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10 Best Tailgate Pad 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike, Tailgate Protection Pad with Tool Pockets, Fits Most Truck Carries Up to 5 Bikes

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,238
Size

Most important from
1286 reviews

Size
Easy to install and fits the tailgate perfectly.

The Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable way to transport multiple bikes securely in their truck. One of its standout features is the premium quality materials, including a sturdy 600D PVC exterior that protects against weather damage and abrasion, complemented by a soft flannelette inner layer. This thoughtful design not only safeguards your truck's tailgate but also protects your bikes from collisions during transport.

The pad is available in two sizes, catering to both compact and full-sized trucks, making it versatile for different vehicle types. It has a generous capacity, accommodating up to five bikes in the small version and seven in the large version, which is a significant advantage for group outings. The inclusion of tool pockets is a nice touch for users who want to keep their tools handy and secure.

Installation is straightforward with an easy strap system, ensuring that users can set it up quickly without needing advanced skills. Furthermore, its 3/4” foam padding provides extra protection, enhancing its ability to prevent any damage to both bikes and trucks. However, the lack of a foldable design means it may take up space when not in use, which can be inconvenient for some users.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,238
Size

Most important from
1286 reviews

Size
Easy to install and fits the tailgate perfectly.
#2

Send It. High Roller Tailgate Bike Pad V2 - Truck Accessories for Mountain Bikers, BMX, Ebikes & More (Full Size)

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Attachment System
Bike Separation

Most important from
67 reviews

Padding and Protection
The padding is more than sufficient, ensuring the bikes do not slide around and the tires do not touch any uncovered parts of the tailgate.
Attachment System
The ease of hooking the straps using gravity was a novel idea, making installation straightforward.
Bike Separation
The pad held the bike in place during a short truck ride, despite initial concerns about the bike rocking side to side.

The Send It High Roller Tailgate Bike Pad V2 is an excellent choice for truck owners who enjoy biking, especially those with mountain bikes, BMX, or e-bikes. Its full-size design fits a wide range of truck models, including popular options like the Toyota Tundra and Ford F150-350. One of the standout features is the accordion-style padding that keeps your bikes separate and protected from the truck's tailgate, which can prevent scratches and damage to both the bikes and the vehicle.

Another advantage is the streamlined attachment system. The gravity-fed straps make it easy to install, meaning you can secure your bikes with minimal effort. The pad also includes zippered storage pockets, adding convenience for carrying small items. If you’re looking for a product that provides good weather resistance, the materials used are durable and designed to protect your vehicle's paint job.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While it can hold up to 6 bikes, it might be a tight fit, especially for larger models or if you have bulkier accessories. The pad is mostly suited for larger trucks, so those with compact vehicles may not find it as useful. Additionally, while the sliding window feature for accessing the tailgate latch is handy, it may not be completely foolproof in preventing water from entering if not secured properly, which could be a concern in heavy rain.

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Attachment System
Bike Separation

Most important from
67 reviews

Padding and Protection
The padding is more than sufficient, ensuring the bikes do not slide around and the tires do not touch any uncovered parts of the tailgate.
Attachment System
The ease of hooking the straps using gravity was a novel idea, making installation straightforward.
Bike Separation
The pad held the bike in place during a short truck ride, despite initial concerns about the bike rocking side to side.
#3

Yakima Gatekeeper Full Size Truck Bed Large Trunk Tailgate Bicycle Rack Pad with Soft Felt Backing, Cradles, and Buckles for 6 Bikes, Cascade Blue

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Attachment System
Size

Most important from
84 reviews

Padding and Protection
The thick, protective padding on both sides ensures excellent protection for bikes and the truck's tailgate.
Attachment System
High-quality straps and buckles provide a secure and reliable hold during transport.
Size
The pad fits well on smaller trucks like the Tacoma and Frontier, offering a tailored size that works beyond just full-size trucks.
Capacity
It allows hauling multiple bikes safely while leaving ample room in the truck bed for additional storage.

The Yakima Gatekeeper tailgate pad is designed specifically for full-size trucks with tailgates 62 inches or wider, making it an excellent fit for transporting up to six bikes at once. Its large size and strong tension lock system hold bikes securely without damaging delicate carbon frames. The pad’s durable tarpaulin-coated polyester material resists abrasion and weather, while the soft felt backing protects your truck's paint from scratches.

Bikes stay stable thanks to the SitTight cradles, which keep them separated and prevent them from banging into each other during travel. Attachment is straightforward with reinforced straps and an integrated strap management system that ensures a tight, reliable fit on your tailgate. Security is enhanced by a lock grommet and a cable lock loop, offering peace of mind when parked. Additionally, the HindSight cover allows you to still use your backup camera, and a reflective logo helps with visibility at night.

The pad weighs over 6 pounds, which might be a little bulky for some, and it’s specifically tailored for larger trucks, so it won’t fit smaller pickups. This product serves as a solid choice for carrying multiple bikes safely while protecting both your bikes and truck from damage and weather.

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Attachment System
Size

Most important from
84 reviews

Padding and Protection
The thick, protective padding on both sides ensures excellent protection for bikes and the truck's tailgate.
Attachment System
High-quality straps and buckles provide a secure and reliable hold during transport.
Size
The pad fits well on smaller trucks like the Tacoma and Frontier, offering a tailored size that works beyond just full-size trucks.
Capacity
It allows hauling multiple bikes safely while leaving ample room in the truck bed for additional storage.

Buying Guide for the Best Tailgate Pad

Choosing the right tailgate pad is essential for safely transporting your bikes on the back of your truck. A good tailgate pad will protect both your vehicle and your bikes from damage during transit. When selecting a tailgate pad, consider the size of your truck, the number of bikes you plan to carry, and the type of biking you do. Here are some key specifications to help you make the best choice for your needs.
SizeThe size of the tailgate pad is crucial because it needs to fit your truck's tailgate properly. Tailgate pads come in various sizes to accommodate different truck models. Measure the width and height of your tailgate and compare it to the dimensions of the pad. A well-fitting pad will provide better protection and stability for your bikes.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of bikes the tailgate pad can hold. This is important because you want to ensure that all your bikes can be securely transported. Tailgate pads typically range from holding 2 to 7 bikes. If you often ride with friends or family, choose a pad with a higher capacity. For solo riders or smaller groups, a lower capacity pad will suffice.
Padding and ProtectionPadding and protection are essential to prevent damage to both your truck and your bikes. Look for a tailgate pad with thick, durable padding that can absorb shocks and impacts. The material should be tough enough to withstand the elements and resist wear and tear. High-quality padding will ensure that your bikes stay secure and your truck remains scratch-free.
Attachment SystemThe attachment system is how the tailgate pad secures to your truck and holds the bikes in place. This is important for stability and safety during transport. Common attachment systems include straps, buckles, and Velcro. Choose a system that is easy to use and provides a secure fit. Consider how often you'll be installing and removing the pad, and select an attachment system that suits your convenience.
Bike SeparationBike separation features help keep your bikes from rubbing against each other, which can cause damage. Look for tailgate pads with individual bike straps or cradles that hold each bike in place. This is especially important if you have expensive bikes or if you frequently transport multiple bikes. Proper bike separation will ensure that each bike stays secure and undamaged during transit.
Weather ResistanceWeather resistance is important because your tailgate pad will be exposed to the elements. Look for pads made from water-resistant or waterproof materials to protect against rain, snow, and UV rays. A weather-resistant pad will last longer and provide better protection for your bikes and truck. Consider the climate you live in and choose a pad that can withstand the conditions you’ll encounter.

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