Bed mounted vs hitch mounted bike rack?

[Andystroh]

We just bought the Rockymounts Afterparty to try out. We have liked the bed-mounted bike racks (using the 1-up racks), but would like to pair the RTT with the bike rack so we are looking at this as the solution. I'll probably put it on sometime this weekend to check it out.

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[PAFDenver]

I use a 1-Up hitch rack. I prefer the lower height. Though, it does block the license plate area from view when bikes are loaded or the rack is folded up when not transporting a bike(s). Also, I have to fold it down if I want to open the tailgate.

@Michaewh - can you fold up the rack when it's empty? I looked at 1up's drawing and i think it says that there's only 3 1/2" of clearance from the end of the hitch to the rack when stowed and my truck needs at LEAST 4 1/2".

How did you make this work? Did you use a hitch extender? I really like the 1up superduty but I think I couldn't fold it up while on the truck.
Thanks!

 

[WSea]

We just bought the Rockymounts Afterparty to try out. We have liked the bed-mounted bike racks (using the 1-up racks), but would like to pair the RTT with the bike rack so we are looking at this as the solution. I'll probably put it on sometime this weekend to check it out.

The afterparty is great1

 

[WSea]

We just bought the Rockymounts Afterparty to try out. We have liked the bed-mounted bike racks (using the 1-up racks), but would like to pair the RTT with the bike rack so we are looking at this as the solution. I'll probably put it on sometime this weekend to check it out.

The regular pin works fine if you skip a washer

 

[Michaewh]

@Michaewh - can you fold up the rack when it's empty? I looked at 1up's drawing and i think it says that there's only 3 1/2" of clearance from the end of the hitch to the rack when stowed and my truck needs at LEAST 4 1/2".

How did you make this work? Did you use a hitch extender? I really like the 1up superduty but I think I couldn't fold it up while on the truck.
Thanks!

I just fold it up as close as possible (probably exceeding the spec, but when empty its not much of a risk). You also have the option of folding part way, so it up out of the way, but not fully verticle.

 

[Shill2801]

Rivian's guide shows mounting the bike facing backwards. I'm assuming because larger bikes would rub against the spoiler?

 

[agame32]

Rivian's guide shows mounting the bike facing backwards. I'm assuming because larger bikes would rub against the spoiler?

I believe that is correct.

 

[SherpaDog]

We went with over bed mounted, have 2 bikes. The efficiency loss was negligible for us going from Sacramento CA to Sun River Oregon (4k elevation change) with average of 2 mi/kwh. My theory is in line isnt that big of a deal and the truck is already less efficient then something like a model Y.... Had to convert a thule big mouth to work on the T-track crossbars for my 29er and then wifes 27 works well with the yakima one sold by rivian.... We also had the bed filled with stollers and bike carriers plus cabin filled with all the fam.

im curious - what did you do to adapt the Thule Big Mouth to fit the Rivian. Ross bars? Is there an adapter on the market?

I have locking Thule Big mouths and like them. Was disappointed when I learned they don’t fit the rivian cross bars.

Trying to find a solution …

Thanks

 

[Mathme]

Have eMTB bikes here and they weigh about 55lb each...so a hitch mount it is as who wants to lift those heavy bikes any higher than needed? We have a double 1-Up rack we've used on our previous Audi as well as the Rivian.

Others have mentioned going with a drop and I did a 4" drop extension. This allows me to: 1) get the bikes to ride a little lower behind the tail gate; and 2) when the bikes are off the rack, I can lower the tailgate and access the bed without hitting the rack.

About 95% of the time, I don't lose the rear sensors with this set up. It's the same set up but on some rare occasions the rear sensors will turn off - but after a stop they will work fine. No explanation why

 

[Lucio]

Have eMTB bikes here and they weigh about 55lb each...so a hitch mount it is as who wants to lift those heavy bikes any higher than needed? We have a double 1-Up rack we've used on our previous Audi as well as the Rivian.

Others have mentioned going with a drop and I did a 4" drop extension. This allows me to: 1) get the bikes to ride a little lower behind the tail gate; and 2) when the bikes are off the rack, I can lower the tailgate and access the bed without hitting the rack.

About 95% of the time, I don't lose the rear sensors with this set up. It's the same set up but on some rare occasions the rear sensors will turn off - but after a stop they will work fine. No explanation why

Hi, could you share a picture and the mfr. or a website where you purchased the 4" drop extension??

Thanks,
Marc

 

[Singletracker]

My solution for an in bed mount, mostly for one bike. I wanted something that would be secure and not permanent. The bike sits just underneath my bed rack. I have also disabled the entrapment button in the bed so that the tailgate can’t be opened when the truck is locked. This should make it more of a challenge for anybody to steal my 50 lbs. E-MTB. The axel mount is just bolted onto a small piece of plywood, which is NOT attached to the floor of the bed. I velcro strap the back wheel to the bed rack, to hold it in the front corner of the bed and secure the loose front wheel. The tie down straps just hook neatly over the grips and do not slip. When not in use, I just toss everything in with the spare tire. This setup is super solid, easy to use, cheap, and nothing moves, even with aggressive driving or on rough trails.

For reference, this bike is a large frame 29er. It might be possible to squeeze a second smaller bike in there, but I dunno. A smaller frame and 27.5” rear wheel might allow for sufficient room. Where there is a will there is a way

 

[Mathme]

@Singletracker Nice set-up on your bike in the bed there. I think people who steal stuff see it as opportunity and simplicity...with your set up and the tailgate up, it's not that simple for them to get a bike out of the bed...they'd likely move on to another easier target.

 

[Singletracker]

@Singletracker Nice set-up on your bike in the bed there. I think people who steal stuff see it as opportunity and simplicity...with your set up and the tailgate up, it's not that simple for them to get a bike out of the bed...they'd likely move on to another easier target.

My thoughts exactly! With the rack and the tailgate locked, there is not much room to work with. If they could extract the bike, they would still need to the proper Allen wrench to reattach the front wheel, unless they planned to drag it away.

 

[messinator]

I’m surprised so many folks use racks - I’ve found a tailgate pad to work very well and it’s lockable with the gear cable.

 

[Mtbaddict]

I’m surprised so many folks use racks - I’ve found a tailgate pad to work very well and it’s lockable with the gear cable.

I second this sentiment. I have a 1Up rack that I love, but tailgate pads are so easy and convenient and I barely take a hit to the range when I use it. The tailgate rack definitely causes more of a range hit than the tailgate pad, but a crossbar rack on the bed of the truck causes way more of a hit to range than the hitch rack.

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