waffletron

Hello F150 community.

Just bought a 2014 crew cab FX4 ecoboost with standard bed and luxury set up. Black on black leather, it's sweet!

Anyway, my wife and I are cyclists and I'm wondering what is the best way to transport bikes. I have already ordered a Dakine tailgate pad, but have some questions I want to ask of experienced users. Will it screw up my paint? Does it hose the backup camera? Any install tips?

I'm taking it in to get the spray in bed liner and clear bra tomorrow. Is it possible to install a channel / rail system to the edge of the bed right behind the cab after the liner has been applied? I know Rocky Mounts and others make mounts that fit up to these types of systems.

Thanks in advance!

GraveDigger85

How about a bike rack that goes into your tow hitch?

GraveDigger85

Some examples from Internet.

clearnetedm

We just did a long trip with 6 bikes on the back we a tailgate pad. I found it did scratch up the clear coat a very bit a small spot. Noticeable as my truck is black. I was able to polish it up a bit with some scratch remover and it looks better now but still there if you look. On the way back I added a towel under the pad and this helped 100%. I didn't see any new scratches at all. As for the camera yes it totally blocked this out. The bikes even set off the backup sensors sometimes as well which can be annoying. Otherwise the setup was great. However as the other posted suggested we would have used the hitch bike mount, if not pulling a trailer.

waffletron

Thanks guys. I don't want to do a hitch mount because this is already (for us) a very large vehicle. If I lived in Montana, yes. Colorado front range, too cumbersome on a daily basis.

I like the set up that gravedigger posted, but I think that would result in some really high bars with our trail bikes, and dismissed bed utility for sure.

Anyone able to comment on rails / channels / I don't know the terminology? Something like this: http://www.rockymounts.com/DriveShaf...unt_p/1085.htm

Edit: I should note I'm looking for a semi-permanent installation. What I envision this to mean is that it will be there as long as we own the truck but will be removable. We ride lots of bikes!

Thanks!

brulaz

If you don't like fork mounts, there's TopLine:
http://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-Bi...ne/UG2500.html

Etrailer has lots of other solutions too.

vtatds

Thule Insta-gater and Bedrider:
http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...-bike-carriers

Yakima Biker Bar:
http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/truck-bed

ORS has them all:
http://www.orsracksdirect.com/

I just went with a 2x6 cut to width of the bed with fork mounts attached to it. I throw a light strap over the bikes to keep them from sliding around.

rgrahl

http://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-Bi...an/S64702.html


I like this rack. bought it at etrailer. real happy with it . fits in factory stamped indentations. adjustable width. two fork mounts that are adjustable side to side so you can get more stuff in bed

tomb1269

Cheap and fairly easy in and out removal of rack.
http://www.discountramps.com/truck-b...FVJo7AodwT0ARA
Clamps to the bed side rails
http://www.autoanything.com/bike-racks/69A5457A0A0.aspx
Removable & Adjustable fork type
http://www.autoanything.com/bike-rac...ount-bike-rack
If you are looking for very inexpensive, try 1/2" (or 3/8") plywood cut to the length of the bed and then mount the fork holders in to the plywood as desired.

waffletron

Thanks for the input guys (and gals?).

We have too many different bikes to go fork mount. I'm going to look into the Insta gate er - seems like it could be good.

Anyone have any bad expirience with the dakine pads rubbing paint off the tailgate? Want to keep it sharp.

I appreciate all the input, the truck is awesome but definitely different from my last two vehicles, an N54 335i and STi hatch before that, except or turbos of course