Ultimate MTB / Bike Carrier installed

[CGM55082]

I have been researching for weeks for the ultimate bike carrier. I originally was going to go with a tailgate pad, but read about people denting the tailgate given its design and that had me worried. I also didn't want to be concerned with scratching the tailgate or messing around with installing/uninstalling the pad all the time.

I've been on the hunt for a rack that is secure (bolted into the truck), can hide under the tonneau without having to disconnect or uninstall anything and that I can quickly remove from the bed altogether and store in the gear tunnel if I need the bed space.

I have no affiliation with Ride88, but ended up buying a Rivian-specific package they've just dialed in. The owner was outstanding and answered all my questions (website is www.ride88.com). I installed it this morning and it was very easy. I just removed the black plastic covers on the back bed wall and used the bolts and utility track Ride88 provided for the Rivian. I am very impressed with the design and quality. I tested it with both my regular mountain bike and emtb (50 pounds) and they are completely secure. Everything is rock solid.

I was very happy to learn that I can load/unload the bikes easily from the side of the truck bed so I don't have to climb up when I take the bikes in and out. Because they are held at bed level, the bikes also easily fit under the top of the garage door opening. As I mentioned, the kit comes with the utility track, so I'm anxious to use that to mount up other things (just not sure what yet).

Just thought I would share because I know others are looking for a clean solution that's suitable for the R1T. For what it's worth, I also have a hitch mount, but it's heavy and awkward, so really wanted something to make life easier without compromising the safety/security of my bikes and truck.

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[boardthatpowder]

That looks a great option! If I hadn’t already purchased the Yakima HighSpeed mount I would gone for this one.

I don’t see the rivian option on their site, but looking at others I’m guessing this is about $400?

 

[CGM55082]

That looks a great option! If I hadn’t already purchased the Yakima HighSpeed mount I would gone for this one.

I don’t see the rivian option on their site, but looking at others I’m guessing this is about $400?

The price depends on how many bike carriers you want. I opted for two, but I think the one-bike option is less than $400. The owner can fill you in on details for Rivian -- it's new so isn't on the site yet, but just send an email to info on the site. He was very quick to respond to me and has built a great product.

 

[crashmtb]

I’ve been eyeing the ride88 setup. This looks promising.

can you fit one bike on an angle with the tailgate closed?

 

[CGM55082]

I’ve been eyeing the ride88 setup. This looks promising.

can you fit one bike on an angle with the tailgate closed?

That is an interesting question. I'll have to try that tomorrow. I suppose it all depends on the length of the bike and how far over you choose to mount the front-wheel rack.

 

[crashmtb]

That is an interesting question. I'll have to try that tomorrow. I suppose it all depends on the length of the bike and how far over you choose to mount the front-wheel rack.

try it with the racks in your usual position for carrying two bikes?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I don't understand the desire to screw stuff into the tonneau cover, that's where the upper screws go. It's probably really not a good idea long term.

 

[CGM55082]

I don't understand the desire to screw stuff into the tonneau cover, that's where the upper screws go. It's probably really not a good idea long term.

Nothing is being screwed into the tonneau cover. You are using the existing factory bolt holes that are built into the bed frame and simply using a longer bolt to secure a u-track over the top of the bed liner. No part of the truck is compromised or permanently altered.

 

[R_1_T]

Nothing is being screwed into the tonneau cover. You are using the existing factory bolt holes that are built into the bed frame to secure the bed liner and simply using a longer bolt to secure a u-track over the top of the bed liner. No part of the truck is compromised or permanently altered.

I think it's actually the "box" that the cover stores in. You can see that the upper is a separate part than the bed structure itself in the teardown video. Using it as an attachment point could be a concern - especially if somebody used bolts that were too long and contacted the panels or placed a high enough load to deform the box.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Nothing is being screwed into the tonneau cover. You are using the existing factory bolt holes that are built into the bed frame and simply using a longer bolt to secure a u-track over the top of the bed liner. No part of the truck is compromised or permanently altered.

Those aren't the frame of the truck. They are into the tonneau cover frame.

 

[COdogman]

Love that design. Is the rail the standard size that could be used with other accessories? There are tons of useful things that can be added to the Toyota bed rails.

 

[CGM55082]

Those aren't the frame of the truck. They are into the tonneau cover frame.

Do you think the bolts and frame holding the bed liner to the truck are that fragile? That is an area that is built to withstand shifting bed loads, things knocking into it, etc. There are four 10mm bolts holding that panel up across the top, which the u-track ties into and it is rock solid. I know that because I took them apart and installed the rack first hand so I say that from experience, not speculation.

 

[AllInev]

Nothing is being screwed into the tonneau cover. You are using the existing factory bolt holes that are built into the bed frame and simply using a longer bolt to secure a u-track over the top of the bed liner. No part of the truck is compromised or permanently altered.

@Dark-Fx is correct. Take a look at this video and you can see what those bolts are attached to:

 

[Dark-Fx]

Do you think the bolts and frame holding the bed liner to the truck are that fragile? That is an area that is built to withstand shifting bed loads, things knocking into it, etc. There are four 10mm bolts holding that panel up across the top, which the u-track ties into and it is rock solid. I know that because I took them apart and installed the rack first hand so I say that from experience, not speculation.

Sure but you are putting loads on the bolts in a direction they are not designed to take. They are tiny bolts compared to the ones the actual tie downs use. Maybe mountain bikes arent a big enough load to matter but I see people using them as tie-downs for motorcycles. Take the whole panel out and use the ones that go into the tube frame at the bottom if you need another lower mounting point.

Feel free to not speculate I guess?

 

[CGM55082]

Sure but you are putting loads on the bolts in a direction they are not designed to take. They are tiny bolts compared to the ones the actual tie downs use. Maybe mountain bikes arent a big enough load to matter but I see people using them as tie-downs for motorcycles. Take the whole panel out and use the ones that go into the tube frame at the bottom if you need another lower mounting point.

Feel free to not speculate I guess?

It’s not speculation. That’s what I’ve tried to convey to you. I disassembled that whole panel and looked at it first hand. There is not a part of the truck bed that is not structural. Also, what you refer to as small bolts are four substantial 10mm bolts. Further evidence of the strength of the box and those top four bolts in particular is the fact that other companies are engineering products to bolt into them — BuiltRight being another example.

It makes no difference to me if you choose not install anything in your bed, but I mention this so your comments (based on your personal speculation, not facts) don’t dissuade others from making the most of their trucks if they choose to.

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