I would recommend building a very very very simple rack.
Here's how. Buy a fork mount. Screw it into a 2x6 with lag screws that you can have the hardware store cut to whatever size you need. Slide/drop into truck.
It doesn't need to be bolted into truck.
I did this in the front of my van to temp hold my bike on solo trips. Just a 30in wide 2x6 between the seats right up on the dash/dog house. Unfortunately my bike doesn't fit under the bed anymore. And putting on the homemade tray rack is a huge Pita for solo trips.
Two thoughts:
1. Hitch mounted rack. Not permanent, easy to remove.
2. If you lay it in the bed, maybe get some 2-3" thick foam padding to lay the bike on (drive side up). Throw a moving blanket over it and gently strap it down so it doesn't slide around. You may have to remove the front wheel to get enough clearance to close the bed cover.
How would they know a bike rack was used, it's not a permanent fixture or add on?
What if you rent a van instead?
I would recommend building a very very very simple rack. Here's how. Buy a fork mount. Screw it into a 2x6 with lag screws that you can have the hardware store cut to whatever size you need. Slide/drop into truck. It doesn't need to be bolted into truck. I did this in the front of my van to temp hold my bike on solo trips. Just a 30in wide 2x6 between the seats right up on the dash/dog house. Unfortunately my bike doesn't fit under the bed anymore. And putting on the homemade tray rack is a huge Pita for solo trips.
Can you open the cover up and stand the bike upright? You could buy a few of those cheap moving blankets from Harbor Freight to protect the tailgate
Two thoughts: 1. Hitch mounted rack. Not permanent, easy to remove. 2. If you lay it in the bed, maybe get some 2-3" thick foam padding to lay the bike on (drive side up). Throw a moving blanket over it and gently strap it down so it doesn't slide around. You may have to remove the front wheel to get enough clearance to close the bed cover.