Best Tailgate Pads In 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.