How to Build a PVC Truck Bed Bike Rack for $25

[@thatlakemonsterguy]

Just got done. BTW!!!!!! if your bike has 27.5 or 29er wheels....go with the 12 and 10" vertical section size...not 12 and 6". 29ers will not fit in the 12 and 6!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@patrickacox]

I would still need to buy the same amount of supplies just cut the vertical sections longer? I am not very handy at doing much of anything but i want to try this.

[@patrickacox]

my MTB is 27.5. Should I change the 6" vertical for 10" like the lakemonsterguy says?

[@larrrevenga49]

Great job . But I think you have a spray paint hoarding addiction 😂

[@patrickacox]

Woo Hoo! I built it this weekend. I had to buy paint and a pvc cutter. Total cost around $28. My Kona 27.5” 650b bike fits perfect. The tire fit is a little tight where the Tee’s are. But it holds the bike upright and steady.

[@verny.9986]

My son just put this together for me. Just need to glue and I have paint. I was struggling with a way to transport my E-bike and this is so much better then the tailgate pad! Appreciate your video.

[@chucksauter1204]

A tip for assembly. Draw a strait line on the pipe as a reference point. Then use the factory lines on the fittings to make sure it stays plumb and square

[@yota87truck]

PVC pipe cutters would have saved a TON of time. Nice build.

[@markkoons7488]

Oh, another thing: I've been told any spray lacquer will bond to PVC though it takes a special paint formulation to adhere to all plastics. Well, maybe, but you definitely want to paint the rack if you're going to leave it in the bed of the truck for weeks at a time. Ultraviolet light (sunshine) quickly degrades PVC. It will shrink on the sun side, discolor so it looks burnt and make it brittle.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for that info!

[@samshvac9315]

Sweet idea. For others watching this you can get PVC cutters for about $10 at the hardware store. They are faster, cheaper and don't make a mess.

[@6thGearGarage]

Avoiding the mess alone is worth it... I had PVC crumbs all over the place.

[@vr6muppet]

I just built one of these for hauling bikes in my tundra. I went with 2 3/8" for the smallest pieces, 17" for the long pieces (width) between the T's and the elbows. I did 14" and 12" for the vertical pieces, and 10" for the prop pieces on the bottom. This fits a 27 1/2" tire nicely and will fit a 29" also. 26" might be a tad loose, but I don't have a 26" bike. I used almost all of three 10' sections for this, plan your cuts careful and it's enough. The fittings and pipe today at home depot were about $36 including tax. They had a pack of 20 T fittings that were cheaper than 18 individual. If you buy them individually there it will be a little over $40 right now.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for the update! It's hard to believe prices have increased so much in about 6 years!!

[@vr6muppet]

@@6thGearGarage Yeah, the really sad part is most of that increase was in the last 6 months. : /

[@tinkeringeekkissimmeefl4495]

Thanks for the video and explanation of what you have changed. Could you please provide a list of parts of what you have made? thanks.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for watching! I had used: - Four 10-ft 3/4" PVC pipes - Six 3/4" PVC elbows - Eighteen 3/4" PVC Tees

[@tinkeringeekkissimmeefl4495]

@@6thGearGarage Thanks for the parts list. Rather than re-invent the wheel, may I also have the number of cuts list and length? You have made some modification on length, so getting the right size would be helpful. Appreciate it!

[@jameslin9845]

I think you have Toyota sr5 pickup. I have one. It is still running well.

[@6thGearGarage]

You are correct, it's a 1985 Toyota pickup but not the loaded SR5. It's the lower trim with the carburated 22R engine. I have a few of these trucks and upload a lot of videos about them on my channel.

[@jameslin9845]

@@6thGearGarage Mine is 1984 SR5. Kept it since day one. It is red also. :)

[@6thGearGarage]

@@jameslin9845 That's great! Hang onto it... these trucks are becoming classics.

[@517outdoors]

@@jameslin9845 loł

[@gregserna963]

I like the way you value & care for things!!! U strike me as good people 4sure. I probably would have filled the rack with sand 4 better stability & W8 as well. I made 1 4-my fatbike out of 2×6 Doug-fir, custom fit nice & snug, 4 my patio quick parking!! I enjoyed your content & subbed. 🙏✌

[@danp2012]

How well would the bikes hold if you had three different size bikes?

[@6thGearGarage]

I've only tried 2 bikes so far ( 26" & 29".) for 3 different bikes you may have to get creative with the ratchet straps.

[@LBibeauB24]

Adapting this design for my '04 Baja because, surprise surprise, you can't find the OEM Subaru bike racks anywhere.

[@tedbownas2748]

You could've used your radial arm saw to cut the PVC. Would've worked just as well as a chop saw.

[@803807001]

Congrats bro, that looks so great and I will do it.

[@TheDopalgangr]

For that price you could make two and still be well below the cheapest one. One for the front and one for the back wheels. Would probably keep them locked in nicely.

[@6thGearGarage]

Great idea on a second rack for the rear. With multiple bikes, a second rack on the rear would help keep them separated. A ratchet strap alone on the rear with multiple bikes causes them to lean in toward each other.

[@ricklevin9872]

My RAD weighs about 65 lbs. Would this be sufficient? I would assume with that weight that proper strapping down would also be essential. Thanks.

[@6thGearGarage]

I don't know if it would work, that's a bit of weight. I suppose you would have to try it, or build with a larger diameter pipe for extra insurance. Yes the straps are essential. The rack only keeps the bike from tipping over.

[@chrohm]

will the glue hold well enough without primer?

[@6thGearGarage]

It should be ok, the primer is extra insurance because pvc pipes are usually full of water.

[@djs967]

Omg. Love the Indians attire! ❤

[@6thGearGarage]

Go Tribe!

[@jesserodriquez5364]

Awesome second gen in the back!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, it's the star of my channel!

[@user-lr3xr7fd8s]

Great video. One constructive criticism is would of likes to see 2 or 3 bikes in the bed to see how it sits. Cause I would just put down a couple old blankets if I was hauling just one bike.

[@gordmonteath6090]

Or an old spare car tire off rim and lay bike on and strap down

[@chad647]

I have 27.5 plus bike. 3 inch tires. Will probably need to make opening larger.

[@danb3080]

Bought a powdered coated one on Amazon for about $25….. but customizing here is nice feature

[@6thGearGarage]

That’s a great deal!

[@yusuffazmir5309]

IF you want to get better pvc truck bed bike rack put water in the pipe so it will give weitght and it will not crack if the weather is hot

[@6thGearGarage]

yusuff azmir thats a good idea! I might do sand instead in case all the joints aren’t completely sealed.

[@scottcampbell5478]

I like it - but with the bike strapped in and the rack not mounted in the bed - what is it actually doing?

[@6thGearGarage]

It holds the bikes upright to keep them from tipping over.

[@warren6172]

Does anyone know the total height? I have a backflip bed cover. I have everything cut but I cant figure out if it’s going to fit. Thanks

[@6thGearGarage]

These old Toyotas have shallow beds, so if your truck is full size or newer, you should be good.

[@warren6172]

@@6thGearGarage Thanks, I ended up using 4 more T fittings and I got it 👍

[@danakinscheuer]

I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. kzbin.infoUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...

[@Surfmus]

And still need the straps. I only use one strap on mine, attached to the side of the truck and drive 1,080 miles with no problem. Unless if you want your bike to sit in the middle then this is good.otherowse not. I've been seen this since 2008 in the parks.

[@anjelstube09]

Great job.. will have to try to build one my self.

[@majortom4543]

Nice fit, i wish my bike which is a 29er could fit my truck bed without having to take the front tire off. Also, i havent come up with an idea to move it on a bike fork holder

[@eilliwwasniahc]

Dropping the tailgate is a lot easier than pulling a wheel. If your load is securely tied down, there is nothing wrong with driving a truck with the tailgate open. I used this technique for 15 years racing motorcycles and hauling with a tiny Datsun 720.

[@markkoons7488]

Would the geometry need to be different to be able to hang the rack on the shop wall with the bikes suspended from the horizontal that faces up in the truck bed? Seems like all it would take is for the center of the axle to be a bit on the wall side of the rack used as a hanger. Eh? The cost of PVC does add up but 3/4" tube and fittings are WAY cheaper than larger diameter drain and sewer pipe. Thanks for posting.

[@6thGearGarage]

I think the slots for the tires would need to be longer for the bike to be hanging from the rack. I might question the strength of the rack to be mounted like that with bikes hanging off, especially 3 bikes. Plus when you're hanging the bike, setting the tire in the slot would put pressure on the joints, unless you do it very carefully and lightly every time.

[@duanescarborough8297]

Thank so so much for sharing how you built this rack. Your explanation was EXCELLENT. You have inspired me to build one for my own use. In my case I only need a 2 bike version, so I'll have to some figuring out. But that shouldn't be a problem with your tips in mind.

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad to see this helped someone! One thing I forgot to mention is that the rack is small enough to store in the cab of the truck when parked at a trail & I'm out riding - just in case someone thinks about taking it out of the bed.

[@duanescarborough8297]

I don't know if this will work, but here is a PVC cutter, similar to the one I've had for ~25 years. Still works great. www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-PVC-Pipe-Cutter-6466/205637880?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-VF-PLA-D26P-Plumbing%7c&gclid=CjwKEAiA6YDBBRDwtpTQnYzx5lASJAC57ObMixCjqJtGunrbcf5GDM680pyD5YMFe9_793duhTxVkhoCXPXw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@duanescarborough8297]

What I meant to say was that I didn't know if the link attachment would work. It looks like it did. I made a single bike version today that can easily be changed to a 2 bike version. Cost about $15. BTW, I used 1" sched 40 PVC.

[@deanimal5151]

Thank you and louislam for the idea...just made 1 for my Ram... holds 2 mountain bikes and 2 fat tire bikes...had to play with the numbers a lil bit and your video was a tremendous help...Thanx again!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for watching! Glad to see more people building their own instead of buying a cheaply made one on ebay.

[@BB-pg5kl]

De Animal what dimensions did you use? I'm trying to make one for my f150

[@raymondpaxson7059]

Did you have to change the size to fit the fat tire bike ?

[@stankays704]

You mentioned below that "the overall length of the rack is 35"". Did you mean the "Width" (side-to-side) of the rack is 35"? "Depth" would be front to back. Will try and have to use the 12" and 10" vertical section size.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes that's what I meant, 35" overall width not length.

[@ryancheshire9603]

have you tried it out with multiple bikes yet? I'm assuming you'd strap each bike individually

[@6thGearGarage]

I tried it with 2 bikes and you're correct, individual straps are best. Just using one strap pulls the bikes inward toward each other.

[@6thGearGarage]

I had someone ask... the overall length of the rack is 35"

[@АлександрГук-ю1ф]

Thanks for video, gonna try today

[@АлександрГук-ю1ф]

Guys, buy pipe cutter🤯

[@bicd3244]

Great work, going to try one this weekend. Just to be clear...you did end up going with the instructions on Google minus 1 10ft section...correct? Also, What kind of pool table do you have back there?

[@6thGearGarage]

I needed just over (2) 10' pipes. I think it was like 2 pipes and a couple of feet of of the third. The pool table is a 3-piece slate... unsure of the brand but it's a cheap one. I traded a trampoline + $100 for it!

[@ryan_sweeney]

How does this work if you have one adult bike and 2 kids bikes? Seems they wouldn't be well-secured into the rack.

[@6thGearGarage]

This rack is only for adult bikes. For kids bikes, you would want to build some of the slots to be shorter. You could do this by putting a T fitting on each side of the opening and then running a short piece across. Then when they grow into bigger bikes, you can remove the T pieces and replace them with just a straight coupler, to avoid building a whole new rack.

[@juanyanez2380]

QUE INCREIBLE DE CAMIONETA 🤩🤩🤩

[@sleeks9939]

That Epsilon SW. Wheels Tho 😍😊😊😊

[@6thGearGarage]

Good eye! Here's a close up video of that wheel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Znmql2qiftiSfrc

[@bigandtallfishing6197]

They make pvc cutters that would soooo much faster

[@6thGearGarage]

Yep, I learned about those after 😅

[@danduran3203]

Not sure what the point of the rack is if you’re going to strap it twice... I would like for the rack to do all the work.

[@6thGearGarage]

You can just strap it at the rack if you want. The rear strap isn't a must.

[@brauliocarrillo3348]

Nice job thank you

[@stephenlogan1115]

Buy a chop saw! You'll never regret it!

[@6thGearGarage]

I really should 👍

[@Jackal_Blitz]

This is a really cool idea, but it still seems like the ratchet straps are doing 99% of the work. Couldn't you just ratchet strap the bike in place using the kickstand initially?

[@6thGearGarage]

It will still need some help to stand up straight, unless maybe I drove really slow and straight on a nice road.

[@MrBeetle209]

TIP. If you use pvc cutters you don’t need to sand anything.

[@6thGearGarage]

Antonio Diaz good tip, that will save a lot of time 👍

[@laverdadtriunfa]

is better a pvc cutter , easy and cleaner cuts.

[@6thGearGarage]

Very true. I wish I had one then.

[@OrthoGothChristian]

I'll bet the first set of dimensions for the rack, were intended for hauling bmx bikes - 20" rim

[@6thGearGarage]

Good call

[@thatlakemonsterguy]

will not fit 29ers for sure.... go with the 12 and 10" pipes for the vertical sections.

[@Tundraman-vn9uk]

I went out to my nearest Rona today to buy the pieces that I need to build this bike rack cost me a lot more than &25 try $115

[@6thGearGarage]

Tundra man 2011 you paid way too much. I bought the pvc at Home Depot for much less

[@rodenti]

$18 for a 10 foot length of PVC pipe in Canada makes this not so cheap :-(

[@taviskaczanowski3924]

Holy crap, they're like $2.18 here

[@williamvan909]

lol lol all that cutting when you could of used your... Table saw you had lol and sand paper to get read of the chips .

[@edwardmascari2646]

Invest in a chop saw!

[@6thGearGarage]

Edward Mascari I really should 👍

[@jaysonallen3100]

Pro Tip - Use two strap loops on your handlebars and save yourself time and money on the PVC 😂

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Your bike is Definitely Not going Anywhere lol

[@juliusbrent7880]

Go Tribe!!!

[@christianbailinson1036]

Love how the 2” peices come in out of fucking random. Not on parts list. Just waisted a tank of gas for Home Depot. Awsome

[@stevefulcher8031]

It is on the parts list.

[@Taco19878]

2024: $65 for just the PVC and glue

[@6thGearGarage]

I cry any time I have to go to the hardware store anymore.

[@didequen3339]

Cost of pvc isnt cheap, t connector alone $2, you do the math. No less than$50

[@Stavisprinklers]

I just built one to these exact specs and it cost me just over $16 at home depot

[@nopenada2271]

Home depot charges over 10 bux per length of PVC that's 40 bux.. plus 2 bux for each T, that's 36 box. 1.5 for each elbow that's 9 bux that's 85 bux before tax, can get a tailgate pad for a hundo and save a buncha work

[@patrickacox]

T connectors at Lowes are .59 each.

[@armandomatos2646]

3/4 x10' pvc 400psi i pay $2.76,there is even a cheaper one of 200psi

[@greencrocidile6246]

I have college class across campus so i have to take my bike thanks for the great video nice toyota truck i got one aswell check it it out on my channel

[@masterful7574]

Bought not bot

[@albertmartinez4601]

Beo i love u lol