10 Best Tailgate Bike Pad 2026 in the United States

The Fox Racing Premium Mountain Bike Tailgate Cover in Black Camo offers several strengths for someone looking to transport their mountain bikes securely. With dimensions of 33.5 L x 54 W x 16 H inches, it's a small-sized cover that should fit most compact and mid-size trucks. This tailgate pad is made of durable polyester material, which is known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, suitable for outdoor use. It features substantial padding to protect both your truck and your bikes from damage during transport.

The cover includes five webbing straps, providing a secure attachment system to hold up to five bikes, which is convenient for group rides or family trips. Ease of access is a highlight, with a folding flap that allows use of the rearview camera and tailgate handle without removing the cover. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining visibility and access to the truck bed.

Installation seems straightforward with the included straps, making it user-friendly even for those who are not very handy. However, being a small size, it may not be suitable for larger trucks or for those needing to carry more than five bikes. Despite these points, the cover's practical design and high-quality material make it a promising choice for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for reliable tailgate protection.

The Yakima Gatekeeper tailgate bike pad is designed for full-size trucks with tailgates 62 inches or wider, making it a good fit for larger trucks but not smaller models. It offers a generous capacity, holding up to six bikes, which is great for group rides or families. The pad’s material is durable tarpaulin-coated polyester that resists weather and abrasion, while the soft felt backing helps protect your truck’s paint from scratches. The padding thickness is enough to cushion your bike frames and prevent damage during transport.

The strap and tension lock system is thoughtful and secure, featuring reinforced webbing and an integrated strap management setup to keep the pad tight and stable. It also includes a lock grommet and cable lock loop for added bike security, giving peace of mind when you leave your truck unattended. The SitTight cradles keep bikes from rubbing against each other, reducing the chance of bike damage.

One convenient feature is the HindSight tuck-away cover, which allows continued access to your backup camera—a nice touch for safety and ease of use. However, installation and removal might require some effort due to the size and weight (over 6 pounds), which could be a consideration if you frequently load and unload the pad. The bright Cascade Blue color and reflective logo enhance visibility, especially in low light. This pad is best suited for truck owners who need to carry multiple bikes securely and want solid protection for both their bikes and truck paint. It may be less ideal for smaller trucks or those needing a lightweight, quick-install solution.

The Fox Mission Tailgate Pad is designed specifically to fit certain vehicles, ensuring a secure fit on your tailgate. It measures 32 by 10 by 12 inches and weighs about 8 pounds, making it a solid and durable option. One standout feature is its two-panel design that adjusts to different tailgate heights, allowing it to work for a variety of trucks.

The padding is thick enough to protect both your tailgate and your bikes, including heavier models like e-bikes, thanks to adjustable downtube points that create space between bikes and prevent damage. The strap system holds bike forks securely in place, preventing movement during transport. Users also appreciate its versatility, as it can serve other purposes when not carrying bikes.

Installation is straightforward since it’s made to fit your vehicle specifically, reducing the hassle often associated with tailgate pads. Because it focuses on fork protection, it might not fully cover other parts of the bike frame. For those seeking a sturdy, well-padded tailgate pad that can handle multiple bikes, including e-bikes, and fits their vehicle well, the Fox Mission Tailgate Pad presents a reliable option.