DIY Bike Rack On Top of Full Height Bed Rack

[keithcroshaw]

TL:DR - Is making a DIY bike rack on my bed rack a dangerous idea or do people do it all the time?
Or am I making more work for myself when a reasonably priced commercial option is available?

So apologies if anybody saw my brain wracking on the Gladiator Camping FB group, but figured I'd check in here as well.
I'm in a situation where I've got 2 heavy e-bikes I'm looking to take on a 9 hour away camping trip.

• My pop-up camper will have kayaks on the top and I've seen plenty of reason why mounting a hitch to the rear bumper of the camper is a bad idea. Maybe one day I'll have somebody weld a solid hitch mount onto the back, but I'm not sure I love the pop-up enough to do that.
• Some people recommended a hitch splitter but they only work with light bikes that you can use a hang over style bike rack, e-bikes are heavier and require a lower mounting option that will collide with the trailer jack stand and battery.
• I know, front hitch, but I'm lower on time and I want a winch eventually.
• Bed will be full ish with gear that I don't want rain getting in so the softopper needs to be closed. (can't have the bike hanging out the back of the bed)

I'm thinking my best option is to remove my light rooftop tent which I won't need and create a DIY mounting solution on top of my Datin Fab rack.

I was planning on mounting a pair of these on a pair of aluminum C channels secured to the bed rack with U Bolts. Then figure out horizontal rear wheel support either with straps or some sort of hinged tire support that goes up over the back tires.

This is my bed rack:

(mind the cross braces not being installed in that picture, they are now, 2x)

Are there any concerns with making something like this up on the bed rack? I don't think I'll be taller than a semi truck and I don't plan on anything but highway driving for this trip. Obviously I'll pay attention to any low obstacles when arriving at the campground, it's pretty open air, not a wooded area like I usually visit, it's the Outer Banks NC. I plan on putting a bag I purchased over them to protect them against rain if the weather is questionable. Obviously I'll tighten it down as tight as possible without ripping it.
Got the idea from this guys work. He deleted his battery and propane tank mounts, which I don't want to do at the moment:

Thanks if anyone reads this and gives me feedback/suggestions.

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[keithcroshaw]

I don't understand why my images are all displaying again at the end of my post lol.

 

[keithcroshaw]

Edit: 35lb max weight. Need to find one that can support around 70lbs.

Maybe two of these would do:
https://a.co/d/08UjTEpj

Couldn't figure out what to search.

 

[keithcroshaw]

The bikes I got are long as well. I'm prepared for them to hang over the bed rack, but It'd be nice to find one that supports a longer bike too.

82" probably with the tire installed.

 

[MPMB]

Um... inside of the bed?

Get a tailgate pad and throw them back there... unless you carry a lot of gear back there.

But if you have to use the top of the rack, get the fork mounts, and 1' sections of channel for the rear tire and a small strap. You don't need much more than that.

 

[keithcroshaw]

Um... inside of the bed?

Get a tailgate pad and throw them back there... unless you carry a lot of gear back there.

But if you have to use the top of the rack, get the fork mounts, and 1' sections of channel for the rear tire and a small strap. You don't need much more than that.

Bed will have weather sensitive gear.
Can't depend on having the softopper open in case it's raining.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

Mount them over the propane?

https://a.co/d/0dqNaPOb

 

[keithcroshaw]

Mount them over the propane?

https://a.co/d/0dqNaPOb

Oh man, that's about the ticket. too bad it's not a little bit stronger.
Probably worth the risk with the amount that I've been pulling out my hair...

Ugh the delivery is too late for comfort.
I'll look for similar options.
Thanks!

 

[GeneralMaximus]

Oh man, that's about the ticket. too bad it's not a little bit stronger.
Probably worth the risk with the amount that I've been pulling out my hair...

Ugh the delivery is too late for comfort.
I'll look for similar options.
Thanks!

For dynamic weight, consider removing the E-bike batteries(if removable) before tossing them on any racks.

 

[keithcroshaw]

For dynamic weight, consider removing the E-bike batteries(if removable) before tossing them on any racks.

Yea I'd do that for sure. Probably see what other accessories I can remove.

 

[keithcroshaw]

I guess at this rate, maybe I can just make something out of unistrut that goes on the A frame over the propane tank. Only issue then is I need longer propane hoses for my griddle.

 

[keithcroshaw]

Looking like this might be the best option (has a 300lb capacity) , with a bar adapter since the e-bikes have strange bars:

 

[fst96se]

Yo could buy a couple of Yakima or Thule roof trays and be fine.

 

[keithcroshaw]

Yo could buy a couple of Yakima or Thule roof trays and be fine.

The bikes are 82" long, most where shorter than that.
If the Swagman doesn't work I'll go back to the roof.

 

[drexotic]

If you select using the top of your rack, I'd suggest 1) Pull the batteries. 2) Remove the wheels and mount to the axel locations on the bikes. That will get them a foot lower and pounds lighter.

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