Do you own a couple of bikes and are worried about carrying them to different places in a van or truck? Hold on! You don’t need to worry, what you need is a tailgate bike pad. Not just any pad you need the best tailgate bike pads!
Put the pad on the van’s tailgate and then just secure the bikes with the straps provided with the pad. And you are all set to move to wherever you want.
The bike wouldn’t come in contact with your van’s tailgate so no scratches on both of your items.
Want to have a look at some of the top-notch tailgate bike pads on the market? Roll your eyes down!
The benefits of using a tailgate bike pad
A tailgate bike pad is a must-have for any cyclist who regularly transports their bikes on the back of their vehicle. Here are some of the best benefits of using a tailgate bike pad:
1. Protection for your vehicle: A tailgate bike pad will protect your vehicle’s paint job from getting scratched or chipped by your bike’s pedals or chain.
2. Protection for your bikes: A tailgate bike pad will also protect your bikes from getting damaged by the elements while you’re driving.
3. Easy to use: Tailgate bike pads are very easy to use, simply strap them onto your vehicle’s tailgate and secure your bikes in place.
4. Convenient: Tailgate bike pads make it very convenient to transport your bikes, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
5. Reliable: We only sell tailgate bike pads from trusted manufacturers, such as Thule and Yakima, so you know that the product you’re buying is reliable.
List of 6 Best Tailgate Bike Pads
Best Tailgate Bike Pads Reviewed
Best Softness
Softride 26457 a Pick-Up Shuttle Pad Tailgate Bike Rack
Get started with the Softride tailgate pad which is not only a bike pad but a multi-purpose tailgate pad. Apart from the bikes, you can use this pad for sports and tools items as well such as kayaks, surfboards, and construction items like a ladder, lumber, etc.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: Softride
- Country of Origin: China
- Dimensions/Weight: 19.75 x 17.5 x 8 inches/6.09 pounds
- Size: 61″ For Full-Size Pick Ups
- Date First Available: March 5, 2011
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product
This Softride tailgate pad comes with 4 soft wraps for securing the bikes or any other thing on the tailgate. There is an extra-strong nylon daisy chain that secures the bikes extremely well.
The pad has heavy-duty foam padding which ensures the bike frames and the tailgate doesn’t get scratched in any way.
This pad also comes with nylon straps which are extremely durable and very easy to attach and detach. With this very tailgate pad, you can carry up to six bikes without sacrificing anything.
It comes in 3 different sizes so make sure you choose the one that suits your van tailgate, otherwise you will have to replace it.
Do not worry about the installation, with this very pad installation is a breeze.
If I talk about the price, it isn’t very expensive and not cheap. But for the price, I think the quality is pretty good. Though few users found this pad not very durable.
Pros
- Very easy to install.
- It has heavy-duty foam padding.
- Delivers great cushioning.
- Can secure six bikes at a time.
- It is a multi-purpose tailgate pad.
- Durable Velcro straps.
Cons
- Not very durable.
Best Version
Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad – Best Raceface Tailgate Pad Review
This one is the updated version of the original Race face tailgate pad and I must say, a lot of improvements are now seen. It is not only the best race face tailgate pad but it is one of the best tailgate pads on the market right now. There is a lot to talk about this very tailgate pad.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: Race Face
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Dimensions/Weight: 62 x 6 x 14 inches/6.15 Pounds
- Date First Available: March 26, 2020
- Material: PVC tarpaulin
- Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product
The manufacturer has used burly PVC tarpaulin material in the construction. Often we need to drive through muds, the rain which can harm the tailgate pad, and that is not an issue with this pad since it is waterproof.
Another satisfying thing about this very tailgate pad is its adjustable window, it would be better if I call it an adjustable handle flap.
So this race face model eliminates the worry completely. Doesn’t matter where the handle is, you can adjust the flap accordingly.
This pad comes with raised bumpers that hold the bike frame very securely. With this one, you get 6 straps on the top of the pad and you can adjust that according to your need.
It comes in 4 different sizes, small, medium, large, and extra-large. The small and medium-sized can hold 4 bikes and the large and extra-large ones can hold up to 6 bikes. This pad has grommets inside which enables you to lock the pad with the van.
And lastly, though some people ignore it due to its high price I would say, it delivers great value for the money.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable handle window.
- Waterproof and durable tailgate pad.
- Raised bumpers for secure holding.
- Highly padded pad.
- Adjustable 6 straps.
Cons
- The price is a little high.
Best Durability
Evoc Tailgate Pad Review
If you need an extremely durable tailgate pad with an incredible look, then I have the Evoc Tailgate Pad for you. I am so impressed with the build quality and look of this very pad. Not only me, but a lot of users are also quite impressed with this very bike pad.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: EVOC Sports GmbH
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Dimensions/Weight: 30 x 20 x 5 inches/4.55 Pounds
- Department: Unisex
- Date First Available: October 4, 2019
- Warranty: 24-month warranty
It is constructed with 600 weight Denier material which is extremely durable and gives a little hefty feel.
On top of that, this pad got good quality PU coating which enables this pad to withstand heavy mud and rain effortlessly. It is a robust bike pad that is going to last extremely long. That being said, compared to other bike pads this one is a little heavy as well.
This pad has raised bumpers which come in extremely handy in terms of securing the bike frame well so that they don’t move at all even when the van is going over the rough and bumpy road.
One thing that isn’t very satisfying about this pad is the down tube straps are not attached to the pad. When not in use, there is a high chance that you might lose the straps while driving.
Then there is another thing that causes little inconvenience and that is the small handle window or flap. And the handle flap might not suit some tailgates so check thoroughly before you make the purchase.
This pad comes with a metal hooking system which makes things easier for the user. That being said, the metal hook makes feeding the strap under the tailgate with buckle is a little tough as well.
And lastly, it comes in two different sizes medium/ large and extra-large. Make sure you order the right sizing otherwise the pad wouldn’t fit.
Pros
- Extremely durable tailgate pad.
- It has PU coating.
- Looks pretty cool.
- Lasts very long.
- Features metal hooking system.
- Raised bumpers secure the frame nicely
Cons
- Small handle flap.
- Hard to feed the strap under the tailgate.
Best Security
DORSAL Sunguard tailgate pad
Looking for a multipurpose tailgate pad that you can use for other tools and sports items apart from the bikes? You got it! Have a quick look at this Dorsal Sunguard tailgate pad. Whether it is a bike, surfboard, kayak, or ladder, this pad allows you to carry all of these with ease.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: DORSAL
- Country of Origin: China
- Dimensions/Weight: 1 x 1 x 1 inches/4.37 Pounds
- Department: Bike Carriers & Racks
- Material: Nylon
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Not only this tailgate pad is versatile but it does an excellent job of holding the bikes securely. Doesn’t matter how rough or bumpy the road is, the bikes wouldn’t damage each other or the van. The hook and loop can be anchored very safely.
However, before buying this tailgate pad one thing you must keep in mind that is this doesn’t suit most tailgates. If you own trucks like Ram 1500, Sierra, F150, and Silverado, then consider picking this pad otherwise don’t.
On top of everything, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty for this pad. Lastly, this pad has nylon oven padding which ensures nothing gets damaged.
Pros
- Highly durable tailgate pad.
- Holds the bike frames securely.
- Multi-purpose pad.
- Nylon woven padding.
Cons
- Installation is a little tough.
Best Lightweight
Dakine Pickup Pad Review
For those who are worried about the size, I will suggest this Dakine Pickup pad, It is a one size fits all kind of tailgate pad. So if you don’t know the right size or you have a couple of trucks then this could turn extremely beneficial for you since it fits most of the tailgates.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: Dakine
- Country of Origin: USA
- Dimensions/Weight: 30 x 29 x 4 inches/1.9 pounds
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Size: One Size
- Warranty: 10 year Limited Lifetime Warranty
This pad is made of 100% recycled polyester which makes it pretty durable pad and long-lasting as well. Not only that, it has a UV-resistant coating as well which keeps the pad protected from damaging UV-ray. Ultraviolet ray can cause the pad to fade early and also makes that weak. But fortunately, that is not happening with this very tailgate pad.
I liked the look of this pad, it is plain and simple. It suits every tailgate. And if I talk about the installation that is pretty simple too. Since this pad is pretty lightweight that helps in the installation as well.
However, the thing that I didn’t like about this very pad is its bike holding capacity. It holds the bike securely, no doubt about that but this pad only holds 2 bikes. Plus, the handle flap might not suit every tailgate.
Pros
- This pad fits all tailgates.
- Looks very simple.
- Very lightweight pad.
- Easy to install.
- Durable and UV-resistant pad.
- Low price.
Cons
- Only holds 2 bikes.
- Handle flap might not suit.
Best Reliable
Dakine Dlx Pickup Pad Review
And finally, we are looking at the last tailgate pad of this review and that is none other than the Dakine DLX pickup pad. If you are looking for a reliable pickup pad, this is the way to go. This pad comes in handy in many ways, whether it is the capacity or the durability, this very pad shines in all.
Quick information about this product
- Manufacturer By: Dakine
- Country of Origin: USA
- Dimensions/Weight: 60 x 29 x 3 inches/2 pounds
- Type of Style:
- Department: Unisex-adult
- Warranty: 10 year Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects
It is available in two sizes, large and small. The large one is obviously for the large vans but the small one is for medium-sized trucks or vans. Installation of this pad is a breeze, no hassle is required. You just load the cover on and just lock the straps that are all.
This pad holds the bikes pretty well, doesn’t matter how bumpy the road is or how wobbly the van is, bikes will remain secured on the pad. One more satisfying thing about this very pad is, the straps are secured with the pad. So when not used you don’t need to close them, they won’t be lost.
For extra security, the pad comes with metal grommets on both sides. The manufacturer has used 1000D recycled polyester material which is a very durable and long-lasting material. On top of that, the pad has a UV-resistant coating on it which protects the pad from UV damage.
Pros
- Highly durable pad.
- Very long-lasting.
- Easy to install.
- Holds bike securely.
- Features metal grommets.
- Has reflective logo for night visibility.
Cons
- Slightly pricey.
- No separation pads.
Editor’s Experience
Here are some Tailgate Bike Pads which have many features and quality designs. These are sure would be a better choice for your bike. Softness, durability, security, and lightweight are everything you will find in these pads.
Softride 26457 a Pick-Up Shuttle Pad Tailgate Bike Rack: Great product, works just as advertised! Easy enough to install and stays on. I put it on my truck in early summer and left it on all summer, never got loose. It is a bit of work getting it on and off, but that’s life with straps!
Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad – Best Raceface Tailgate Pad Review: There are lots of tailgate pads on the market, and this is one of the best. I particularly like the pads on the inside that hold the bottom tubes in place. Overall, it holds my bikes very securely.
Evoc Tailgate Pad Review: Easy to install and securely hold your bikes in place. Once you get used to installing, it can be done in less than 3 mins. No need to leave it on all the time and look like an idiot.
DORSAL Sunguard tailgate pad: Very nice for the price, but looks fairly tough. I wish it had quick-release attach points Vs threading thru a buckle, would make it easier and quicker to secure. Fits great on my RAM1500 truck and protects the tailgate paint well.
Dakine Pickup Pad Review: Excellent quality. Super easy to use. Fits 3 bikes. I have an Electric full-suspension medium-frame mountain bike with 29 x 2.4 wheels and a large frame fat tire bike in the photo. I could fit another bike easily if I shifted one over.
Dakine Dlx Pickup Pad Review: Installation was simple. The flip-up panel matches up with the door handle and backup camera. The First uses for transporting bicycles have been very satisfactory.
What is a Tailgate Pad?
Well, tailgate pads are padded cover that is meant to be put on over the tailgate of the van. This pad covers the entire tailgate and the purpose of using this is to place the bikes securely side by side.
You cannot just put and carry a couple of bikes at the back of your van, you will end up scratching the van and the bikes. And if bumpy roads come the bikes are going to flop around.
And that is exactly where the tailgate pads come in. These pads hold the bike securely so that they don’t come in contact with each other. And also doesn’t flop around when the vehicle goes through a bumpy road.
How to Choose the Best Tailgate Bike Pads?
Choosing an ideal tailgate bike pad might seem very easy but actually, it is not as easy as it seems. A lot of things come with a tailgate pad and you will have to ensure each of them is top-notch. And that is where the hurdles come.
However, below I have created an in-depth guide on choosing the right tailgate pad. Go through the guide and make sure to consider each of those rights before you make a purchase decision.
Attachment
The pad uses some webbing nylon straps to get attached to the truck’s or van’s tailgate. Most of the pads use a plastic ladder lock buckle for attaching the strap. This does its job decently but it becomes tiresome to thread the webbing right under the van’s tailgate.
Plus, once attached there will still be some excess webbing that will be left loose and hanging. This isn’t a problem but doesn’t look good.
But fortunately, different manufacturers are bringing new things to make things more efficient and effective. Now some latest tailgate bike pads come with an advanced attachment system which consists of a very small ladder lock that is made of metal.
That is surely way too durable and smooth than plastic. Attaching and detaching these hooks are extremely easy. That being said, the user might struggle a little bit when feeding the straps under the tailgate since the strap is a little thin.
But to aid that, now some manufacturers are offering thicker and wider nylon webbing which is stronger and relatively easy to feed under the tailgate. Plus, attaching and detaching is also very easy.
You should check all these if you will remove the pad often. Some people keep the pads on the tailgate all the time, if you are one of them you should not bother much about the straps and ladder lock. But those who will remove the pad when not needed and will attach it again when needed should consider this factor.
Securing Straps
Now, most of the tailgate pads have loop straps that promise to hold the bike securely in position. These straps are extremely necessary since they prevent the bike from coming into contact with other bikes. Plus, when the van is going over rough terrain, these straps make sure the bike doesn’t flop around.
But one thing you would want to ensure in these straps is if the bike securing straps are fixed to the pad or not. Some straps are secured on the webbing with a Velcro tab and you need to get a pad like that. In that way, you won’t have to worry about losing the strap or closing the straps when the bikes are not there.
Otherwise, there is a high chance that you will end up losing those straps often.
Extra padding
Though not many tailgate pads come with this some pads do come with little extra paddings. By extra padding I mean some foam bumpers which are a little raised from the pad and the bike frame rests there. This extra padding ensures that the bike doesn’t move even when the van is going through a lot of bumps.
If your tailgate pad has extra padding that surely is going to benefit you.
Handle Flap
You need access to the tailgate handle in order to open that and not every tailgate pad comes with a proper handle flap. However, this also varies in different sizes of the tailgate. Apart from that, some pad doesn’t come with an equal handle flap. So the pad you are about to buy makes sure that comes with a proper handle flap so that you can open the tailgate with ease.
Construction Material
The construction material matters a lot since the quality of the pad largely depends on that. So make sure the pad you are buying is constructed with top-notch material that is long-lasting. Now in the market, most of the pads are found which are constructed with soft lining. This soft material prevents wear and tear on the vehicle exterior, it actually does a nice job.
Some pads are now coming with rubberized coating, consider getting one of those because they are weather-resistant. You are going to love that in the long run.
Size
Size matters a lot, if you get the wrong size the pad wouldn’t fit well on the tailgate and you will end up waiting for the replacement. So ensure you get the right size.
Tailgate pads come in only two sizes, small and large. Large tailgate pads are for those who have full-sized vans like Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, etc. Then you should definitely go with the large-size tailgate pad.
And get the small size if you own medium-sized vans like GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, etc.
There are some curvy pads that are designed for curved and thick tailgates, they work well as well.
FAQs on Best Tailgate Bike Pads
Do Tailgate Pads Work?
Surely they do! One of the safe ways of transporting a couple of bikes together behind the van is the tailgate pads. They securely hold the bike and prevent them from coming into contact with each other. And also prevents the bike from scratching the van or truck.
What are Tailgate Pads for?
Tailgate pads are for securely holding the bikes when transporting them. They ensure the bikes don’t flop around when the vehicle is going through rough roads, come into contact with each other or scratch the vehicle.
How do you secure a tailgate pad?
It is easy. First, open the tailgate of your van and then lay the pad over that. Now feed the straps under the tailgate bed and connect with the buckle locks on the other side.
The buckle lock will have two holes where you can feed the straps. First, feed the strap through the bottom hole and then feed on the upper hole. Now pull the strap you fed through the upper hole to ensure a snug fit. That is all.
Are Tailgate Pads Worth It?
Yes, they are worth every penny. A great way to transport a couple of bikes safely to any distance without scratching the bikes and the van.
Conclusion
Are you still here? Then you are very close to getting your hands on the best tailgate bike pads. Some tailgate pads could be expensive but don’t let the price hold you back.
As long as the quality is top-of-the-line, you should not hesitate to pay a handsome amount. You will be on the winning side in the long run.
Also Read: Top 7 Surfboard Racks for Bicycle: A Complete Buying Guide
