main
10 Best Tailgate Bike Pad Reviews and Buying Guide 2023
Sep
A tailgate bike pad takes away the stress of transporting bikes. If you are an outdoors enthusiast and want to transport your bikes safely and securely, then the tailgate bike pad is the best way to do so. With different features and price ranges, each tailgate pad is different from one another.
With so many bike tail gate pad models available in the market, you might find it challenging to choose the right tailgate pad per your specific needs. Save time and effort and go through our expert list of tailgate pads and choose a winner.
In this article:
Our Picks for the Best Tailgate Bike Pad
How to Select a Tailgate Bike Pad?
Are Tailgate Bike Pads Safe for Bikes?
How do You Hang a Bike Over a Tailgate?
Can I Put My Tailgate Bike Pad Through the Car Wash?
Can I Use the Tailgate Bike Pad with a Tonneau Cover?
How Do Tailgate Bike Pads Work?
Our Picks for the Best Tailgate Bike Pad
Best Overall – Sklon Tailgate Bicycle Pad with Anti-Theft Locking System
Top Pick – Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike
Best Value – YAKIMA Tailgate Pad to Transport Bikes in Mid to Full-Sized Truck Beds
Most Affordable – Dakine Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes
Premium – Race Face Tailgate Pad (T2), XL/L
Most Versatile – Athletico Tailgate Pad for Bicycles (Truck Tailgate Bicycle Pads)
Most Popular – Thule Gate Mate Pro Full Size
Best for Ease of Attachment and Removal – evoc Bike Tailgate Pad Holds Up to 6 Bikes
Most Durable – Athletico Tailgate Bike Pads (Carries Up to 6 Bikes)
Most Popular – Demon Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes
Best Overall – Sklon Tailgate Bicycle Pad with Anti-Theft Locking System
Product Name: Sklon Tailgate Bicycle Pad with Anti-Theft Locking System
Colour: Black
Size: 21.42 x 20.08 x 7.95 inches
Material: Vinyl
Item Weight: 10.03 lbs.
Rating: 4.5
The Sklon Tailgate Bike Pad has an anti-locking system, which is quite effective for preventing theft. The locking system includes a combination lock and a backup key.
The bicycle tailgate pad enables you to mount up to six bikes. All six bikes can be kept organized with cushioned support cradles and straps, keeping the bikes safe and secure at all times.
The bike mount system has a universal flap system, which enables you to get a clear view of the rear mirror. The tailgate cover for bikes is rugged and made from weatherproof vinyl. It will help transport the bikes in any weather through any terrain.
Pros
- An anti-theft locking system.
- The tailgate bike rack can mount six bikes.
- The tailgate pad gets made from a heavy-duty vinyl cover.
- The bicycle tailgate pad has one year warranty.
- The tailgate bike holder has a universal extended rear flap, which provides a clear rear-view image.
Cons
- The lock isn’t of the best quality.
- The storage compartments aren’t significant.
- The flap tends to sit high on some pickup trucks, affecting the rearview.
Best Bike Rack for Truck Bed – Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike
Product Name: Himal Outdoors bike tail gate pad for Mountain Bike
Colour: Small for five bikes
Size: 17.09 x 13.54 x 7.56 inches
Material: 600D PVC
Item Weight: 1.64 Kilograms
Rating: 4.4
Himal Outdoors bike tail gate pad for Mountain Bike is manufactured with quality materials, protecting the truck tailgates and pickup trucks. The 600D PVC is a sturdy material. The outer layer prevents weather damage and resists abrasion.
The unique design of this mountain bike tailgate pad ensures that it has two tool pockets. The tool pockets have a flip cover and zipper, which prevents loss and damage from weather.
The foam bike tail gate pad has a heavy-duty cover that protects the bikes and the truck during transportation. The thick foam protects the bicycles if there is a collision. The mountain bike truck pad will help you transport five bikes simultaneously.
Pros
- Two tool pockets.
- Five fixed seats.
- Premium quality materials.
- Heavy duty cover on the outside.
- The tailgate cover is of universal size.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- The tailgate pad is available in only one size.
- The back cover isn’t extensive.
- The rear window doesn’t fit properly in some pickup trucks.
Best Value – YAKIMA Tailgate Pad to Transport Bikes in Mid to Full-Sized Truck Beds
Product Name: YAKIMA Tailgate Pad to Transport Bikes in Mid to Full-Sized Truck Beds
Colour: Black
Size: 62.25 x 5.25 x 20.25 inches
Material: Nylon
Item Weight: 5.0 lbs.
Rating: 4.6
The YAKIMA Tailgate Pad weighs 6 lbs. for the medium size and 8 lbs. for the large size. It will enable you to transport 5 – 6 bikes in a full-sized pickup truck. The hoop and loop cradle close system doesn’t damage the painted surface of the bike frames.
An integrated strap management system helps keep the tailgate pad secure even when you are travelling on rough roads. The tailgate bike holder is made from sturdy nylon, preventing weather damage.
The tailgate pad is easy to install and can easily fit new and old pickup trucks.
Pros
- The tailgate pad can help carry 5 – 6 bikes.
- The hook and loop cradle closure system helps prevent scratches.
- The integrated strap management system helps secure the bikes and keeps them safe during transportation.
- Rugged nylon material prevents weather damage.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Feeding the straps through the tailgate pad can be a cumbersome process.
- The Velcro layer isn’t durable.
- The truck tailgate bike pad doesn’t have a locking system.
Most Affordable – Dakine DLX Pickup Pad Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes Bike Tail Gate Pad
Product Name: dakine pick up pad for Mountain Bikes
Colour: Black
Size: 30 x 18 x 10 inches
Material: Polyurethane
Item Weight: 2.0 lbs.
Rating: 4.5
The dakine pick up pad fits modern tailgates with backup cameras perfectly. The large model of this tailgate can get used to transport seven bikes. The smaller model can help transport five bikes.
The 1000D recycled polyester used in manufacturing the pickup truck bike pad is weather resistant, making it durable. The thick padding helps cushion the bikes and tailgates even on challenging terrain.
The tailgate pad gets sold with a two-year limited warranty.
Pros
- The mountain bike tailgate pad gets made from weather-resistant 1000D recycled polyester.
- The tailgate pad is compatible with all sizes of trucks.
- A large tailgate pad will help transport seven bikes, whereas a smaller version will help transport five.
Cons
- The mountain bike truck pad might not correctly fit the old pickup trucks.
- You will be unable to lock directly into the tailgate.
- The access door is narrow.
Premium – Race Face Tailgate Pad (T2), XL/L Bike Tail Gate Pad Bike Tailgate Protector
Product Name: race face bike pad (T2), XL/L
Colour: Black
Size: 61.25 x 17 x 3 inches
Material: PVC tarpaulin
Item Weight: 6.6 lbs.
Rating: 4.8
The Race Face Tailgate Pad (T2) is available in small, medium, large and extra-large models. The small and medium tailgate is ideal for mid-sized trucks and can get used to transport five bikes.
The large and extra-large race face bike pads will fit large pickup trucks perfectly. The raised bumpers and down tube straps will help keep the bikes secure and safe.
The PVC tarpaulin is weather resistant and will last long against any weather conditions. The lining inside the bike tailgate protector ensures that the truck’s paint doesn’t get scratched or damaged during the transportation of bikes.
Pros
- The PVC tarpaulin is weather resistant.
- The raised spacers will hold the bikes securely during transportation.
- The bike tailgate protector is available in small or medium and large or extra-large.
Cons
- There are no tool pockets.
- The tailgate padding is inadequate.
- The installation can be challenging.
Most Versatile – Athletico Tailgate Pad for Bicycles (Truck Tailgate Bicycle Pads)
Product Name: Athletico Tailgate Pad for Bicycles
Colour: Black
Size: 62 x 17 x 6″ (157.5 x 43 x15 cm)
Material: Heavy-duty tarpaulin cover
Item Weight: 2.54 Kilograms
Rating: 4.5
Athletico Tailgate Pad for Bicycles gets constructed of the highest quality materials to protect the bikes and trucks from damage. The unique design of the bike tailgate protector enables you to mount the bicycle holder to the tailgate using straps quickly.
The mountain bike tailgate pad is available in two sizes. The large size 62” is ideal for full-size pickups. The smaller size 54” is suitable for mid-size pickup trucks. The small-sized bike rack can help you carry five bicycles, whereas the large one will enable you to move six bicycles.
The thick foam pad consists of a heavy-duty vinyl exterior and a lush interior, which helps protect the pickup truck and bikes from scratches and other damages. The bike rack has a large opening for the backup camera and tailgate handle.
The tailgate bike pad has a concealed tool packet making it ideal for storing tools in the pickup truck. The two integrated utility rings help secure the bicycle, preventing theft.
Pros
- Utility rings help lock the pad and bike to your pickup truck.
- Foam padding protects the bike and truck from damage.
- Large concealed tool packet.
- Double-stitched bike straps.
Cons
- The mountain bike truck pad might not fit curved tailgates perfectly.
- The design is bulky.
- You might require assistance when threading the straps under the tailgate.
Most Popular – Thule Gate Mate Pro Full Size Bicycle Tailgate Mat Bike Tailgate Covers
Product Name: Thule Gate Mate Pro Full Size
Colour: Black
Size: 59 x 2.75 x 16 inches
Material: Vinyl
Item Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Rating: 4.5
The Thule Gate Mate Pro Full Size gets constructed with premium vinyl material. The high-quality material is durable and weather resistant. The bike tailgate protector gets sold in large and small sizes. The small size (52”) can accommodate seven bicycles, whereas the larger size (59”) can help transport eight bikes.
Each bike has its slot, which helps prevent scratches and other damage even when travelling through challenging terrain. The vinyl padding can get adjusted to ensure a correct fit. The interior mesh pockets have adequate space to help carry tools and other accessories for repairs on the road.
Pros
- The heavy-duty vinyl material is tough, which makes the tailgate pad durable.
- The tailgate bike rack gets sold in large and small sizes. The large size can accommodate up to eight bikes safely and securely.
- The interior mesh pocket help store tools and accessories.
Cons
- You can’t lock it to the tailgate.
- The bike straps are too long.
- It takes a lot of time and effort to get the bike straps underneath the tailgate.
Best for Ease of Attachment and Removal – evoc Bike Tailgate Pad Holds Up to 6 Bikes
Product Name: evoc bike tailgate covers
Colour: Black
Size: 15.35 x 0.39 x 24.8 inches
Material: Tarpaulin
Item Weight: 5.07 lbs.
Rating: 4.6
The evoc Bike Tailgate Pad offers better bike and pickup truck protection. The tarpaulin material is weather and cut-resistant, preventing damage to the truck’s paint.
The bike tailgate covers has a non-slip protection feature that holds the bikes in place during transportation. The tailgate bike rack is available in medium and large sizes. You can safely transport six bikes. The mountain bike truck pad is ideal for transporting mountain bikes and hybrid ones.
Pros
- The tarpaulin material is weather and scratch-resistant.
- Foam pads on the back of the tailgate offer better protection to the bicycle downtube.
- The tailgate pad is available in medium and large sizes.
- 24 months warranty.
Cons
- The stitching isn’t durable.
- The Velcro straps don’t accommodate thick-down tubes.
- The access flap doesn’t line up with the rearview camera.
Most Durable – Athletico Tailgate Bike Pads (Carries Up to 6 Bikes) Best Bicycle Tailgate Pad
Product Name: Athletico bike tailgate covers
Colour: Black
Size: 54 x 19.5 x 5 inches
Material: Vinyl
Item Weight:
Rating: 4.6
The Athletico Tailgate Bike Pads gets constructed with high-quality vinyl material. The weather-resistant material has foam padding that protects the bike and the pickup trucks.
The flap doesn’t interfere with the backup cameras or tailgate handle. The bike straps get double stitched, which helps secure the bike’s frame. The end loops have two-inch webbing anchors, which help secure wide loads such as paddle boards, surfboards, and ladders.
Pros
- The high-quality vinyl material protects the truck beds against scratches and other damages.
- Available in small and large sizes.
- Large concealed tool pocket.
- Two integrated utility rings help prevent theft.
Cons
- The straps aren’t durable.
- It is time-consuming to get the straps past the tailgate pad.
Most Popular – Demon Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes Bicycle Tailgate Mat Bike Rack Protection Pads
Product Name: Demon bicycle tailgate mat for Mountain Bikes
Colour: Black
Size: 53 x 16.6 x 2 inches
Material: Polyester
Item Weight: 1.7 Kilograms
Rating: 4.6
The Demon Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes gets made from premium quality polyester. The material is UV and weather-resistant making it highly durable and long-lasting.
The tailgate cover has fixed straps, and you can use the adjustable hooks and loops to adjust the frame thickness, which helps keep the bicycle secure at all times.
Pros
- The high-quality polyester material is UV resistant.
- The bike tailgate covers are available in small and large sizes.
- The hook and loop bike frame holders help secure the bike and prevent theft.
- Easy to install and can help transport 5 – 7 bikes.
Cons
- It takes a long time to thread the straps through the tailgate.
- The bike tailgate cover is not ideal for transporting small bikes.
- The rear access flap blocks the view of the rear cameras.
How to Select a Tailgate Bike Pad?
It would be best to consider several factors before selecting the best tailgate bike pad. The most important things to consider include:
- Material
When buying a tailgate bike pad, you should pay attention to the material used in its manufacture. High-quality tailgate pads are manufactured with sturdy aluminum, making them lightweight and durable.
A durable tailgate pad will last a long time and offer adequate safety and protection to your bike during transportation.
One of the reasons that you should opt for good quality material is that the truck tailgate pad might get exposed to inclement weather resulting in damage.
- Size of the Truck
When shopping for a truck tailgate pad, the first and foremost thing you should consider is the truck’s size. Getting a small truck tailgate bike pad for a full-size pick-up truck is not wise.
If you want to transport your bike safely and in a cushioned way, you should always choose a pickup truck bike pad that matches the truck’s size.
- Number of Bikes
The number of bikes you plan to transport is another important factor determining the tailgate bike pad choice. If you plan to transport 1 – 2 bicycles, you can opt for a single bicycle tailgate pad or a pickup pad with the capacity to carry two bikes.
A correct choice of tailgate pad will give your bicycle adequate protection even on bumpy roads. You will need a large pickup truck bike pad if you plan to transport at least 5 – 6 bicycles.
The bike truck pad should have anchor straps if you want to transport more than two bikes simultaneously. The anchor straps will help keep all the bikes safe.
- Tailgate Design
When choosing a pickup bike pad, you must consider the tailgate design. Many pickup trucks have curved tailgates, and if you choose a regular tailgate bike holder, it will not help protect your bike completely.
If the pickup truck has a curved tailgate, you should ensure that the pickup pad covers the curve. It would be best if you always bought a pickup truck bike pad that matches the truck’s design.
- Anti-Theft Locking System
A tailgate pad with an anti-theft locking system is one of the safest ways to keep your bike safe from theft. Use a suitable number combination to lock the bike.
Besides a combination lock, most anti-theft locking systems have backup keys, which can be used when you forget the combination lock numbers.
- Flap
Some tailgate bike pads have a flap. The large access flaps are ideal for rear-view cameras and tailgate handles. A smaller access flap is best for handles.
If your pickup truck has a rear-view camera, you require a tailgate pad with a large flap. If you are not concerned about rear-view mirrors, a small flap will do the job.
- Ease of Installation
The truck tailgate bike pad you choose should be easy to install. Even though it should be easy to install, you should also ensure that the tailgate pad is sturdy. If the pickup bike pad is not strong, it might not provide adequate security for your bike.
- Tool Pockets
It is always advisable to have tool pockets with your tailgate bike pad. The tool pockets ensure that the tools are safe and accessible whenever you need them. You can use the tools to fix or repair your bikes when necessary.
- Purpose
The purpose for which you want to have a mountain bike tailgate pad should get determined first. If you are a bike racer, the purpose for which you need a tailgate pad will differ from that of a regular bicycle rider.
If you don’t focus on the purpose for which you want to buy the mountain bike truck pad, you might make a mistake in choosing and end up with the wrong choice.
- Durability of Padding
As you will be driving your pickup truck in inclement weather conditions, you need to ensure that the padding of the tailgate is durable. The tailgate pad should be tough enough to withstand rain, dirt, and dust.
If you intend to use the bicycle tailgate pad regularly, it is best to buy a sturdy one to last long. Occasionally transporting your bike, you can choose a lightweight tailgate pad.
The durability of the padding will also depend on the material and the straps used. It is best to look at the features of the pickup bike pad so that you choose it correctly.
- Long-Term Maintenance
If the tailgate pad is not made of good quality material, it will start deteriorating with time. A tailgate bike rack often gets exposed to different weather conditions and faces friction.
If the material is not high-quality or the straps are not appropriately stitched, it will lose efficiency, which can affect the safe transport of bikes. With some care and maintenance, you can ensure that the tailgate pads last longer.
- Price
Finally, it would be best to look at the price of the bicycle tailgate mat you intend to buy. The cost will vary based on the features, materials, and warranty. It is advisable to select something within your budget.
Are Tailgate Bike Pads Safe for Bikes?
Tailgate bike pads are entirely safe for bikes. The bicycle tailgate mats are designed to keep the bikes connected to the truck’s bed and prevent damage. When you select the right truck tailgate bike pad and ensure that the bike is secure, you can go anywhere you want with your bike.
The durable finish of the bike truck pad might sometimes scratch the bike’s paint surface. You can prevent this by using a foam tailgate cover for bikes.
How do You Hang a Bike Over a Tailgate?
You can choose to hang a bike over a tailgate in many ways. Most bike owners prefer to use the bicycle tailgate pad or strap them to the car or truck. A mountain bike tailgate pad is a good option if transporting many bikes simultaneously.
If you regularly carry the bikes on a truck, it is best to consider a pickup truck bike pad. To hang the bike over a tailgate, you must put the frame over it before strapping it. It ensures that the bike’s front wheels are outside the tailgate, whereas the rest of the body is inside the truck.
It is best to use a mountain bike truck pad with extra pads to provide bike security.
Can I Put My Tailgate Bike Pad Through the Car Wash?
Most often, a bicycle tailgate mat gets constructed with water-resistant materials. You will find these materials on the inner and outer layers of the pickup bike pad. The pickup pad gets made of nylon with a PVC layer. It prevents the bike truck pad from getting damaged by dust or water.
Most owners of tailgate bike pads opt for a car wash with the truck tailgate bike pad still installed on the car as they remain unaffected. As a precaution, you can cover the truck bike pad so that it prevents damage. It is advisable to check with the seller if the truck tailgate pad is waterproof.
Can I Use the Tailgate Bike Pad with a Tonneau Cover?
Using a tailgate bike pad with a tonneau cover is often not recommended. Despite this, some bike owners tend to use this combined. When transporting a bike, you can have a tailgate cover for bikes which is not entirely covered.
You might have an issue when you try to close the tonneau cover. If you want to close the tonneau cover, you might have to adjust it. The cover can get shifted up but will ruin the truck’s look.
How Do Tailgate Bike Pads Work?
A truck tailgate bike pad works by holding the bike with the truck’s tailgate. The bike rack for the truck tailgate helps maintain the distance between the bike and the truck’s body.
The bicycle tailgate mat gets designed to be thick and soft while ensuring that the outer layers are dust and water-resistant. The bike mat for the truck has straps that hold the bike in place. The tailgate blanket for bikes ensures that the many bikes loaded don’t knock off each other and are securely in place at all times.
