakima holds up a maximum of 6 bikes whereas, Thule GateMate Pro and Demon pad both have cradles for up to 7 bikes. 

These truck bed tailgate bike racks are also remarkably compatible with all types and sizes of bikes. This includes E-bikes, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, BMX, hybrid bikes, and women’s bikes. They can also work as fat tire bike racks for truck beds. Most are available in two sizes which makes them suitable for both compact and full-size trucks. 

Similarly, the Pipeline Racks are also compatible with most trucks and are among the best truck bed bike racks for family use. It has a maximum capacity of 5 bikes. It can accommodate any bike with a wheel size of 20″ – 29″ and a tire width of 0.75″ – 2.8″.

Swagman pickup truck rack has a capacity for only two bikes. It can be adjusted for any pickup truck that is up to 62 inches wide. Although it is compatible with most trucks, it is not on the top of the chart because it only accommodates bikes with a quick release or the drop-out tire. So if you own a quick-release bike, this rack will be perfect for you. 

The INNO Velo Gripper holds only one bike, but since it is available in two versions, the overall compatibility with trucks is high. The RT201 is compatible with standard rail trucks while RT202 gets is compatible with trucks with a C channel rail. It works great with beach cruisers, urban, mountain, road, and e-bikes, and is one of the best fat tire bike racks for truck beds.

Unlike other truck bed tailgate bike racks, the Fox Tailgate truck bed tailgate bike rack has small bike straps. This means that it might not be able to hold some bikes as e-bikes with batteries. Also, the rear flap for the camera view is not cut out of the right size. Otherwise, it has a good capacity of 6 bikes and is compatible with most trucks. 

The Thule Insta Gater 501 and Delta bike rack both have low bike capacity and accommodate only one bike. Also, the Delta Pro Lock is only compatible with quick-release fork bikes. Thus, although they are among the best racks, they are only good if you are looking for pickup bed bike racks to carry one bike. 

Aesthetics of Bike Rack for Bed of Pickup Truck

Value for money of the Bike Holder for Truck Bed

Comparing the best truck bed mount bike racks

Trunk Bed Bike Racks Versus Hitch bike rack

Hitch bike racks are a great option if you want to travel with relatively heavy bikes or e-bikes. Especially if you have a receiver already installed on your vehicle, these racks can be the best option for you. Class l is usually found on regular cars while class lll is found on bigger SUVs or trucks. 

The price varies greatly depending on the number of bikes and brands you are purchasing. Also if your vehicle does not have a hitch, you will have to buy a hitch trailer separately and get it installed on the car. This greatly adds to the total expense. 

But with a bike rack for the bed of a pickup truck, you will not have to buy a hitch receiver. Even if your truck already comes with a trailer hitch, you might need it to tow something else. Pickup bed bike racks can also help you store multiple bikes on the truck. These racks do not extend the length of the vehicle. 

However, truck bike racks take up space on the truck bed. This can be an issue if you want to use up the space for other cargo. Bikes are not as easy to mount and remove as hitch bike racks. Some truck bed bike racks also block the rearview.

DIY PVC truck bed mount rack | Homemade DIY truck bike rack

You will need long PVC pipes that can be trimmed to fit your truck bed, a saw, elbows, tees, and PVC adhesive to assemble the PVC rack. Before cutting the PVC fittings, measure the pickup bed and do it safely. Then, using the elbows and tees, begin assembling them. 

Build four vertical pieces and three horizontal pieces. Combine them and test the rack in your truck bed to see if it fits, and if not, you can redo it because the pieces were not glued the first time. But when you set up the final rack, glue all the parts. By using the same technique, you can also make a DIY wooden truck bike rack.

This DIY bike rack is adjustable. You can attach the vertical and horizontal pieces depending on the dimensions of your bikes. For example, if you want a fat tire bike rack for a truck bed, you can leave enough space between the pipes. Find the detailed procedure for building a PVC truck bed bike rack in our DIY Bike Rack article. 

DIY truck bed bike rack for tailgate|Truck bed tailgate bike rack

Want to stitch a high-quality truck bed tailgate bike rack all by yourself? That’s not a problem. You just need to buy the right exterior and interior material for the tailgate pad. Take all the measurements of the pickup bed bike rack tailgate such as height, width, location of the license plate, etc. Buy the fabric accordingly. 

After that, you just have to cut and sew the fabric pieces together. You should also get a padding material and sew it into the fabric to protect the bike frames. Read the detailed procedure for building a DIY truck bed bike rack for a tailgate in our DIY Bike Rack article. 

FAQs for truck bed bike racks

How much does a truck bed bike rack cost?

The best truck bed bike racks cost on average 188 dollars while the maximum truck bed bike rack we have reviewed costs around 500 USD (pipeline racks) and the minimum one is Delta pro lock at 28 dollars. Check prices of other bike racks here.

Can you build a bike rack for a Truck’s tailgate?

You can build a bike rack for the tailgate of a truck if you know how to stitch and you will find most of the supplies in a sewing box you have at home. You will need to do a lot of measurements and then sew an exact fit to your truck’s tailgate depending on the number of bikes you want to transport.

Can you get a bed bike rack that allows a folding bed cover?

You can get a bike rack that will allow access to the folding bed cover, some options to do so would include. The setup enhances the cool looks of your track, bike rack, and bike along with freeing up space underneath for carrying any extra gear, luggage, or cargo

• Get a bracket made which allows the mount rack to be fixed onto it 
• Use hi-rise cross bars and fix the fork truck bed bike rack on it 

• Inno Racks Truck Bed Rack System allows you to have a bike rack above your truck bed cover without any drilling. It is basically a set of 4 struck bed stays in C-channel and Standard channel which allows you to fit in Yaima or Thule load bars.

The last option is that you can go with a hitch bike rack as well where you will not have to mount the bike on the cover at all

How do I secure my bike in my truck bed bike rack?

We do not recommend but if you intend to secure your bike without a bike rack for the truck bed. You can use some ratchet straps to do it. In the first step, you can remove the seat post and place the bike upside down on the track bike rack. Take the strap and use it to secure the bike from multiple parts of the frame (top tube, seat tube). Use another hook of the strap and ratcheted it firmly against the front wall of the bed. This is a DIY solution and you can try other things to ensure your bike is secure for traveling.

Can trucks with spoilers use a Truck bed bike rack or other bike racks?

That would really depend on the type of bike rack. We don’t think a tailgate pad bike rack for the truck bed would work with trucks with spoilers. But as far as other bike racks are concerned such as the pipeline rack, fork mount, and upright mount, spoilers should not be an issue. It’s highly recommended you check with the manufacturer before purchasing.

How do you carry an e-bike in a truck bed?

Carrying an e-bike in a truck bed is quite simple if the bike fits in the length of the bed. You just need a truck bike rack that secures the e-bike and keeps it upright. For example, the Pipeline Racks can fit e-bikes because they can hold wheels of a vast range, and also there is no frame contact so you can trust it with your expensive e-bikes. But one problem with these racks is that you have to place the heavy bikes on the truck bed. For this, you will either lift the bikes or use a ramp and roll the bikes on the bed and then secure them on the rack. But since due to the trailer the hitch is not available for e-bike hitch racks, these truck bed racks are the best available solution. 

Are Thule truck bed bike racks worth it?

Thule is a leading brand for bike racks for truck beds. The brand has certainly gained its position after investing heavily in research and development over the years. Their bike racks are tested in different environments before being released on the market. After all that comes excellent after-service and marketing. They know how to package and provide service to their customers. We strongly believe the brand is offering racks that are versatile, durable, and worth it. Yes, Thule bike racks are worth it.

Other best types of bike racks are there apart from truck bed bike rack 

There are quite a few different best types of bike racks and we have analyzed them (roof bike rack, hitch bike rack, trunk bike racks, and vertical bike racks) for you here. Although we recommend the best in the market, the final decision is always yours and if one rack works best for one customer, that doesn’t mean it would be the best for others too.

So it all comes down to the biking requirements and budget of each customer. On average, trunk bike racks cost less than hitch mount racks and also save you from buying a hitch trailer. We have analyzed different racks to come up with a detailed article on the cost of bike racks.

Bike lock for truck bed

Bike locks are a must for bike racks for truck beds. While they don’t guarantee 100% that your bike would not be stolen but still they act as a great deterrent. You can imagine a thief preferring bikes without locks as compared to ones with bike locks. Most premium racks such as the upright mount truck racks, fork mount bike racks, and hitch bikes have their own lock systems installed. But it is still highly recommended that additional locks such as D or U locks be used to double secure the bikes from theft.

Apart from that, we have not found any of the tailgate pad bike racks with locks. In that case, external locks such as the truck bed cable lock, truck bed u locks, or python cables can be used to secure the bikes.  

If you are looking for recommendations specifically for a truck brand and model, view our detailed recommendations for

• Toyota Tundra Bike Rack
• Toyota Tacoma Bed Bike Rack