Bike Rack DIY
Portable PVC bike rack for camping and toting your bikes in your truck bed.
Measure and Purchase Supplies
Do some quick measuring to get a rough idea of the amount of pipe needed. My truck was 60 inches wide. Based on my design I figured I would need about 40 feet of pvc. I used 3/4 inch.
You may also want a pvc cutter to make things go a little faster.
You will also need pvc primer and cement.
For my design, you will need:
30 "t" connections
2 elbows (more for the optional modifications. Between 6 to 12 extra elbows)
4 end caps
You may also want a pvc cutter to make things go a little faster.
You will also need pvc primer and cement.
For my design, you will need:
30 "t" connections
2 elbows (more for the optional modifications. Between 6 to 12 extra elbows)
4 end caps
Measure, Cut and Assemble
For the basic design I needed the following lengths and quantities:
10" x 9
1.5" x 12
21" x 8
8" x 8
14.5" x 8
5" x 4
Assemble the pieces (dry fit) according to the diagram.
If it goes together correctly then prime and glue all joints together.
10" x 9
1.5" x 12
21" x 8
8" x 8
14.5" x 8
5" x 4
Assemble the pieces (dry fit) according to the diagram.
If it goes together correctly then prime and glue all joints together.
Test
Test your bike and make sure it fits.
Modifications for Disc Brakes
For my mountain bike, the disc brake was hitting the frame so I hade to make an adjustment to the design. I first just cut a grove in the pipe but then decided to make an additional bended section to allow clearance.
The new lengths needed are:
13"
11"
6"
2.5" x 2
You will want two of these modified forks
The other two slots will accommodate the bikes backward and should have enough clearance (mine did)
The new lengths needed are:
13"
11"
6"
2.5" x 2
You will want two of these modified forks
The other two slots will accommodate the bikes backward and should have enough clearance (mine did)
Modification for Skinny Wheels
Use foam pipe insulation to pad up the pipes. I used 7/8". It is pre sliced so that is handy. A pool noodle would also work nicely.
Glue It Up and Have Fun
Glue your pieces all together. Apply primer then cement.
Get out and ride.
Get out and ride.