Solution For Transporting 4 Bikes On A Leer Camper Shell With Tracks

Question:

I wonder if these load bars are considered slottedfor rhino rack bike style racks? As well, can they be used to mount Yakima, Thule, Rocky Mtn style bike racks? I am trying to fit 4 mountain bikes across a A.R.E. cap w/ tracks on 2019 F150 6.5ft bed. Bikes are adult size, sm, md, lg bar widths 760-800mm. Can I fit 4 Yakima Toploader-style mouns across these 65inch bars if using latest style strap mounts or other manufactures mounts? Im aware I could run 2 racks forward and 2 backward w/ handle bar clearance being determiner. Any issues seen with that style mount and bike 4 bikes density for long distance travel at hiway speeds? Alternatively is there a fork mount rack that would work w/ these Rhino Racks and modern 15mm-20mm thru axles and various disk brakes rotor size mounts for the above Rhino Rack? THANKS AS ALWAYS, for your great assistance.

asked by: Michael B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Thule and Yakima Tracks - 2 Heavy-Duty Crossbars - Black - 65" Long # Y01-140B-NT is made to fit onto Thule or Yakima style tracks which seem to be what you have on your Leer camper shell. These heavy duty crossbars have the industry standard T-slot channel which allows channel-mounted accessories to be easily installed.

The best way to fit 4 bikes on top of the Rhino-Rack roof rack is to use 4 of the Yakima HighRoad Bike Rack # Y02114. This bike carrier uses flexible straps which do a great job of securing it to many styles of roof racks like the Rhino Rack # Y01-140B-NT. It is a wheel mount bike carrier so you won't have to worry about removing wheels from your bikes every time you want to load them. The Yakima HighRoad is only 9-1/2" wide so you won't have any issue fitting 4 of these onto the 65" crossbars; however, you may need to install two bikes in the forward position and two bikes in the backward position to accommodate the width of the handlebars.

This setup should work well for you and I don't see any issues or concerns with it. The weight capacity of the roof rack is 220lbs so you won't have to worry about the weight being an issue. Regarding the fork mount rack, you could certainly use something like Yakima HighSpeed Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount # Y02115 which fits bikes with a 9-mm quick-release skewer or a 12-mm, 15-mm, 20-mm, or Boost 110 thru axle. I attached demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N