Are you tired of struggling with bike racks to transport your bikes to and from the trailhead? A tailgate bike pad could be exactly what you need. However, having the best tailgate bike pad that is simple, secured and affordable will be of great help to your bike rack struggles.
Tailgate bike pads are the quickest and easiest way to carry multiple bikes in a truck bed, making them quite appealing for road trips and weekend getaways. However, Our top options amongst some of the best tailgate bike pads listed below are “Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad and YAKIMA – GateKeeper Tailgate Pad for Full-sized Truck Beds, Carries Up To 6 Bikes.”
There were a few brands making tailgate bike pads in the past, and we were stuck with minimal options; luckily for us, there are plenty of options on the market now. In the review below, you will learn everything you need to know about tailgate bike pads and how to select the best tailgate bike pad currently available on the market for 2021.
Top 10 Best Tailgate Bike Pad
Thule GateMate Pro Full Size, Black, Small
Features
- Color Black
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Material Vinyl
- Brand Thule
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 59 x 2.75 x 16 inches
- Item Weight 6.5 Pounds
The Thule GateMate tailgate bike pad for trucks has been designed for transporting mountain bikes. The Thule GateMate has designed its straps to hold the bike frame properly.
Also, they have multiple position strap anchor points to hold their bike properly. The soft inner pad keeps bikes and trucks away. Straps are inward.
Installation is quite easy too. They have a dimension of 59″ L x 16″ H x 2. 75″ D; the bikes and pick-up trucks are well protected during transport with heavy duty vinyl, paddings are also adjustable.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Adjustable padding
- Fully padded for maximum security
- Multiple strap anchors to secure bikes in place
Cons
- Getting the straps through the bottom part of the tailgate may require some time.
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YAKIMA – GateKeeper Tailgate Pad for Full-sized Truck Beds, Carries Up To 6 Bikes
Features
- Color Black
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Material Nylon
- Brand YAKIMA
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 62.25 x 5.25 x 20.25 inches
- Item Weight 5 Pounds
The GateKeeper tailgate pad for your truck helps carry your bikes to the trailhead. It features a cushioned SitTight cradles that protect bikes from shifting and sliding and a large dimension of 62 inches long x 7 inches wide x 20 inches tall. The HindSight cover tucks out of the way so your backup camera can do its job.
More so, the GateKeeper tailgate pad is a perfect companion for pickup bed bike transport. The durable nylon exterior protects your bike from your truck’s tailgate, while the soft felt backing keeps your truck’s paint protected. If you need the best tailgate bike pad for your personal use, you can try using Yakima Gatekeeper tailgate pads.
Pros
- It comes with a cushioned SitTight cradle which protects your bike from shifting and sliding.
- Pretty easy to use
- Large rear window for easy handle access
Cons
- It may require a little more time to install
Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad Black, S/M
Features
- Color Black
- Brand RaceFace
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Item Weight 6.6 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 61.25 x 17 x 3 inches
RaceFace’s T2 pad is suitable for any shape of tailgate. The T2 can hold up to 6 bikes using raised bumpers and downtube straps to prevent any damage during shuttles and has an adjustable rear camera panel. It is easy to brush off dirt with a damp cloth and easy to install and adjust.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
- Firm and sturdy
Cons
- The Velcro strap may not be substantial
Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad Bike Rack, Black, Small
Features
- Color Black
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Material Polyurethane
- Brand Dakine
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 30 x 18 x 10 inches
- Item Weight 2 Pounds
Trailhead commute or gravity shuttle duty offers great convenience like no other bike rack. The DLX pad is suitable for modern tailgates with backup cameras. The large model is best suitable for full-size tailgate designs and holds up to seven bikes.
Meanwhile, the small fits midsize truck tailgates and holds up to five bikes. It features a built-in security grommet that allows you to lock it to your truck. the end of the webbing strap is stiffened for easy installation under the tailgate and added cam-action buckles for quick removal.
Pros
- Four web cinch straps
- Large access flap for tailgate handles
- Individual bike anchor straps (7- Large; 5- Small)
- Works best on new tailgate designs
Cons
- Customers feel that the pad easily shifts with driving, and the camera is obscured.
Fox Racing Tailgate Cover, Premium Padded Protection Pad, 6 Webbing Straps for Attachment Fits Most Trucks, Use for Mountain Bikes MX Bikes Gear
Features
- Brand Fox
- Product Dimensions 33.86 x 61.81 x 18.9 inches;
- Item weight 4.32 Pounds
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
Fox has maintained a great position as the innovation leader in the MX industry by designing and producing motocross gear and one of the best tailgate bike pads for the worlds best riders.
The Fox tailgate cover is built with premium padding to give your truck and your gear the best protection out there. The tailgate handle and truck can be easily accessed with this cover’s flap. In addition, the cover fits most truck measurements. The small tailgate cover fits most compact and mid-sized trucks and can hold up to 5 bikes: 54 x 33.5 x 16 inches. In contrast, the large tailgate cover fits most full size trucks and can carry up to six bikes: 62 x 34 x 19 inches.
Pros
- It offers premium protection
- Quality material
- Easy to install and use
- Firm and sturdy
Cons
- The Velcro loops randomly fall out.
SPORTOURO Truck Bike Tailgate Pad – Tailgate Bike Pads, Tailgate Cover, Tailgate Mat, Tailgate Covers for Trucks, Tailgate Bike Pad, Bike Pad for Truck Tailgate Cover for Trucks, Bike Blanket Tailgate
Features
- Brand SPORTOURO
- Package Dimensions 18.5 x 17.2 x 7.9 inches
- Item weight 6.85 Pounds
- Vehicle Service Truck
The Sportouro features a durable waterproof PVC material on the outside and a plush flannelette inner padding; 2 deep, roomy pockets with double closure (hook & loop tape + lockable zippers). Moreover, the Sportouro help to keep your tools safe and organized inside the truck beds.
It is also quick and easy to install and remove. All you need to do is to fasten or loosen 3 ultra-wide straps and shuttle up to 5 BMX, road or mountain bikes in no time.
Pros
- High-quality Exterior
- Easy to install and durable
- Waterproofed
- Cushion-Soft Felt Backing
- Lightweight Yet Hardcore Protection
Cons
- No cons
Dakine Unisex Pickup Pad, Ashcroft Camo, Small
Features
- Color Ashcroft Camo
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Brand Dakine
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 62 x 17.5 x 2.75 inches
- Material 1000D Recycled Polyester with UV/weather-resistant coating (black)|600D Recycled Polyester (prints)
Trailhead commute or gravity shuttle duty offers great convenience like no other bike rack. The DLX pad is suitable for modern tailgates with backup cameras. The large model is best suitable for traditional full-size tailgate designs and holds up to seven bikes.
Meanwhile, the small fits midsize truck tailgates and holds up to five bikes. It features a built-in security grommet that allows you to lock it to your truck. the end of the webbing strap is stiffened for easy installation under the tailgate and added cam-action buckles for quick removal.
Pros
- Works best on traditional tailgate designs
- Individual bike anchor straps (7- Large; 5- Small)
- Three web cinch straps
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- No cons
LEETPIC Tailgate Bike Pads for 61″ Full-Sized Truck Tailgate with Secure Bike Frame Straps Carry up to Six Bikes, Tailgate Bike Cover with Utility Ring
Features
- Brand LEETPIC
- Item Weight 6.09 pounds
- Product Dimensions 54 x 18 x 6 inches
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
The Leetpic tailgate bike pad is designed for a full-sized 61″ Truck with 6 concaved slots and bike fixing straps that can confidently hold and transport six bikes safe at the same time.
The Leetpic special designed tailgate back opening allows you to use the tailgate handle and the backup camera with no effort while the pad is on. Moreso, it has a Velcro hook-and-loop strap on the opening to secure the position.
It features a smart design with its Velcro cradle closure system and an integrated strap management system that keeps the pad secure on your bikes while being extra gentle on those delicate painted and carbon frame bicycles, and two tool pockets located in the inner side of the pad which will conveniently hold your repair tools.
Pros
- Xtra thick, durable and waterproof material
- Secured padding design for bike slots
- It has a specially designed back opening for the camera and handles access
- Utility ring provides lock option
Cons
- The hook and loop tie-downs are a bit short.
MNJ Motor Tailgate Protection Pad with Bike Fixing Straps for Trunk Tailgate Pad with 2 Tool Pockets for 5 Bikes
Features
- Brand MNJ
- Item Weight 4.4 Pounds
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Product Dimensions 18 x 6.3 x 17 inches
MNJ tailgate pad features 5 concave slots and bike fixing straps that can hold five bikes. The fixing strap design help to keep the bikes fixed and safe all the time. It comes with 2 pockets on the pad, and it can hold tools and other things, quite convenient to store your tool. The double closure of the magic sticker, as well as the zipper, makes the storage safer.
Moreover, the installation is effortless; all you need to do is correctly place the pad on the tailgate and fix it with the straps on the pad. The tailgate pad best suits bikes that are 54 inches long x 7.5 inches wide x 16 inches tall.
Pros
- Sturdy PVC as the outer layer material
- Soft flannelette as the inner layer material
- Wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant
- Easy to use and Install
Cons
- A customer review states that the flap that covers the tailgate handle is folded up instead of down.
Swagman TAILWHIP Tailgate Pad – Full Size
- Color Black
- Vehicle Service Type Truck
- Brand Swagman
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 21 x 8 x 21 inches
- Item Weight 3 Pounds
- Mounting Type Strap
The TAILWHIP tailgate pad is built with large built-in flaps that allow you to access the tailgate handle without removing the pad, and it also has large storage compartments that keep all your gear in one place. The Velcro straps and high density foam firmly hold the bike in place and secure the wheels while driving. It takes only takes a few minutes to assemble.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- Easy to access and use
- Transports 5 bikes at a time
Cons
- You may require more effort to set it up
Guide on How To Choose The Best Tailgate Bike Pad
Some important factors or features to take note of when shopping for the best tailgate bike pad.
Straps and Padding
The straps and padding are what will hold your bikes and protect them from scratches and damages. It is important to have strong straps to keep your bikes. When driving on a rough dirt road with potholes, you would want to make sure the straps are fastened firmly onto the truck tailgate and of high quality.
Backup camera compatibility
The backup camera is an important factor to consider. While driving, you would want to have the assurance that your bike is secured. Fortunately, most tailgate pads come with a backup camera compatibility window; You can research your truck compatibility or contact the dealer.
Safety and Protection
These are also very important; make sure that the pad you’re purchasing is strong enough to hold your bikes and prevent them from falling over and causing damages. In addition, The Pad should be of good quality because inferior quality pads could damage the bike.
The number of bikes you want to haul
Lastly, consider the number of bikes you’ll need to haul. For example, 1-2 bikes would require a half pad. However, if you are going to shuttle lots of your mountain biking friends, then a large tailgate bike pad that can accommodate 5-6 bikes will be a better option.
Frequently Asked Question
Are tailgate pads bad for bikes?
The durable finish can make the pads a bit hard on your bike’s paint job despite its great job protecting your bike. To avoid this, it is better to advise using foam pipe covers on both the fork and the downtube to protect our bikes on long rides further.
Can you put a road bike on a tailgate pad?
Road bikes and carbon frame bikes work great on the Yakima GateKeeper Tailgate Pad # Y07411. Bike racks like this are universal in how they fit bikes, so this would be a great and easy solution for what you have.
Do tailgate pads scratch paint?
Most times, dirt gets trapped between the pad and tailgate, which could scratch or swirl your paint.
Conclusion
Finally, all tailgates may look the same, but they are made of quality and offers different service, the features are also different. A good tailgate pad is made using quality materials to last long and withstand harsh conditions. Its interior should be soft to protect the tailgate from dents and scratches. Whatever your choice is, ensure to have straps well connected, and the pad is properly secured with your bike.