As a passionate cyclist who owns a Tacoma, transporting my bikes safely and securely is always a priority. Like many, I started with a tailgate pad, thinking it was the easiest solution. However, I soon discovered its limitations and potential drawbacks, especially for regular use.
Tailgate pad on a truck tailgate
Tailgate pads, while priced around $100, are unfortunately prone to theft, which is a frustrating experience no cyclist wants to encounter. They are convenient for quickly shuttling multiple bikes short distances. Yet, leaving them on long-term can lead to trapped dirt scratching your tailgate paint. Driving on dirt roads exacerbates this issue, grinding dirt and sand against both your truck and bike frame, especially with bumps and vibrations.
Seeking a more robust and paint-friendly solution, I explored alternatives and found the perfect upgrade: the RockyMounts HotRod thru-axle bike rack.
The RockyMounts HotRod offers exceptional versatility. Its modular design accommodates a wide range of bikes, from road bikes with traditional skewers to modern mountain bikes with thru-axles. Priced around $50, it’s a worthwhile investment in secure bike transport.
Rocky Mounts HotRod components
Rocky Mounts HotRod bike mount example
But how do you seamlessly integrate these mounts with your Tacoma’s bed rails? While some DIY methods involve washers and bolts, these can be cumbersome and unreliable. I’ve personally experienced the frustration of struggling to tighten bolts and even had a makeshift setup fail. Thankfully, there’s a much better and more professional approach.
Te-Co 41406T Black Oxide 1018 Steel Tapped Through T-Slot Nut
Enter T-slot nuts. Specifically, the Te-Co 41406T Black Oxide 1018 Steel Tapped Through T-Slot Nut is designed to perfectly fit into your Tacoma’s bed rails. These nuts, costing around $23 for a pack of five, effortlessly slide into the rails and are threaded to accept standard 3/8″-16 bolts, a very common size.
T-Slot Nut in truck bed rail
Now for the straightforward installation process:
The mounting holes on the Rocky Mount Hot Rod Mounts need to be slightly enlarged to accommodate the 3/8″ bolts. Using a drill bit to widen the existing holes is a quick and easy modification. For added security, I recommend using both a flat washer and a lock washer with each bolt to prevent loosening due to vibrations.
Drilling Rocky Mounts HotRod mount
Components ready for assembly
Assemble the Rocky Mount to the T-slot nut loosely. This allows for easy sliding within the bed rails for optimal positioning.
Assembled mount ready to slide into bed rail
When tightening the bolts, ensure you don’t overtighten them, as this could potentially damage the bed rail. Leave out the silver bike adapter during this step to provide ample room for wrench access.
Tightening bolts on mount
Finally, reinstall the specific adapter needed for your bike’s axle type into the Rocky Mount.
Bike mounted on Rocky Mounts HotRod in truck bed
With this setup, you achieve a clean, secure, and easily adjustable bike rack system. Keep the spare adapters and Allen keys readily accessible for bike swaps or mount repositioning.
A bonus tip: mounting bikes sideways near the tailgate, behind the wheel wells, can often fit more bikes efficiently!
This Rocky Mounts HotRod and T-slot nut combination is a worthwhile upgrade for any Tacoma-owning cyclist seeking a superior bike mounting solution.
Close up of mounted bike rack
Another angle of mounted bike rack
Final setup of bike racks in truck bed
Enjoy the peace of mind knowing your bikes are securely mounted for every ride!
