Looks like the rack is back from the cab to allow handlebars to clear the rear window.
Even if you have the 5.5' bed, you could reverse the rack, butt the rear tire against the cab and let the handlebars extend over the tailgate(if they even do).

 

It's was a normal extended cab, and plenty of room to close the tailgate. I choose the mounting location (center of 4x2 bed notch) because it held the bike bar perfect. It cleared the handle bars and had a few inches of tailgate clearance.

Normally those bars are attached to the bedrails, but I found it less stable because of the plastic bedrail covers would flex and move when the bar was attached. I also liked the lower mounting point, so the bikes don't stand up too high in the bed.

 

thanks gpaje. Did you mean 2x4 bed notch? The bikes are pretty sturdy this way right? They don't sway from side to side at all do they?

 

Really really stable. The 4x2 bednotch holds the bike rack mount nice and tight, and better than the top of the bedrails, especially if you have the plastic bedrail scuff guards on them.

 

Like was said by a few already, tie down straps work fine- if the bike has a front/rear shock, all the better as there's added spring tension against the straps. Been doing this for years. Same for motorcycles. No reason for any aftermarket racks, brackets, boards, etc. Big waste of $$$ and time.

 

Of everything I've tried, this is the best method. My wife and I can get both bikes on or off in 20 seconds.

It has a lock so we can travel with the bikes and stay in a Hotel.


This unit will fold down so the truck fits in the garage with the rack on back.