We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Tailgate Pad 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
10.0
Chosen by1,223
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
10.0
Chosen by1,223
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.
#2

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

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Size
Capacity

Most important from
67 reviews

Padding and Protection
Durable, tough, and padded materials stand up well to mud and heavy use, promising long-lasting performance.
Size
The pad fits perfectly on various mid-size trucks and even larger models like the Cybertruck, offering versatile compatibility.
Capacity
It comfortably holds up to five large mountain bikes with no tire contact on uncovered tailgate areas.
Attachment System
The quality construction and secure attachment system outperform other tailgate pads, ensuring reliability on the road.

The Send It High Roller Tailgate Bike Pad V2 is designed specifically for mid-size trucks like Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline, making it a great choice for mountain bikers and e-bike riders who have these vehicles. At 51 inches wide and able to hold up to 5 bikes, it offers a solid capacity for group rides or multiple bikes. Its accordion-style padding and microfiber fleece lining provide strong protection to both your bike frames and truck tailgate, reducing scratches or damage during transport.

The pad also includes a handy sliding window that lets you easily access your tailgate latch or backup camera without removing the whole pad, which is a thoughtful feature often missing in similar products. Attachment is simple with long tri-glide straps that work well on various bike frame sizes, including larger e-bikes, plus pass-through grommets for locking your bikes securely. Weather resistance is good thanks to durable materials that stand up to outdoor elements.

Although it fits mid-size trucks only and won’t work with full-size models, it covers those compatible vehicles very well. Some users might find the pad’s 8-pound weight a bit hefty, but that also signals sturdy build quality. This tailgate pad makes a dependable option for riders needing reliable bike protection and easy installation on mid-size trucks.

Rating
8.8
Padding and Protection
Size
Capacity

Most important from
67 reviews

Padding and Protection
Durable, tough, and padded materials stand up well to mud and heavy use, promising long-lasting performance.
Size
The pad fits perfectly on various mid-size trucks and even larger models like the Cybertruck, offering versatile compatibility.
Capacity
It comfortably holds up to five large mountain bikes with no tire contact on uncovered tailgate areas.
Attachment System
The quality construction and secure attachment system outperform other tailgate pads, ensuring reliability on the road.
#3

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.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now