10 Best Tailgate Bike Pad 2025 in the United States

The GoHimal Tailgate Pad Pro is designed for mountain biking enthusiasts who need to transport up to five bicycles on most full-size trucks. Measuring 52 inches, this pad is versatile enough to fit various pickup trucks. Its high-quality construction features 600D waterproof and abrasion-proof fabric, ensuring durability against both environmental elements and physical abrasion. Internally, the scratch-resistant felt backing helps protect your truck’s tailgate from any damage during transit.

The pad includes a bicycle fixing device and a fixing belt, which work together to keep bikes stable and minimize accidental bumps and scratches, enhancing safety during transport. Installation is straightforward: simply place the pad on the tailgate and secure it with the provided straps. The pad also comes equipped with two tool bags for added convenience, allowing you to store essential tools while on the go.

Reflective strips and a reflective brand logo design improve nighttime visibility, adding an extra layer of safety. However, it’s worth noting that if your reversing camera is situated near or directly below the tailgate handle, and it isn't covered by a bike fork or wheel, you can still use the camera. One downside is that the pad is not foldable, which might make storage a bit cumbersome when not in use. Despite this, the GoHimal Tailgate Pad Pro is a solid choice for those looking to transport multiple bikes securely and conveniently on their truck.

The Yakima Gatekeeper Truck Bed Tailgate Pad is designed to make transporting up to 5 bikes easy and secure. It fits mid-size and some older full-size trucks with tailgates between 53 to 61 inches wide. One of its standout features is the tension lock system, which is gentle on painted carbon bicycle frames, protecting them from scratches and damage. The durable tarpaulin-coated polyester material resists abrasion and weather damage, while the soft felt backing ensures your truck’s paint job remains unscathed.

For added security, the pad includes a lock grommet and built-in cable lock loop, making it less likely for your bikes to be stolen during transit. The SitTight cradles keep your bikes stable and prevent them from bumping into each other, which helps avoid potential damage. Furthermore, the HindSight tuckaway cover allows you to maintain access to your backup camera, and the silver reflective logo increases visibility during nighttime rides.

Some users may find the medium size limiting if they have a larger truck or need to transport more than 5 bikes. The Yakima Gatekeeper is user-friendly with an easy installation process, thanks to the reinforced webbing ends and integrated strap management system, ensuring a secure and tight fit on your tailgate. It is also lightweight and foldable for convenient storage.

The Thule GateMate Pro Full Size tailgate bike pad is designed to make transporting bicycles on your pickup truck simple and secure. This model is particularly beneficial for those with smaller trucks, thanks to its flexible padding that fits a wide range of tailgates. The heavy-duty vinyl material ensures durability and protection for both your bikes and your vehicle, which is a significant strength.

It also features adjustable padding for additional protection and integrated bike separation with multiple position strap anchors to keep the bikes securely in place during transit. This is excellent for cycling enthusiasts looking for a reliable transport solution. The dimension of 59 inches in length and 16 inches in height provides adequate coverage for the tailgate, while the 2.75 inches thickness helps cushion the bikes effectively.

One notable convenience is the large handle opening that allows visibility for the backup camera, which can be very handy when maneuvering your vehicle. Installation is relatively straightforward, thanks to the strap mount system, which should be user-friendly even for those not particularly tech-savvy. However, the product does have a couple of drawbacks. Its load capacity is only 6.5 pounds, which could be a limitation if you're looking to transport particularly heavy bikes or additional gear. Additionally, while the inside-facing mesh pockets are a nice touch for storing gear, they might not be very large or secure enough for bigger items.