Recommended bike racks for the Rivian R1T truck bed?

Honestly, after hauling heavy gear for years, I've learned that safety has to come first, especially with the weight of two e-bikes. Since you wanna stay away from the hitch and the tailgate pad is basically a no-go for those thick R1T tailgates, I suggest looking at the Yakima OutPost HD Truck Bed Rack combined with some heavy-duty mounts. I've been using Yakima gear for a decade and it's super reliable.

One quick tip: basically any setup over the bed is gonna be a lift, so make sure you're comfortable with that weight! If you want something REALLY secure that wont flex under 60lb+ bikes, look into the 1UP USA Roof Rack trays. They're legendary in the community for a reason—literally zero wobble. It's a bit of an investment but i mean, protecting your R1T and those expensive bikes is worth it. Plus, the 1UP trays are all metal, so they handle the torque of heavy e-bikes way better than plastic alternatives. Good luck!!

Respectfully, I'd consider another option. Tbh, lifting heavy e-bikes onto roof-height crossbars is a total back-breaker and feels kinda sketchy for the mounts... I had a bad experience with that setup myself.

Before you commit, I gotta ask:
1. Are you planning to keep the batteries in during transport?
2. Do you have a tonneau cover that needs to stay functional?

Lifting 60+ lbs that high is literally the worst lol.

TL;DR: Avoid tailgate pads for heavy e-bikes; the Rivian tailgate is too thick and it's a huge safety risk.

Honestly, after years of hauling gear, I've seen way too many people scratch their paint or have bikes shift because they tried to save money with a cheap pad. Plus, lifting 60lb bikes that high is just... not it. Unfortunately, most bed setups for heavy e-bikes end up being super pricey or just plain awkward. If you're set on the bed, maybe look into a heavy-duty fork mount system bolted to some generic slotted rails, but honestly, lifting those beasts over the side is gonna be a struggle every single time... good luck tho!

For your situation, I would suggest getting the Rivian Cargo Crossbars with some RockyMounts GuideRail mounts. Tbh, it's basically the best way to keep the bed clear and sensors happy. Just make sure the mounts can handle those heavy e-bikes!!

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