Weird bike rack question

[Protz]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever seen any kind of bike rack that is mounted directly onto the tail gate. Not one of those tail gate pads that hang the bikes over the gate, but an actual strap mounted rack that hangs on the outside of the gate, strapped to the sides (and maybe top) of the gate.

My main goal is to be able to cover the truck bed with a Tonneau cover (would love recommendations) to protect camping gear, while also avoiding another hitch assembly between my new Ranger and my teardrop trailer.

I used this approach on my Roadtrek camper van and it worked beautifully. I had a Thule rack (designed for sedans or hatchbacks) mounted with nylon straps onto the back right door of a Chevy Express. It was way more solid than most hitch mounted racks I've seen in action. Never even came close to losing a bike, even over some very rough terrain and roads.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd welcome them. Especially if it looks like I'm doing something incredibly stupid.

PS I have seen one rack (link below) that's designed to clamp onto the hitch assembly and tie to the sides of the tail gate. Unfortunately, it gets terrible reviews and looks poorly made. Plus, it rides really low, which seems kind of risky to me.

https://www.delcity.net/curt?id=Tow...MI_YLXs9ff6wIVGaSzCh3UxAWFEAQYASABEgL43vD_BwE

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[wanted33]

I haven't heard of anything like that James. I just use the old "slide it in the hitch" bike rack. But that could be your "million dollar idea" if you can design one.

 

[HTX1811]

It is mounted on a vertical surface in the pic. Not sure about having the weight of the bikes pressing onto the glass in the pic though but you won't have to worry about that.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/be...ed_Goods||71700000057441097|58700005319852844

 

[Protz]

It is mounted on a vertical surface in the pic. Not sure about having the weight of the bikes pressing onto the glass in the pic though but you won't have to worry about that.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/be...ed_Goods||71700000057441097|58700005319852844

Thanks. This morning a played around with my car bike rack to see if it would work on my Ranger. It's looking like it might if I do a little adjustment. I'll post pictures if it pays off.

 

[Protz]

I haven't heard of anything like that James. I just use the old "slide it in the hitch" bike rack. But that could be your "million dollar idea" if you can design one.

Ha! I'd be happy if I just get it to work for my own purposes!

 

[Nellieg]

Have you considered a dual hitch...put a bike hitch rack on top of the hitch for the tear drop. I had enough space between the propane tanks and the bike hitch rack... But that was on an edge towing a little guy 320. 2inch drop. Dont know what type of drop you need to level the teardrop or if you could find a dual hitch. There is also a rack swagman i think the holds bikes mounted over the batteries that might suit your needs.

 

[Protz]

Have you considered a dual hitch...put a bike hitch rack on top of the hitch for the tear drop. I had enough space between the propane tanks and the bike hitch rack... But that was on an edge towing a little guy 320. 2inch drop. Dont know what type of drop you need to level the teardrop or if you could find a dual hitch. There is also a rack swagman i think the holds bikes mounted over the batteries that might suit your needs.

Thanks. I'll look into both. Much appreciated.

 

[Nellieg]

Thanks. I'll look into both. Much appreciated.

In the setup i also added an ez up removable jack... To give more room... The tear drop forums might have later solutions

 

[mtbikernate]

Have you considered cross bars over your tonneau cover? Lots of ways you can make that happen, though obviously some covers work better for this than others. Since you don't have a cover yet, this certainly remains an option for you.

If it wasn't for the fact that I also need to carry boats on occasion, I'd have put crossbars just above the bed to carry bikes in roof trays. I already have the bars and trays. I'd only need the towers to attach to the truck.

 

[HenryMac]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever seen any kind of bike rack that is mounted directly onto the tail gate. Not one of those tail gate pads that hang the bikes over the gate, but an actual strap mounted rack that hangs on the outside of the gate, strapped to the sides (and maybe top) of the gate.

My main goal is to be able to cover the truck bed with a Tonneau cover (would love recommendations) to protect camping gear, while also avoiding another hitch assembly between my new Ranger and my teardrop trailer.

I used this approach on my Roadtrek camper van and it worked beautifully. I had a Thule rack (designed for sedans or hatchbacks) mounted with nylon straps onto the back right door of a Chevy Express. It was way more solid than most hitch mounted racks I've seen in action. Never even came close to losing a bike, even over some very rough terrain and roads.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd welcome them. Especially if it looks like I'm doing something incredibly stupid.

PS I have seen one rack (link below) that's designed to clamp onto the hitch assembly and tie to the sides of the tail gate. Unfortunately, it gets terrible reviews and looks poorly made. Plus, it rides really low, which seems kind of risky to me.

https://www.delcity.net/curt?id=Tow...MI_YLXs9ff6wIVGaSzCh3UxAWFEAQYASABEgL43vD_BwE

Why not put the bike rack on the teardrop trailer? The paint on the Ranger is pretty wimpy... I'd be really cautious of anything that actually lays on the paint.

 

[mtbikernate]

Why not put the bike rack on the teardrop trailer?

My teardrop has a roof rack, and I've carried bikes up there. It works. One thing it doesn't really allow for is to drive to a place away from camp to ride. If you're always riding from camp or in camp, then it's a great option.

I prefer to use the rack on my teardrop for other purposes. Awning, cargo, I've even been thinking about building a solar shower to mount up there. I currently have a 270 degree awning on mine (a Foxwing).

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