With so many different types of bike racks available, there’s no reason to just throw your bike in the back of your truck, hoping for the best and risking damage to both. But, with so much choice, which type of rack is the best bike rack for a truck bed?
Tailgate pads, fork or wheel mount racks and even racks that attach to the side wall of your truck are all available and each have their pros and cons.
In this article, we will discuss the different types and give you the best bike racks for truck beds in each category so you can decide which one works best for you.
Best Truck Bed Bike Racks This Year: Our Criteria And Results
The best bike racks for truck beds need to transport your bikes from A to B securely. They should be easy to use and should protect both your bikes and your truck from any damage.
But before you start shopping for a bike rack, you need to figure out a few things. These include how many bikes you plan to carry, the type and sizes of your bikes’ frame, and your wheel and tire sizes, which all play a part when choosing the best bike rack.
In addition, the best truck bed bike racks need to fit your truck’s bed, be easy to install, and easy to load your bikes.
Bearing all this in mind we’ve put together a list of our top picks. Make sure you click on the links below to get the latest price.
| Brand | Model | Top Pros | Top Cons | Quick Links | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tailgate Pad |   | Yakima | Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad | Easy to install and can carry up to 6 bikes | No integrated locking system | Click to check price |
| Runner Up |   | Fox Racing | Tailgate Cover | User-friendly tailgate rack that won’t break the bank | No cradles to hold bikes in position | Click to check price |
| Top Fork Mount |   | Swagman | PickUp Fork Mount Bike Rack | Can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 45 lbs each | Like any fork mount rack, front wheel needs removing | Click to check price |
| Runner Up |   | MBP | Quick Release Fork Mount Bike Block | Compact, lightweight and easy to use | Price does not include screws or bolts for mounting | Click to check price |
| Top Wheel Mount |   | Thule | Insta-Gater Pro | Highly versatile wheel mount rack that fits 20-29″ wheels with up to 5″ wide tires | Expensive | Click to check price |
| Runner Up |   | Heininger | Automotive 2025 Bed-Rack | Carries up to 4 bikes at a time | Only fit wheels up to 27” and tires up to 2.5″ wide | Click to check price |
| Top Side/Frame Mount |   | INNO | RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack | Easy installation – no tools required | Need to secure your bike firmly to ensure no wobble | Click to check price |
| Runner Up |   | Top Line | Unigrip | Unique side-rack system can carry 2 – 4 bikes | Rack does not lock to your truck | Click to check price |
This is a quick reference table to the best bike racks for truck beds which made it onto our list. Keep reading the rest of this article for more details about each one.
But first, let’s take a look at how we select the best truck bed bike racks.
While the team here at Mud Bike try to test every rack ourselves, this is not always possible. So, in addition to our hands-on experience, we also look at the following:
- The weight limit or carrying capacity of each bike rack
- How many bikes each rack can accommodate
- Ease of installation and how easy it is to load bikes
- Wheels on or off your bike when mounting
- Security features
- Brand reputation
- Customer reviews over a number of the most popular websites
- Price
Now you have our criteria, let’s get down to business and take a closer look at each of the best bike racks for truck beds that made it onto our list.
Best Bike Racks For Top Of Truck Beds For 2023
If you’re looking for the best bike racks for truck beds, you’ll find there are 4 main types:
Tailgate Pads
Tailgate pads are simple to install, and load and can carry multiple bikes. They consist of a pad that covers your tailgate, over which you hook your bike’s front wheel. Your bike’s main frame is secured safely within your truck’s bed.
Fork Mount Truck Bed Racks
Fork mount truck bed racks require the removal of your front wheel to secure your bike by the fork in the back of your truck. They usually consist of a bar or rod that fits the width of your vehicle with multiple mounting points.
Wheel Mount Racks
As the name suggests, wheel mount truck bed racks grip your bike by a wheel, which you don’t have to remove to use this style of rack. They secure onto your truck’s bed and are a very safe and reliable way to transport your bike.
Side Clamp Racks
A side clamp rack attaches to your truck bed wall and secures your bike with clamps or ties to the frame. They can only carry one bike but the advantage is that it frees up space in your truck bed to carry other gear.
But which is best? Keep reading for more details.
Best Bike Rack For Truck Bed Option – Thule Insta-Gater Pro
The iconic bike rack brand Thule has come up with the best solution for bike racks for truck beds with their Insta-Gater Pro.
Advantages:
- Highly versatile wheel mount rack that fits 20-29″ wheels with up to 5″ wide tires
- No bolting or drilling required for installation
Disadvantages:
- Only holds 1 bike
- Expensive
The Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed rack is expensive and can only carry 1 bike, but the limitations stop there. This wheel mount rack is super easy to install, it requires no drilling or special tools and can be installed on any truck bed.
Plus mounting your bike is just as easy. Your bike is quickly secured by its wheel using the ratcheting arm, which also has a quick release system. There is no contact with the frame making it ideal for use with carbon frames.
In fact, the 50 lb weight limit means it can be used with almost any bike including e-bikes, mountain bikes and beach cruisers. Plus there’s an integrated bike lock included that uses Thule’s One Key System to lock your bike to the rack.
Sound good? Then click on the link below for the latest price.
Price too high for your budget? Then maybe our next option will suit you better.
Best Value Bike Rack For Truck Bed Option – MBP Quick Release Fork Mount Bike Block
Madison Bicycle Parts (MBP) is a premier American bicycle parts brand that offers an affordable quick release fork mount bike block that can be used for your truck bed or for storing your bike vertically in your garage.
Advantages:
- Compact, lightweight and easy to use
- Great for transportation or easy storage
Disadvantages:
- Price does not include screws or bolts for mounting
- Truck bed floor may need reinforcing before installing
This versatile and affordable fork mount bike rack is simple to install and easy to use with the quick release lever. As it’s a fork mount bike rack, this rack is very secure and there’s more than enough reviews to back this up.
This rack doesn’t fit every bicycle but it does fit many bicycles that use a standard 9 x 100 drop out. While at this price point you can’t expect many features, it does include a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty against defects.
Plus at this price point you can afford to buy more than one! But don’t take our word for it – click on the link below for the latest price.
But don’t stop here, keep reading for some more great choices.
Honorable Mention Bike Rack for Truck Bed – Yakima Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad
Yakima is one of the leading brands in the bike rack industry and their Yakima Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad is one of the best bike racks for truck beds.
Advantages:
- Comes in 2 sizes (medium and large) that can carry up to 5 or 6 bikes
- Lightweight and super easy to install
Disadvantages:
- No integrated locking system to lock your bikes
- Can block rear view cameras on some vehicles
This truck bed tailgate pad features an extra large pad that fits right across your tailgate, which is made from weatherproof nylon and has a soft backing to protect the paintwork of your truck. Plus it does feature a large flap for easy tailgate handle access.
The Yakima Gatekeeper also features a hook-and-loop cradle system which protects carbon and glossy painted bike frames. Simply hook the front wheel over the tailgate and secure your bike with the SitTight bike cradles.
While the Gatekeeper doesn’t include integrated bike locks, the pad secures to your truck and you can lock together all your bikes with a cable lock for extra security.
Like this one? Then click on the link below for all the details.
Don’t like this one? Then keep reading for some more options.
Best Tailgate Pad Runner Up – Fox Racing Tailgate Cover
Fox Racing’s tailgate cover is made from premium quality materials, but offers a simple no frills approach which makes it more affordable than some of the other top brands.
Advantages:
- User-friendly tailgate pad that won’t break the bank
- Comes in 2 sizes, small and large, which can carry up to 5 or 6 bikes
Disadvantages:
- No cradles to hold bikes in position
- Need to make sure bikes are strapped down tightly to avoid any movement
The Fox Racing Tailgate Cover may not have some of the features of the premium brands, but it does the job of transporting your bikes safely and securely. It’s very quick and easy to install plus the straps are very user-friendly.
The two sizes means it will fit small, medium or large trucks. However, make sure you measure the width of your truck bed to make sure you purchase the right size. Purchasing the wrong size does come with some minor annoyances, especially if it’s a fraction too wide.
The tailgate handle cover is a lot smaller than the Yakima, but you should still be able to access your gear without removing the cover on most trucks. Overall, we were happy testing this rack, but there are reports of the camo coloring fading quite quickly.
Interested? Then click the link below for all the details and the latest price.
Still not convinced? Then keep reading for our top fork mount truck bike rack.
Best Fork Mount Truck Bike Rack – Swagman PickUp Fork Mount Bike Rack
Swagman are known for their affordable and easy to use racks, and their PickUp Fork Mount Rack is no exception.
Advantages:
- Can carry 2 bikes weighing up to 45 lbs each
- Easy no drill installation
Disadvantages:
- Front wheel needs removing
- Reports of locking mechanism not working
We think the Swagman PickUp Fork Mount Rack is the best fork mount rack available. Its telescoping stainless steel bar and press fit installation make it super easy to install, plus as it’s adjustable it fits most medium and full-size trucks.
The rack comes with two mounting points to carry 2 bikes weighing up to 45 lbs each, plus there’s the option to purchase an extra fork mount to carry a third bike. While you do have to remove your front wheel to use any fork mount rack, the system is super secure.
Like this one? Then click on the link below, the price may surprise you.
Still not the one for you? Then keep reading for another wheel mount rack.
Wheel Mount Truck Rack Runner Up – Heininger Automotive 2025 BedRack
If you want to transport up to 4 bikes without removing any wheels then you can’t go wrong with the Heininger Automotive 2025 sports rack.
Advantages:
- Carries up to 4 bikes at a time
- Doubles up as a stand-alone bike rack
Disadvantages:
- Only fit wheels up to 27” and tires up to 2.5″ wide
- Includes the Advantage 72″ lockable cable but the lock is not included
While Heininger may not be as well-known as some of the other brands mentioned, they have been making innovative products for your car, truck, garage, pets, and more, since 1998.
If you want to carry up to 4 bikes then the Heininger Advantage is worth a look. It features no-tool assembly and quick installation, plus it’s easy to remove and can be used as a stand-alone bike rack in your garage.
This rack features soft pads to protect both your bikes and your truck, and includes a lockable cable, although you’ll have to buy your own lock.
Interested? Then click on the link below for all the details.
Not interested in this one? Then keep reading for our best side clamp truck rack options.
Best Side Clamp Truck Bed Rack – INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack
The INNO RT201 truck bike rack is a single bike side mount for your truck bed that is a great solution from a company that has been making innovative bike racks for more than 30 years.
Advantages:
- Easy installation – no tools required
- Works with all different shapes and sizes of bicycles
Disadvantages:
- Need to secure your bike firmly to ensure no wobble
- While the manufacturer claims this rack is compatible with all bikes, reviews say it has a weight limit of 33 lbs
One of the other advantages of the INNO RT201 truck bed bike rack is that you can transport your bike securely without giving up valuable cargo space in the back of your truck.
It attaches with 2 clamps to the sidewall of any standard pickup truck and you don’t need any tools for mounting.
This rack only carries 1 bike and has 2 attachment points for your bike’s frame. While the manufacturer claims it fits ALL bikes, there are complaints that there is no weight specification and this rack is not compatible with heavy e-bikes or tall bikes.
Make sure you click on the link below for the latest price of this one.
Or read on for our final option.
Side Clamp Truck Bed Rack Runner Up – Top Line Unigrip
Top Line Manufacturing is a company that specializes in bike racks and other accessories for trucks and RVs. Their Top Line Unigrip offers a unique solution for safely transporting up to 4 bikes.
Advantages:
- Unique side-rack system can carry 2 – 4 bikes
- Holds your bikes upright and is very stable
Disadvantages:
- Rack does not lock to your truck
- Takes a bit of practice to install
The Top Line Unigrip offers the ease of a side clamp truck bike rack but with the advantage of carrying 2 bikes. This rack easily attaches to the side wall of any standard truck bed with no tools needed. There is no rack lock included but it does come with a lockable bike cable.
After anchoring the first bike with the Unigrip Pivot Arm you can add a second bike with the included Add-A-Bike clamp. Bikes firmly attach by the seat post or top tube and 3 or 4 bikes can be added with the purchase of extra Add-A-Bike clamps that connect from bike to bike.
Sound good? Then click on the link below for the latest price.
Well that’s a wrap for our best truck bed bike racks. Still unsure which to pick? Then read on for our final results.
Summary: Our Final Results And Picks For The Best Bike Racks For Truck Beds
Everybody will have their favorite rack, and we’re no different. After much deliberation, the team at Mud Bike have narrowed it down to our top 3 picks for the best bike racks for truck beds.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Check Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Thule | Insta-Gater Pro | One of the most versatile wheel mount racks that fits 20-29″ wheels with up to 5″ wide tires | Click to check price |
| Runner Up | | Yakima | Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad | Easy to install and can carry up to 6 bikes | Click to check price |
| Best Budget Option | | MBP | Quick Release Fork Mount Bike Block | Compact, lightweight and easy to use making it our best budget option | Click to check price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for truck beds in the market but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price because it just might be on sale at this time of the year.
People Also Ask
How do you secure a bike rack in a truck bed?
How you secure a bike rack in a truck bed very much depends on the type of rack you choose. Each bike rack will have its own way of securing it, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is a truck bed bike rack?
A truck bed bike rack is a type of rack that fits securely into the back of your pick up that enables you to transport your bikes safely from A to B. Truck bed bike racks come in different styles, so make sure you pick one that fits your needs.
How do you carry multiple bikes in a truck bed?
While you can load your bikes in a truck bed and secure them with straps or bungee cords, the easiest and safest way to carry multiple bikes in a truck bed is with either a tailgate pad or a fork mount bike rack.
How much weight can a truck bike rack hold?
Typically, truck bike racks can carry more weight than trunk bike racks or roof racks. This is because the bed of your truck is carrying the weight and you don’t have to lift bikes overhead to load. However, always check the manufacturer’s weight limit to make sure you don’t overload.
How safe are truck bed bike racks?
Truck bed bike racks are generally a very safe and secure way to transport bikes. While some of the racks come with integrated locks, some don’t. So for extra security, it’s always good to invest in extra locks for both your rack and your bikes.
Summary: Our Final Results And Picks For The Best Bike Racks For Truck Beds
Everybody will have their favorite rack, and we’re no different. After much deliberation, the team at Mud Bike have narrowed it down to our top 3 picks for the best bike racks for truck beds.
| Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Link To Check Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Thule | Insta-Gater Pro | One of the most versatile wheel mount racks that fits 20-29″ wheels with up to 5″ wide tires | Click to check price |
| Runner Up | | Yakima | Gatekeeper Tailgate Pad | Easy to install and can carry up to 6 bikes | Click to check price |
| Best Budget Option | | MBP | Quick Release Fork Mount Bike Block | Compact, lightweight and easy to use making it our best budget option | Click to check price |
There are clearly a lot of bike racks for truck beds in the market but we’ve identified the best price points for each category so you don’t have to.
Click the link on the bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price because it just might be on sale at this time of the year.
