Fork mounts with slide tray

What fork mounts with a slide tray actually do

A fork mount with a slide tray combines two pieces of hardware. The fork mount captures the bike by its front axle after the wheel is removed. The slide tray is a low friction platform on runners that pulls out from a cargo area, making loading and unloading simple even in tight spaces. Together, they create a secure, compact bike transport setup inside vans, trucks, and enclosed trailers.

This configuration reduces the vertical and lateral space taken by each bike. By removing the front wheel and anchoring the fork, the bike sits lower and more stable, which is crucial for roof clearance under cabinets or bed platforms. The tray brings the mount to you, so you can align dropouts at the door rather than crawling inside. For multi bike setups, this approach supports clear bar and pedal staggering to prevent contact and cosmetic damage.

Common use cases include adventure vans with a rear garage, pickup beds under tonneaus, and cargo trailers carrying bikes with other gear. The system also suits e bikes where lifting the full weight is tough. With the tray extended, you only lift to the fork height, then roll the rear wheel onto the tray before sliding everything back into the vehicle.

Fitment, materials, and the hardware that matters

Before choosing components, verify axle standards across your bikes. Most modern mountain and gravel bikes use thru axle sizes like 15 by 110 or 12 by 100, while some road and older bikes still use 9 millimeter quick release. Modular fork mounts that accept swappable sleeves or end caps let you handle mixed fleets without re drilling rails.

Tray dimensions should match your storage bay. Measure door opening width, interior depth from the threshold to any bulkhead, and height under beds or shelves. Leave clearance for bar width and saddle height, and plan staggered positions so levers and pedals do not clash. For two to four bikes, many builders offset mounts left to right by a few inches and alternate bar angles to interlock without contact.

Materials influence rigidity and noise. Aluminum trays are light and corrosion resistant, while steel runners offer high load ratings for heavier e bikes. Look for ball bearing slides with full extension and a published dynamic load rating that exceeds the combined mass of bikes and accessories. A carpeted or rubberized tray surface damps vibration and protects rims and rotors during loading.

Security and protection are part of the package. Through bolt fork mounts offer better pull out strength than wood screws. Add rear wheel straps or a small channel to capture the tire and keep the bike centered as the tray moves. Soft frame bumpers or vertical stanchions prevent sway where roads get rough. If you store wet bikes, consider drip management and airflow to avoid musty interiors.

Axles, spacing, and adapters

• Confirm axle length and pitch for every bike you carry.
• Use adapters that lock into the fork mount without play.
• Keep a labeled pouch of spares so guests can ride too.

Slides and load ratings

• Choose slides with full extension so bars clear the door.
• Match slide rating to your heaviest expected load.
• Lock in and lock out features keep trays from drifting.

Noise, corrosion, and care

• Nylon washers, thread locker, and rubber mats cut rattles.
• Stainless hardware resists rust from road spray.
• Wipe trays and mounts after muddy rides to extend service life.

Installation, safety, and smart packing for travel

A stable base is essential. The tray’s mounting frame should fasten into structural points such as steel ribs, bed channels, or properly anchored plywood with backing plates. Avoid relying on thin interior panels alone. For vans with raised floors, confirm you are not drilling into wiring or fuel lines below. In pickup beds, use factory tie down points when possible and add rivnuts or nut plates for additional anchors.

Bike clearance is a three dimensional puzzle. Dry fit bikes on the floor first to find the best bar overlap and saddle heights. Mark fork mount locations on the tray so the rear tires land in repeatable spots. For three bikes, consider a shallow V pattern that offsets bars while keeping rear wheels inside the tray perimeter.

During travel, straps are your insurance. Even with a fork clamped, a rear wheel strap keeps the tire from walking. For disc brake bikes, insert brake spacers when front wheels are removed to prevent accidental pad closure. If you carry a mix of mountain and road, place wider bars near the door for easier handling, with narrower bikes deeper inside.

Ventilation and moisture control protect the vehicle and your gear. Add a thin drip tray or mat under the rear tires and a small fan or vent near the storage bay. If your routes include washboard roads, periodic checks on slide bolts, fork mount fasteners, and wheel straps will keep the system quiet and safe.

Finally, plan for daily use. Store front wheels in dedicated sleeves or clips along the tray edge so they travel with the bike. Keep a low bin for helmets, shoes, and tools near the door, and mount lights so you can load at dawn without fumbling. A well considered fork mount with slide tray setup turns the back of your vehicle into a calm, repeatable workflow.

Bring this system to life with a pro build

If you want this level of organization without guesswork, a professional upfit can integrate fork mounts, slide trays, power, lighting, and storage into one clean package. For ideas that fit weekend travel or full time rigs, explore our page for Recreational vans. When you are ready to design around your bikes, cargo, and family needs, see our Custom van builds. Want a platform that finances with the essentials already planned, including a bike garage with a slide tray option, check out our Mainstream vans.

We start by mapping your axle standards, rider count, and gear list. Then we set tray size, slide rating, and mount layout to protect your bikes and keep the cabin quiet. From there, we integrate power for lights and tools, plus cabinets that align with bar clearance. The result is a tidy garage that works every time you open the doors.

Ready to turn measurements into a solution built for your routes and terrain Reach out today. OZK Customs designs and installs fork mount with slide tray systems that stand up to real travel, from gravel weekends to cross country tours. Fill out the form and let us build your bike storage the right way the first time.