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Introduction
Have you ever wished that you could have the convenience of hauling a bike on top of your truck while still keeping items protected and secure under a tonneau cover? The innovative truck bike rack over tonneau cover may answer your prayers. With this unique design, cyclists no longer have to choose between different types of racks for their vehicle or sacrifice functionality for security. The special design utilizes both the bed of the truck and the tonneau cover to provide an all-in-one solution. Read on to learn more about this nifty invention!
Benefits
The installation of a bike rack over a tonneau cover is beneficial for various reasons. First, the rack allows cyclists to keep their bikes secure while transporting them without the need to manually lift and carry them. This eliminates any risk of injury associated with improper lifting and handling techniques. Furthermore, it prevents damage to the vehicle interior caused by scratching or scraping from bike components such as pedals or handlebars. Additionally, research shows that 90% of bicycle owners believe that using a bicycle rack increases bike security when leaving it unattended as compared to other methods such as trunk/back seat storage or just locking it up. Finally, having storage for bicycles on top of a tonneau cover can free up space inside the vehicle so that other items are able to be transported simultaneously.
Installation
Step 1: Determine if your Tonneau Cover can Support a Truck Bike Rack
First, you’ll need to determine if you can even install a truck bike rack on top of your tonneau cover. This requires looking up specifications that tell you the weight capacity and maximum distributed weight. If the total weight of the installed bike rack (plus any additional items) exceeds this capacity, a truck bed cover might not be able to support it. It’s probably not safe to use a truck bike rack like this if your truck bed cover’s total weight capacity is lower than the total weight of your bike rack and loaded bikes.
Step 2: Securely Place the Bike Rack onto the Top of Your Tonneau Cover
Find a spot on your tonneau cover where it’s flat and place the bike rack on top. Securing straps can help hold it down depending on what type of tonneau cover you have. Make sure there are no loose parts (e.g., screws) that could present risks while driving or cause damage to both your tonneau or covering material below it. Be sure that all parts are locked in place, especially when lifting and moving heavy bikes around during setup.
Step 3: Begin Securing Your Bikes & Gear
You can now begin loading up your bikes and other gear onto the bike rack mounted atop your tonneau cover. Once everything is securely in place, check for rattles before heading off for your adventure!
Types of Bike Racks
Truck Bike Rack Over Tonneau Cover: This type of bike rack fits over the tonneau or bed cover of your truck, securely securing and protecting your bicycle while you’re on the road. With this rack, you don’t have to worry about having room in the bed of your truck because you can use the space above it. This is a great option if you frequently travel with bikes but want to keep them out of sight and protected from the elements.
The best bike racks for trucks depend on the type of truck and size of the tonneau cover. Some popular models include trunk-mounted racks, tow hitch racks, stake side racks, and clamp-on racks. Trunk-mounted racks are relatively inexpensive and require minimal setup—perfect for occasional outings when hauling a few bikes at once. They also take up much less space in the back of your truck so they won’t get in your way when loading or unloading cargo. Tow hitch racks come in different configurations ranging from basic platforms to more elaborate designs with extra features like straps for locking your bike(s) securely in place. Stake side and clamp-on racks allow you to mount multiple bicycles no matter what type of truck you drive, making them ideal for transporting multiple bikes over long distances at once.
Make and Model Selection
The best truck bike rack over tonneau cover may depend on the make and model of your vehicle. Here are some product reviews of popular bike racks designed to fit over tonneau covers.
Thule Xsporter Pro Multipurpose Truck Rack- This rack has adjustable heights and widths, as well as an integrated toolbox, making it ideal for cars that have short bed decors, as well as weathered trucks or vans. The Thule Xsporter even allows you to increase the carrying capacity with two additional add-ons that can be mounted directly onto the rack. Read more about this product here: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/accessories/transport/thule-xsporter-pro-multipurpose-truck-rack/.
SportRack Pick Up Truck Bed Bike Rack – Rated highly amongst car owners and bicycle enthusiasts alike, this pickup truck bed bike rack by SportRack is an excellent choice for those who need reliable and secure transportation of their bicycles up onto their vehicle beds. Installation is a breeze, with instructions included and no extra tools required. Learn more about this product here: https://www.motor1.com/reviews/195485/sportrack-pick-up-truck-bed-bike-rack/.
Yakima Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad & Bike Carrier – Yakima’s Gatekeeper tailgate pad adds convenience when transporting multiple bikes in the back of your pickup truck or SUV. It fits most medium tailgates and provides ample coverage to keep your bikes shielded from scratches or dents in transit. To learn more about Yakima’s Gatekeeper head over to https://packandpaddleblog.com/yakima-gatekeeper/.
Cost
Installing a truck bike rack over a tonneau cover can be an effective way to safely transport your bicycle in the bed of your pickup truck. To get started, you will need the following items: a bike rack for pickup truck beds (generally $80–$150), mounting hardware with instructions (generally $14–$30), and a tonneau cover ($200–$750). In total, the cost of purchasing a truck bike rack over a tonneau cover can range from $294–$1030, depending on the specific accessories purchased.
Maintenance
When cleaning and storing a truck bike rack over a tonneau cover, there are some important steps that must be taken. First and foremost, remove the bike rack from the tonneau cover, ensuring all straps and nuts are removed. Then, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to clean the bike rack thoroughly. A high-pressure washer can also be used to ensure the dirt is removed. After complete drying of your bike rack, add WD-40 or a similar substance in order to prevent rusting on the frame. When storing your Bike Rack, ensure it is away from moisture or humid areas by placing it on a flat surface above ground – this will help make sure that no rust builds up due to moist soil underneath or around the frame. Lastly, use air flow around each part of the bike rack so that it does not accumulate dust and grime over time. Taking proper maintenance steps for your truck bed bike rack will go a long way in preserving its lifespan.
Conclusion
The truck bike rack over tonneau cover is a great solution for those who need to transport bikes but don’t want to invest in a large, expensive campervan or trailer. It allows the user to carry multiple bicycles safely and securely on the back of their pick-up truck. With the simple installation involved, it’s a cost-effective way to transport bicycles wherever you need them. To learn more about this ingenious solution for your transportation needs, take a look at some additional resources. The Adventure Junkies website offers helpful information and reviews on different types of bike racks as well as safety tips when transporting your bikes. The Bike Rack Buying Guide from Gear Patrol also provides insight into various bike racks options and what they offer. Additionally, experts often share their advice on blogs like Outdoor Gear Lab, giving you an extensive view on many bike racks available in the market today.
