12 Best Tailgate Pads (Review) In 2020

If you’re looking to invest in a tailgate pad, then you can’t go wrong with today’s Best Choice recommendation from Yakima. The smart yet also simple design is easy to install and ideal for most mid-size and some older full-size trucks. It’s designed to safely carry up to five bikes on the back of a full-sized pickup bed and features a SightTight cradle which protects your precious cargo from shifting and sliding during transit. Constructed from a rugged nylon outer material, your Yakima tailgate pad is built to last and benefits from being water, weather and abrasion-resistant. An extra soft felt backing further protects the paintwork of your vehicle from scratches and scrapes. It’s easy to install and simply hangs onto the back of the tailgate where it just needs to be lined up and the security straps threaded through to keep the pad highly secured. The smart design features a Velcro cradle closure system while the integrated strap management system secures the pad. The cover is also designed to tuck out of the way, freeing up your backup cameras to continue to do their job. Always ensure that your bikes travel in safety and style by investing in the best tailgate pads.

Sometimes you really don’t want a pad that’s too large and is difficult to install or deal with. The Fox Racing Protective Tailgate Cover comes in a small size that makes it a nice little unobtrusive addition to your tailgate. While it has a large size, the small one is just as competent. Equipped with padded cushions that act as a buffer between your bike and your truck, Fox pads are one of the most gentle on the market. The availability of a small size means it can go on most trucks and you don’t have to worry about it being ill-fitting or getting damaged because the tailgate closes on the pad. If you do own a monster of a truck and a small size doesn’t cut it, not to worry, there’s a large size too that does all the same things the smaller one does. There are also a number of webbed straps that make attaching the bike a very simple exercise. Perfect for both road and mountain bikes.

One of the most frequent requirements is affordability when shopping for a bike tailgate pad. The best products are the ones that can give the most value at the most reasonable price and the Demon Tailgate Pad does a great job on that front. One of the most impressive features of this bike tailgate cover is the addition of extra pockets with which you can store important gear and equipment for the trail like your screwdrivers or your spanners.

It is versatile as it helps secure your bike and gear and also sports a nifty handle access flap. This means you can access your tailgate while the pad is on, saving you time and energy when you want to pick up stuff from the flatbed. The underside of the pad is also feather-soft and this protects your truck from scratches and the like.

Our final product recommendation today is brought to you by Dakine, and it’s their first and original bike shuttling solution; the Dakine Pickup Pad. This is a generously padded setup that optimally protects both your bikes and transit truck from any damage. It’s quick, easy and secure to install and is currently available in two different sizing options. The Large version can host up to seven books and is ideal for larger sized trucks. The Small is better suited to mid-size truck pads and can accommodate five separate bikes. Each bike can be separately secured with individual bike anchor straps while the thick fleece-lined pad creates an excellent barrier between your truck and bikes so that neither gets scratched or damaged in transit. Courtesy of a convenient tailgate access flap, you can continue to enjoy full tailgate functionality. What that also means is that once your tailgate pad is assembled and secure in place, it can conveniently remain there all season long. It’s supplied with a limited lifetime warranty and is recommended for use on traditional tailgate designs.

When on the hunt for a tailgate pad for your bike, you can never go wrong with the RaceFace Tailgate Pad. One of the very best on the market and probably the most popular on this list, the RaceFace Tailgate Pad comes with some splendid features including raised bumpers which face the inside of your truck box and in turn prevent your bikes from coming in contact with each other. The inner lining of the pad is also micro-brushed so as to prevent rub and wear marks on your pad. There’s also a loop and strap system complete with a Velcro back which comes in pretty handy when the road gets a little bumpy…literally. You really can’t go wrong with a RaceFace Tailgate Pad. For more handy solutions for transporting your bike, check out our guide to the best bike travel cases.

You might find yourself asking, ‘What if I like surfing? Is there anything on this list that works for me?’ The answer is a resounding yes! The Thule Tailgate Pad is the product you want for your surfboard or SUP. Easy to install, the Thule pad is made for convenience and you won’t be mucking about for too long before you have your board fastened securely. The fabric is also made of impressive material and has UV protection, so you can be fairly confident that it will be fine even if it’s out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. To further simplify the installation process, there is a strap sewn into the pad which slides with very little fuss around the underside of your tailgate, this keeps things firm and ensures that your board isn’t getting seriously banged up while on the road.

The Thule Gate Mate Tailgate Pad is made of heavy-duty vinyl which is acts as a great shield for your truck and of course your bike. Thule seems to have taken the protection of truck and bike very seriously as the vinyl also has some extra padding as an additional layer of security. Still on the note of the security of the bikes, there is an integrated knock block on the edge of the pad which is there solely to keep your bike from sliding off, so you can rest assured that when moving, your bike will not suddenly slip and clatter into other bikes– or worse, damage your truck. The Thule Pad also prides itself on its Handle HoodTM which makes it a tonne easier to gain access to your tailgate and you can do all of this without having to remove the pad. If you are also looking for cleaning products that will leave your bike looking good as new, check out our guide to the best bike sprays and pick your favorite.

The Yakima Crashpad Truck Bed Pad is made with simplicity in mind. The design is unfussy and you really can just toss your bike over and have nothing to worry about. It’s also really not difficult to install and that will save you a lot of valuable time – you can simply just ’slap it on’ and get moving. The Yakima pad is also made with different sorts of trucks in mind, so whatever kind of truck you have, you can be reasonably certain that there is a Yakima pad out there for you. The material is chock full of high-density foam, so your precious bike is protected and you have little or nothing to worry about in terms of damage to your bike frame. There are also little pads at the edges which means there will be no slipping and sliding with your bikes while riding on less comfortable roads. For some amazing bike gear the will serve you on the road, check out our reviews of the best bike mirrors.

Most of the pads we’ve looked at so far have relatively simple designs, but if you’re looking for a beautifully designed bicycle tailgate mat, then the Evoc Tailgate Pad might be what you’re looking for. It has that military fatigue aesthetic that fits the image of a biker to the T. It’s not only cool looking, it also feels good to the touch. But enough about the decorative features, the Evoc Tailgate Pad also has some impressive quality material! It also has sturdy straps at the top of the pad to keep your bikes in place and able to hold up to 6 bikes, the Evoc Pad packs quite a punch and makes an amazing gift for cyclists.

As the name implies, Swagman Tailwhip Tailgate Pad is one impressive piece of equipment. The pad comes with 4 velcro straps which you can use to easily attach your bike and make for easy transportation. Installation is uncomplicated as it also has some nice nylon straps which make the whole process simple to undertake. It also takes the protection of your vehicle as seriously as you’d want any manufacturer to. To this end, the inside of the pad is lined with fleece which is soft to the touch and gentle on your truck. The top features hoops stitched expertly together to help keep your bike sitting in one spot. The material is made of thick tarpaulin which is also waterproof, meaning if you’re driving out in dreary weather, there’s still no need to worry. While this was made primarily for bikes, you can also use it for other items and it’s this versatility that makes it such an attractive option. For more useful bike equipment, check out our guide to the best bike repair stands.

The Softride Tailgate Shuttle Pad Bike Rack is really concerned with your ability to get on with the exercise you want to embark on; with this in mind, it was made easy to put up so that you spend less time on that and more time on the thing you really want to do– ride! It comes with six interconnected soft wraps that are there to secure your bike, adding a little extra to this are the four straps that hang from the bottom of the pad which makes attaching the pad to the tailgate a very quick exercise. Fishing kayaks, surfboards, and ladders are some of the other things you can transport with this pad, making it suitable for not just the bike enthusiast, but just about anyone. It’s also heavily padded to just give you some peace of mind and keep your worrying at an absolute minimum.

Simplicity is the name of the game with the Zydek Bike Rack. You basically just throw it on, fasten it securely and you’re good to go. There are foam blocks on the edges of the pad which will stop your bike from sliding off. The inner lining consists of soft material so that it’s not harsh on your truck. The outer part is made of strong nylon material which keeps things smooth. There’s also a Velcro flap from which you can open your tailgate without any problems. Our guide to the best bike lights features more useful gear like this, so check them out.