In Trunk Bike Rack

8/18/11 UPDATE:

Here is a short video of my bike rack : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TSMnRLg9KY

I broke my rule of going the free route and purchased a real fork mount for $20 at my local bike store a few months back. You can see in the above photo how it sits now. Definitely a lot more sturdier. I'd recommend a fork mount or build something very similar to it!
So technically, to sum it all up (instead of going through the steps ahead) a 2x4 of your length, a fork mount (or something similarly built), and a few tools is all you'll need. Hope this has inspired you for ideas!




Ever since I got a new mountain bike not too long ago, I've really been wanting a bike rack for my SUV. I had one of those 'hang on the back door' kind of bike racks back then and I wasn't a big fan of it. I was always afraid and looking back to see if it was still there. Don't have a hitch so I couldn't get the bike rack hitches, obviously ;). I'm a real big fan of the roof racks. Gives the vehicle a great look in my opinion and it's just cool to see someone driving with a bike on their roof.
With those 2 facts being my only upside, I had to think of the down sides. Clearance issues, driving habits, the hassle of putting the bike up 6ft on the roof each and every time...just didn't seem too worth it.
So the only way I could be worry free, was by having it in the trunk! Without just tossing it back there of course ;)

*Note : I own a Ford Explorer. The width of where the wood fit was 52inches.

Step 1 Parts and Tools

I used a drill and a wrench.

The parts I used were all found in the garage.
-51inch 2X4 (trunk width measured to 52inches)
- A type of 90degree bracket (No clue as to what specific type it was to be honest. Been in the garage for years and I didn't even know.)
-3 washers
-2 nuts
-2 o-rings
-2 screws
-1 adjustable turner (not in this picture, sorry. If you click ahead you'll see it at the end of the bolt and realize what I'm talking about)
-1 bolt

*Note: This was per side.

Comments

[gary.j]

Nice, can be used on the back of a truck.

[WilsonP]

Just wanted to say "YOU HAD A VERY GOOD IDEA!!!" I made one for my minivan and it hold my Diamondback 26" and my kids Mongoose bicycles as well i made mine out of stainless steel angle.anyways Thanks for the idea.Was wondering do you have any ideas for making a small tool box to put under my seat let me know.

[ForSquirel]

Just curious, but would it have been easier to use a prefabbed bike mount over all these little parts? and if going this route would it have been better to use a sleeve over the bolt where it meets the dropouts(to keep from possibly damaging the dropouts)? Other than that nice design. I've been looking to build something like this for my van..

[rymagahis]

I wouldn't really say "easier" but rather less time consuming for going the prefabbed route. I found one for $20 at my local bike shop and was about to buy it. You've probably seen one and know what I'm talking about, but just to say, it's pretty much like putting the wheel on the dropouts. It's a bolt on object with the dropout tightener using the actual pieces to open and close the wheel to keep it tight.

I could have very well gotten it, but I decided to go for a free route on this one. These parts were lying around my garage so I just decided to go from there. Took a few to figure out what I needed and how to go about it. And I'm sure if you bought parts you'd need from Lowe's or Home Depot, it would still probably be cheaper than buying the actual prefabbed mount.

And yeah, you could put some type of sleeve over the bolt. Maybe just wrap it in tape to keep it simple. In fact you don't even have to use a bolt if you didn't want too. Home Depot has those metal rods, about 3 meters, and I'm considering trying that out.

[TheWelfareWarrior]

I've always wondered why people drive 30 miles to bike for 4. Then one mystical day, a problem arose. Since parking is at a premium at my college campus and I'm not willing to walk 4+ miles a day I decided to take a bike.

Not being able to fit a bicycle in my Civic, I found a better way. Get a smaller bike.

14" tires FTW, and it was on it's way to the dump.

Fits perfectly in my trunk without too much 'slop'. With my backpack there is no slop.

[CaseyCase]

 Nice. I had the same problem but tackled it a different way--I bought a Montague Paratrooper bike. It folds up and easily plops into the back of my car. Obviously, your solution is less expensive.

[RadBear]

Is the wood secured to the trunk some how or is it just wedged in place?

[rymagahis]

It's actually just wedged in there. The left side has little movement back and fourth, maybe about an inch (looking at the 3rd picture on step 4). The right side though, has about 6-8inches of back and fourth movement.
It doesn't move though. Having the carpet really helps.
I suppose a person could just place something simple in between if they wanted to be sure.