Tailgate Bike Pads: How To Choose One + 6 Best Options
Check out the best tailgate bike pads for your truck and learn about the pros and cons of using one to haul your bikes to and from the trail
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Let’s be honest, throwing your bike in the back of your truck without any protection or security isn’t the smartest of choices. Dings, scrapes, and bent rotors are just a few headaches you’ll most likely encounter in a matter of time.
Lucky for you, though, there’s an easy and affordable option! Tailgate bike pads are a simple solution for transporting your precious cargo to and from the trailhead without too much hassle or spending an arm and leg on more expensive hitch bike racks.
Tailgate pads are efficient and secure and can carry up to six bikes (or more) in an open-bed truck – making them excellent for shuttle parties.
My brother and friends have been using tailgate pads for years (sadly I don’t own a truck), and they are a favorite among many other riders.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which tailgate pad is the best fit for you (and your truck). In this post, I’ve put together a buying guide on how to choose the best tailgate pad for you as well as the best options out there.
Are tailgate pads safe for bikes?
I get it, bikes are expensive and if you’re like me, you develop an emotional attachment to them (or maybe that’s just me…)
Anyway, it’s a good question.
In short, the answer is yes, tailgate pads are safe for mountain bikes. However, that assumes that you use your tailgate pad correctly and install it according to the directions. If you try to fit 7 bikes onto a tailgate pad that was only designed for 5, then sure, the bikes might get damaged.
But overwhelmingly, tailgate pads are safe and secure for transporting most bikes.
Can I use my road or gravel bike on a tailgate pad?
Tailgate bike pads are primarily designed for mountain bikes. This is because mountain bikes have more clearance between the down tube and front fork for them to fit over the top edge of the tailgate.
Road and gravel bikes have a smaller clearance (especially small and extra-small frames), so they don’t work as well with tailgate pads. The result is that they can flop and fall over.
This isn’t a hard and fast rule – it all depends on the type of bike you have, the tailgate pad, and the thickness of your tailgate – but in general, tailgate pads are best for mountain bikes.
Pros & Cons of using a Tailgate Bike pad
As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to using a tailgate pad to transport multiple bikes.
I will say that the drawbacks of using one, though, typically come down to user error. If you do your due diligence by installing the pad correctly and loading your bikes securely, these drawbacks can easily be avoided.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install & remove | Potential damage to the down tube |
| You can leave them on throughout the riding season | Easy for thieves to grab |
| Relatively affordable (compared to hitch bike racks) | Dust can get under the pad and abrade paint on the tailgate |
| Bikes are stable and secure if loaded correctly | Potential abrasion to bike frame and components |
| Can haul up to six bikes | Sun damage to pad leads to fabric degradation over time |
Can I just use a blanket or a piece of foam?
I mean, technically yes, you can. Some mountain bikers do make their own tailgate bike pads out of old blankets or pieces of foam, but I don’t recommend it unless you’re just driving a short distance to and from the trailhead (and even then it’s risky!).
DIY tailgate pads aren’t as secure or padded as professionally designed and manufactured ones, so there’s a much greater risk of your bike or truck being damaged.
Tailgate Bike Pad features
A first glance, tailgate pads look pretty simple, but there are actually quite a few design features that set some apart from others.
Here are a few things to look for and consider when shopping around.
Foam padding
All tailgate pads will come with a certain amount of padding, but some have more or less than others.
Just like chamois or saddles, though, more padding doesn’t always mean ‘better’.
Too much padding can result in rubbing and abrasion on your bike frame while too little padding can damage frames from impact.
Most commercial tailgate pads will be designed with just the right amount of padding, so I wouldn’t worry about this too much.
The RaceFace T2 pad has robust padding while the Dakine Pickup Pad is a bit more minimal.
How to use a tailgate pad
Tailgate pads are pretty easy to use, but it might take you some time to get yours installed and figure out how to strap your bikes in. Every tailgate pad is a little different, but here’s a general guide on how to use one:
Purchase the right size. This is important! If the pad doesn’t fit your tailgate, your bikes won’t sit correctly. All bike pads are listed with dimensions, so make sure you measure correctly.
Clean your tailgate. Before you install your pad, clean the dirt and dust off your tailgate so it doesn’t get scratched.
Position the pad. It should be pretty self-explanatory which side faces out.
Secure the pad. Use the adjustment straps to secure the bottom and sides of the tailgate. Every pad is going to be a bit different. Tighten as necessary to ensure the pad is snug and doesn’t shift around.
Adjust as needed. Make sure the pad’s handle cutout and/or camera flap are aligned so you can still open and close the tailgate and/or use the backup camera.
Load the bikes. Lift the front wheel of the bike over the tailgate, resting the bike’s down tube on the pad. You can load them left to right or right to left, but make sure the front wheels are all facing the same direction. Space bikes evenly to prevent them from touching and potentially damaging one another.
Secure the bikes. Use the bike pad’s anchor straps or cradles to fasten each bike in place. This prevents them from bouncing around during transit. Make sure the straps aren’t overly tightened, though.
Drive carefully! Don’t go careening around corners or speeding down bumpy roads. The more carefully you drive, the less likely your bikes will get damaged.
Durable material
Tailgate pads can see a lot of use and abuse, both from carrying bikes and being exposed to the elements. You want to make sure that the one you get is made from highly durable material, has UV protection, and is weather resistant.
The EVOC Tailgate Pad is one of the most durable options out there with a burly Tarpaulin outer fabric that is specifically designed for withstanding harsh conditions.
I highly recommend avoiding cheap unknown brand tailgate pads (ahem, from Amazon…) because they won’t last very long.
Space between Straps or Cradles
The amount of space between the bike cradles or webbing straps will determine how close together your bikes will be packed.
Tailgate pads can carry anywhere from 2-6 bikes with spacing ranging from a few inches to a more generous buffer to separate bikes.
Spacing will also depend on how big your truck bed is. If you have a smaller truck, I don’t recommend getting a pad that can fit 6 bikes.
Access to tailgate handle & backup camera
This is an important one. You want to make sure that whatever tailgate pad you get is compatible with the placement of your truck’s tailgate handle and/or backup camera.
Some tailgate pads have generic placement of these flaps while others specify which pickup trucks they are compatible with.
Dakine has a clever flow chart for determining which of their bike pads to get in reference to what type of truck you have.
How do you measure a tailgate pad?
Tailgate pads come in a number of different lengths, sizes, and even shapes. So how do you know which one will be the perfect fit?
The answer is to measure. Here are a few pointers:
1. Use a tape measure and measure the width of your tailgate from one edge of the tailgate to the other while it’s fully closed. This will help you determine whether you need a size tailored for mid-size trucks or full-size trucks.
2. Next, consider the depth of the tailgate, from the top edge near the truck bed to the bottom edge near the bumper, to ensure the pad covers the whole area.
3. If your truck has unique features like a prominent backup camera or specific handle design, you’ll also want to ensure the pad accommodates these, either through adjustable cutouts or flaps.
| Mid Sized Trucks | Full Sized Trucks |
|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma | Dodge Ram |
| Honda Ridgeline | Ford Ranger |
| Chevrolet Colorado | Ford F-150 |
| GMC Canyon | GMC Sierra |
| Jeep Gladiator | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Nissan Frontier | Toyota Tundra |
| Nissan Titan |
Soft lining
Truck bike pads can be hard on your tailgate, especially if you’re driving down dusty and dry roads.
You want to look for a pad that has a soft lining underneath to minimize scratches and abrasion. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean underneath the pad to remove dirt and debris.
Storage pockets & tailgating details
Some tailgate pads are designed with a few more bells and whistles like storage pockets for tools and even tailgating bonuses like seats, coolers, and beverage holders.
The Cache Basecamp System is one of the best for post-ride hanging out with two attachable seats and a cooler bag.
Grommet for a lock
One of the biggest drawbacks of tailgate bike pads is that you’re kind of leaving your bikes like sitting ducks when you need to run errands or grab some food post-ride.
Most tailgate pads are designed with metal grommets that you can thread a lock through, but some are not. I definitely recommend going with a pad that you can secure your bike to, like the RaceFace T2.
Best Tailgate Bike Pads
So now that you know what to look for in a tailgate bike pad, let’s dive into the best options!
1. Dakine Pickup Pad
Pad width: Small – 54″ (137 cm), Large – 62″ (158 cm)
Bike capacity: Small – 5, Large – 7
Backup camera compatible? Yes (but some trucks may need the deluxe version)
MSRP: $150
Shop the Dakine Pickup Pad at:
The Dakine Pickup Pad is one of the most popular and best tailgate pads out there because it’s simple, no frills, and effective.
It’s made from tough and durable recycled polyester fabric that has a UV and weather-resistant coating.
For padding, it has a good amount across the top to protect your down tube from getting damaged, but it definitely has less padding than other models.
If you’re worried about theft, there is a built-in security grommet in the top corner that allows you to secure bikes with a cable lock.
The Dakine Pickup Pad comes in two sizes: the large can fit 7 bikes and the small can fit 5 bikes.
If you have a full size truck, you’ll need to go with the Dakine Pickup Pad Deluxe. Or, if your tailgate is curved, check out the Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve.
2. Fox Tailgate Pad
Pad width: Small – 54″ (137 cm), Large – 62″ (158 cm)
Bike capacity: Small – 5, Large – 6
Backup camera compatible? Yes
MSRP: $165 – $185
Shop the Fox Tailgate Pad at:
Another popular tailgate bike pad option is the Fox Tailgate Pad. This pad has individual velcro frame anchor straps to secure bikes on bumpy rides and it’s made from durable Tarpaulin.
The Fox Pad is honestly on par with the Dakine Pickup Pad above, so it kinda boils down to which brand you prefer.
It comes in two sizes: the small can accommodate mid-sized trucks and five bikes while the large fits well on most full-sized pickups and can carry six bikes.
3. Race Face T2
Pad width: Small – 57″ (145 cm), Large – 61″ (155 cm)
Bike capacity: Small – 5, Large – 6
Backup camera compatible? Yes
MSRP: $139 – $149
Shop the Race Face T2 Pad at:
The Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad is designed to fit any truck tailgate size and shape. This updated pad has enhanced padding and individual hook-and-loop frame anchor straps to keep your bikes secure on bumpy roads and windy days.
It’s one of the burliest tailgate bike pads out there.
The Race Face T2 also comes with a micro-brushed lining to help protect your tailgate and the adjustable rear camera panel works with most backup cameras.
The small T2 Pad can fit up to 5 bikes comfortably and the large can fit 6 bikes with little risk of them bumping against each other.
4. EVOC Tailgate Pad
Pad width: M/L – 53″ (135 cm), XL – 63″ (161 cm)
Bike capacity: M/L – 6, XL – 6
Backup camera compatible? Yes
MSRP: $170 – $190
Shop the EVOC Tailgate Pad at:
Evoc is known for designing and manufacturing top-notch mountain bike gear and their Evoc Tailgate Pad is no exception. If you plan on putting your tailgate bike pad through lots of use and abuse, this could be a great option.
This pad has a 1-inch layer of EVA foam to protect bike frames from getting damaged and the outer layer is made from 600D Tarpaulin, which is super durable.
The Evoc Tailgate Pad also comes with hook-and-loop straps to keep bikes snug and secure and the large fold-away flap is compatible with most backup cameras.
Both the M/L and XL pads can accommodate 6 bikes. The XL is one of the longest tailgate pads at 63″, so it’s a good choice for full size trucks.
5. EVOC Duo
Pad width: 32.5″ (87 cm)
Bike capacity: 2
Backup camera compatible? NA
MSRP: $100
Shop the EVOC Tailgate Pad at:
If you don’t need to shuttle a half dozen bikes, the EVOC Duo may be a great choice for you. This tailgate bike pad is essentially the same as the full Evoc Tailgate Pad above, but it’s designed to haul just one or two bikes, making it an affordable and convenient choice.
If you’re planning on traveling afar or flying with your bikes, this tailgate pad can be folded up and stashed in your luggage or bike bag so that you’re ready to roll in your rental truck upon arrival.
6. Küat Huk
Pad width: 25″ – 61″ (63.5 cm – 155 cm
Bike capacity: 2 – 6
Backup camera compatible? Yes
MSRP: $149 – $320
Shop the Küat Huk at:
One of the major sticking points when buying a tailgate bike pad is knowing whether it’s going to fit your pickup truck or not.
Küat has removed the guessing game by designing a mountain bike pad that comes in 4 different sizes and shapes (as well as a 2-bike pad) to fit all trucks across the board. In fact, you can even go to their website, choose your truck model, and see which of the 4 models to choose:
Having this mountain bike pad and truck comparison chart is super helpful and definitely makes the Huk a contender for the best tailgate pad. It’s also designed really well with durable fabric, good padding, metal buckles, and a large flap cutout to access the tailgate handle.
Final thoughts
Tailgate bike pads are a fast and convenient way to transport your mountain bikes to your local trails and beyond if you own a pickup truck.
They can be left on throughout the season, but easily removed if it’s in the way.
Personally, I think tailgate bike pads are the way to go if you drive a pickup truck! I hope this post has helped clear up some questions about how to choose the right pad for your truck and bikes and give you some options for the best tailgate pads to consider.
Looking for more bike transport options and storage? Check out these related blog posts:
Do you already have a tailgate bike pad? Which one and what are your thoughts on it? What other questions do you have about mtb tailgate pads? Leave a comment below!
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