Thule Insta-Gator Bike Rack

[Gr8 N8]

Anybody have experience with this rack system? Considering they picture it in a Gladiator bed I have to assume it works depending in the bike size.

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[rickrogan]

I don't have one, but I had previously seen a decent video here that shows how it installs:

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-thule-insta-gater-truck-bed-bike-rack-th501.aspx

 

[Gr8 N8]

Moot point now, just tried placing my mountain bike in the truck bed - even with the front wheel turned fully sideways the bike does not fit. Anyone with a modern mtn bike (plus size tires, slack geometry) will have this issue. For reference my bike is a 2019 Scott Genius 710 size large with a 27.5 x 2.8 tire. That must be a very small bike Thule has in their pics.

 

[RiderDad27]

Same thing with my bike size small and large.

What did you end up doing @Gr8 N8 ?

 

[Readyt]

Anybody have experience with this rack system? Considering they picture it in a Gladiator bed I have to assume it works depending in the bike size.

I have had 4 of them. They worked Great on my F150 and Silverado but most mountain bikes are to long, so they only worked for my road bikes . Held great! I recommend having the Bike dealer test fit a bike before purchase. I have two Mountain Bikes that have Lefty forks, so sold them and got a hitch rack

 

[In3briatedPanda]

what about the mats that hang over the tailgate? I never liked that personally, but i see alot of tacomas using them.

i still use my kuat transfer 2

 

[dcmdon]

You could also leave the tailgate open. The gladiator has a slot about 1 foot in front of the gate that will accept a 2x4, 6, or 8, or whatever that you could use to partition the front of the bed so stuff can't slide out.

That still may not work for you,, but it could be made to work with the gate down and have similar security against stuff sliding or blowing out.

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