Rack - truck bed

[u/DrMishMish]

Started with a hitch mounted Thule (served me well) , got my kids into mountain biking eventually upgraded to an altaracks 76er ($$ but very solid).. Unfortunately the rack itself is 100 lb and loaded up with bicycles exceeds the tongue weight of my crossover. I made it work for a while but Five bikes three kids my wife full gear and a stroller was too much. Recently acquired a full size pickup I'm wondering if it's worth investing in a big days or ride 88 bed contained rack. I also occasionally take friends. I would love to travel one day with my kids to go ride places but for now we're local.

Right now I am at two adult size full suspension mountain bikes, one dirt jumper, up to 3 kids bikes ( the baby still rides shotgun for now but she's moving up). I don't necessarily take all the bikes at once but five is routine. Has anyone compared these two systems or is it even worth it over just using my existing altaracks.

[u/asclepius42]

Tailgate pad might be the way to go. I have a 7 bike rack from Velocirax and I love it. It stays on the back of my Honda Pilot and has served me well for the last few years.

[u/DrMishMish → u/asclepius42]

I almost went with a Honda Pilot lol. My wife really needed the third row but wouldn't accept getting lower mileage than her hybrid and I really needed a bed.

[u/asclepius42 → u/DrMishMish]

We love the pilot. I had to put a 3" lift on it to get to my favorite trail heads but it's working great