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Best Tailgate Bike Pads of 2024

JUMP TO: RACE FACE T2 TAILGATE PAD | THULE GATEMATE PRO | EVOC TAILGATE PAD | BOMBERSTRAP | RMU TAILGATE LOCKER 2.0 | DEMON UNITED TAILGATE PAD | RACE FACE T2 HALF STACK PAD | YAKIMA GATEKEEPER | BUYING ADVICE | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Jan 4, 2024
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The Short Version

The Long Version

There is nothing worse than driving on the highway and peering back through your rearview mirror, wondering if your bikes are ok. The old blanket you fished out from the recesses of your garage flaps in the wind. Your bike shuffles slightly with every bump in the road.

We’ve all been there. That’s where a quality tailgate bike pad comes into play.

The best tailgate bike pads are designed to securely transport your bike from your house to the trailhead. Given how expensive mountain bikes can be, and modern trucks always are, it pays off to invest in a top notch method of protecting both of your treasured rides.

Sure, an old towel works fine in a pinch, but if you are a serious rider looking to protect your gear and keep your mind at ease on the road, then a quality tailgate bike pad is always the best option. And if you take care of the bike pad, these products are designed to last for years and years to come.

If you love reading this review of the best tailgate bike pads, then you'll likely love reading some of our other bikepacking and cycling content:

 

Wondering if a tailgate bike pad is for you?

What is the best tailgate bike pad for me? Will it fit my truck? Will it actually protect my bike? We answer these questions and more in our Buying Advice section at the bottom of the article.

 

OUTER MATERIAL: PVC Tarpaulin 

INNER MATERIAL: Micro-brushed liner 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 61 x 17 x 1.75 in

DIMENSIONS SMALL: 57 x 17 x 1.75 in

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 6 Bikes 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 5 Bikes 

PRICE: $$

PROS: Impressive bike security, Durability in construction, Fits a wide range of trucks 

CONS: xx

The Race Face T2 Bike Pad combines impressive bike security, durability in construction, and the ability to fit on a wide range of trucks. Because of these reasons, the Race Face T2 Bike Pad earned the number one spot in our Best Tailgate Bike Pads of 2023.

For midsize trucks, the Race Face T2 Bike Pad fits five bikes. For full-size trucks, it fits 6 bikes. There is also a two-bike option if you don’t want to use up your whole truck bed (see the two-bike option below).

For durability, it’s constructed with PVC tarpaulin fabric and a high-density foam to protect your bike and truck on bumpy roads. It uses Velcro straps paired with large foam blocks located on either side of each bike’s downtube to stabilize the bike from wobbles and stop the frames from knocking into each other. Then, for added protection, Race Face placed two large pads on the exterior to shield your bike’s stanchions from the truck.

And if you’re worried about your truck, the T2 Bike Pad uses a micro-brushed inner lining to protect your truck’s paint. For trucks that have curved beds, the T2 Bike Pad has adjustment straps to change how the bike pad lays on curved or straight beds.

The T2 Bike Pad offers the most adjustable bed handle and rear camera system as well. With two large pads, you can reveal your bed’s handle, rear camera, or both with ease. Race Face also provides two additional extension straps for e-bike accommodation. To round out its features, there are two grommets on either side of the pad for locking the pad to your truck.

It’s no surprise one of the most well-known names in mountain biking also offers a great tailgate pad in the T2 Bike Pad.

Best Overall Runner-Up: THULE GATEMATE PRO

OUTER MATERIAL: Vinyl 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 62 in. wide 

DIMENSIONS SMALL: 54 in. wide 

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 7 bikes 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 6 bikes 

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Thick foam construction for bike protection, Additional padding on front rack, Enhanced protection for truck's sides 

CONS: Relatively higher price point, no information provided on inner material.

Easily one of the sleekest pads on this list, the Thule GateMate Pro tailgate pad offers secure bike attachment and truck compatibility for a more expensive price point. The most notable aspect of the Thule GateMate Pro is its thick foam construction that lays on either side and on top of your tailgate.

These large foam panels are designed to keep your bikes in place when strapped down and avoid them falling on each other on bumpy roads. More padding on the front of the rack—less common among other tailgate pads—offers additional protection for your bike’s stanchions and wheels.

Bikes on the sides of tailgate pads can often be found resting against the frame of your truck. Thule offers more protection than other pads on this list on the sides of this pad specifically. This will help keep your bike from resting on your truck and causing damage to your truck’s paint or bike frame.

The Thule GateMate PRO has space for seven bikes in its large size for full-size trucks. In its small size, the GateMate PRO has space for six bikes. It uses Velcro straps to attach to bike downtubes. To attach to your truck, Thule uses three long webbing straps paired with plastic buckles.

There is a large panel that folds down for the rear camera and truck bed handle access. All of these features combine in an impressive tailgate pad designed for stability, although you pay for all of its functions. The GateMate Pro is one of the more expensive tailgate pads that made the list.

Best for Durability: EVOC TAILGATE PAD

OUTER MATERIAL: 600D Tarpaulin with PU Coating 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 54 x 33 x 1 in 

DIMENSIONS SMALL: 63 x 39 x 1 in

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 6 bikes 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 6 bikes 

PRICE: $$

PROS: Well-thought-out and durable, Cut, water, and UV-resistant material, Fleece liner protects truck's paint 

CONS: Missing some advanced protective features and adjustability found in other models

The EVOC Tailgate Pad is a well-thought-out and durable tailgate pad. It has straps to fit six bikes on both the medium/large size intended for midsize trucks and the extra large size for full-size trucks. 

EVOC uses large foam blocks to help keep the bikes stable and protect the bike’s downtube from neighboring bikes. One of the more impressive features of the EVOC Tailgate pad is its construction. The EVOC Tailgate Pad is made with cut, water, and UV-resistant tarpaulin to withstand heavy use. On the reverse side of the pad is a fleece liner to protect your truck’s paint from the pad.

Further, the EVOC Tailgate pad has a large cutout panel for handle and rear camera access. To attach to your truck EVOC uses a metal tightening buckle to improve the product’s durability. Buckles falling into the tailgate closure when the tailgate closes are a very common failure point.

With a sturdy build, secure bike attachment, and solid truck compatibility, the EVOC Tailgate Pad hits the marks of a well-rounded and durable pad. It doesn’t have as built-out foam padding as some of the other items on the list like the T2 Tailgate pad from Race Face, or as adjustable rear handle panel, but for hauling bikes, the EVOC can get the job done, and will do so for many years.

Best for One Bike: BOMBERSTRAP

OUTER MATERIAL: 1000D Cordura

INNER MATERIAL: Velvet Fabric

DIMENSIONS: 30 x 6 x 2 in

BIKE CAPACITY: One bike

PRICE: $$

PROS: Secure fit for one bike, Durable 1000D Cordura construction, Fid-lock magnetic closures CONS: Higher price for a single bike pad, incompatible with triple crown downhill forks

Most tailgate pads take up your whole tailgate, which can be overkill for some cyclists. That is where the Bomberstrap shines as a very durable and feature-rich option for people who only need to carry one bike.

The Bomber strap is made in the USA with durable 1000D Cordura and Fid-lock magnetic closures instead of more commonly used plastic closures. It offers stability in the form of two straps, one for the downtube and one for the fork. Bomberstrap claims because of its fork strap, the product won’t cause your bike’s tire to contact the truck.

While the Bomberstrap may be pricey for singular bike transportation, it has impressively durable components and materials. Where other manufacturers use plastic trims, the Bomberstrap uses metal hardware and magnetic Fid-lock closures that pair with Velcro straps. Against your truck is a padded velvet fabric to protect your truck, and it also has a zippered pocket for small item organization.

In one of few downsides, the brand notes that Bomberstrap doesn’t work with triple crown downhill forks.

The Bomberstrap is on the expensive end, especially when considering its single-bike capacity. However, it is the only bike pad on the list that is made in the USA. And with great design incorporating brand-name fabrics like Cordura and robust metal hardware, this pad is easy to use and will stand up to heavy use.

Best for Parties: RMU TAILGATE LOCKER 2.0

OUTER MATERIAL: 840D Nylon with PU Coating 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 61 x 20 in

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 5 bikes 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 5 bikes 

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Integrated drink cooler, Feature-rich design, Aluminum hardware and fleece-lined straps 

CONS: High price tag, the added weight of the cooler feature could affect gas mileage.

For those who don’t mind shelling out some extra cash, the most expensive option on this list is the RMU Tailgate Locker 2.0. It isn’t cheap, but this is easily the most feature-rich pad on the list.

The RMU Tailgate Locker 2.0 fits five bikes and comes in two sizes for midsize trucks and full-size trucks. The most unique feature of the Tailgate Locker 2.0 is its ability to hold beverages in the storage pocket with food-grade liner and light insulation. So, if you can’t manage to fit a cooler in the back of your truck because of all of the bikes, fear not. The RMU Tailgate Locker 2.0 can keep your beer chilled in the dedicated pocket.

Beyond its ability to be a party pleaser, the Tailgate Locker 2.0 has aluminum hardware for added durability and fleece-lined straps to attach to your downtube. It’s made with 840D Nylon that is PU coated for weather resistance. There is also a window built into the design to allow space for truck bed handles and rear-view cameras.

Best on a Budget: DEMON UNITED TAILGATE PAD

OUTER MATERIAL: Waterproof and tear-resistant vinyl 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 60 in. wide 

DIMENSIONS SMALL: 54 in. wide 

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 7 bikes 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 5 bikes 

PRICE: $

PROS: Functionality at a low price, UV-resistant vinyl fabric, Foam padding and zippered pockets 

CONS: Potentially less robust materials compared to higher-end models, Fewer advanced features.

The Demon United Tailgate Pad offers a lot of functionality at a low price point. It fits up to seven bikes on full-size pickups with its large size and five bikes with its small size on midsize trucks. There’s a singular Velcro strap for downtube attachment and it has a window that lifts up to access the rear truck bed handle.

The Demon Tailgate Pad is made with a UV-resistant vinyl fabric and on the underside is a softer fabric to protect your truck. There is a ¾ inch foam pad to offer padding to your bikes and truck. Additionally, the Demon Tailgate Pad has two zippered pockets for smaller belongings.

While not as well-known as the other brands on this list, Demon United is headquartered in the USA and sells products on Amazon. It was founded by two brothers in California who shared a love for action sports and started creating products in 1999. 

For a minimal, get-the-job-done tailgate pad it’s hard to beat the price point of the Demon United Tailgate pad.

Best for Two Bikes: RACE FACE T2 HALF STACK PAD

OUTER MATERIAL: PVC Tarpaulin 

INNER MATERIAL: Micro-brushed liner 

DIMENSIONS: 17 x 22 in 

BIKE CAPACITY: 2 Bikes 

PRICE: $$

PROS: Secure fit, Large foam blocks for protection, Additional fold-out fabric panel for stability 

CONS: Limited capacity for multiple bikes

For those that don’t plan on using an entire tailgate pad with 5 to 7 bike spots, the Half Stack Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad offers a secure fit and functionality for only two bikes. It borrows design from the larger T2 Tailgate Pad for midsize and full-size trucks, although only has space for two bikes. There are large foam blocks positioned on either side of your bike's downtube to aid against frames knocking into each other.

One of the issues with tailgate bike storage is the instability of a half-empty bed. More bikes can support each other if driving on really bumpy roads or roads with tight, fast turns. Fewer bikes in your truck bed allow more space for the bikes to completely tip over. The Half Stack pad combats this issue with an additional fold-out fabric panel and buckle strap that fits onto your bike’s front wheel. This offers additional stability and can help stop your bike from completely tipping over.

Like the larger T2 Tailgate pad, the Half Stack is made with a PVC Tarpaulin fabric and high-density foam. Both the inside and outside of the Half Stack T2 Tailgate Pad have large foam panels to protect the downtube and stanchions of your bikes. There is a Velcro attachment closer to the top of the Pad.

One of the better aspects of the Half Stack is that with the pad you would have more space in the truck bed to fit other items like duffel bags and gear for longer trips. One of the less good aspects of the Half Stack is that it inherently means you would ride with fewer of your friends!

Best All-Rounder: YAKIMA GATEKEEPER

OUTER MATERIAL: Coated Polyester Tarpaulin 

INNER MATERIAL: Felt 

DIMENSIONS LARGE: 62 x 7 x 20 in

DIMENSIONS SMALL: 53 x 5 x 17 in 

BIKE CAPACITY LARGE: 6 

BIKE CAPACITY SMALL: 5 

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Simple and durable design, Metal G-hook cinch closures, Weather and abrasion-resistant polyester 

CONS: Higher price point, Foam padding may be less substantial than other models.

The Yakima GateKeeper is a simple and well-thought-out tailgate pad designed for durability and all-round performance. The large version fits six bikes on full-size trucks and the medium size fits five bikes on midsize trucks.

This pad favors durability in its metal G-hook cinch closures to secure your bike’s downtube to the bike. Each bike sits on small foam pads to further protect your bike’s frame, although these pads aren’t as substantial as some of the other tailgate pads on this list. It has a large window for the truck’s rearview camera and handle and two large holes for locking the pad to your truck.

The GateKeeper is constructed with a weather and abrasion-resistant polyester. It has a felt interior fabric to protect your truck’s paint and a silver reflective logo that shines at night. The pad sets up easily via three long webbing straps with plastic buckles.

BUYING ADVICE FOR TAILGATE PADS

The best tailgate bike pad for you will mostly depend on three key factors — bike capacity, road conditions, and truck compatibility.

BIKE CAPACITY: One of the main considerations for purchasing a tailgate bike pad is knowing how many bikes you plan on transporting.

If you plan on taking your own bike and maybe a buddy from time to time, you should consider checking out the Bomberstrap for singular bike carry or the Half Stack option on the Race Face T2 Tailgate Bike Pad. Both of these options will save you valuable truck bed space. 

But if you plan on running laps at the local trails with as many friends as you can fit in your truck, it will pay off to have a pad that holds more bikes. The Demon United pad and the Thule bike pad both hold the most bikes at 7 for full-size trucks.

With that said, however, you will also want to consider how many people you can fit in your truck. If you have a half-cab or regular cab truck, hauling 7 bikes may be unnecessary if can’t also fit 7 riders.

ROAD CONDITIONS: If you drive on smooth pavement to get to your riding destination, padding becomes less paramount in your purchasing decision with a tailgate bike pad. However, if you plan on driving to less developed and often bumpier trailheads, a thoroughly padded TailGate pad can be a valuable investment. 

Tailgate pads are both designed to securely position your bikes for transport, but they also offer valuable protection against bumps and turns. And with the rising costs of mountain bikes, it doesn’t hurt to shell out some extra dough to protect your ride!

Some pads on this list have a lot of padding. Others have minimal padding. If you’re concerned about dings and damage to your bikes or truck, one of the pads with plenty of foam blocks will be your best option. The T2 Race Face Tailgate pad offers the most amount of padding, with the Thule GateMate Pro offering a substantial amount of padding as well. But that extra padding comes at higher costs.

If you drive an old truck and are merely looking for an upgrade from using an old towel, the Demon United is a clear step up in functionality without breaking the bank. It just doesn’t offer much in the padding department.

TRUCK COMPATIBILITY: Last, you must know if the pad will fit on your truck. Most brands offer two sizes, one for midsize and one for full-size trucks. Although most midsize options will fit on full-size trucks — you’ll just have a better fit with the corresponding model.

With no standardized sizing for trucks and truck beds, we recommend going out and measuring your tailgate to see if the tailgate pad you plan to buy fits your truck. And if your tailgate has a curved bed, it might be worth choosing the Race Face T2 Tailgate Pad. That pad is designed to accommodate curved and non-curved beds with adjustment straps.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Will tailgate pads fit on my truck? Most brands offer two sizes of tailgate pads for midsize and full-size trucks. Be sure to measure your truck bed to see if it fits with the corresponding tailgate pad.

How long will a tailgate pad last? Most tailgate pads are built with durable, weather-resistant fabrics. If you make sure to remove the tailgate pad over the winter if you live in snowy areas, well-built tailgate pads should last for many years.

Why should I buy a tailgate pad? Tailgate pads may seem like a hefty investment when you consider old towels or mats can get the job done. But tailgate pads offer secure bike attachment points and foam padding designed to protect both your bike and your truck. So, if you value your bike highly, it definitely pays off to have a secure method to transport that bike to the trailhead in a tailgate pad.

MORE INFORMATION

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