So what is the best way to transport your precious trail or mountain bike on the back of your truck? You want to do it safely and spend minimum time getting your bike into the pickup truck and tying it down securely so there is no damage to either your bike or truck while you get to your destination.
Simple solution – a Tail Gate Pad.
This wonderful piece of gear is essential. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.
How do tailgate pads work? It is a thick pad that rests over the tailgate of the truck, therefore providing a soft pad for your bike to rest on. The idea is that the pad cushions the bikes preventing damage to the frame and components, and avoiding scratches and dings which could lead to expensive repairs. It works by slotting the bike’s fork into the openings in the pad. The tailgate pad is usually secured to the tailgate with fasteners or straps.
So let’s look at the benefits, features and types of Tail Gate Pads.
Benefits of Tail Gate Pads:
The main reason for using a tailgate pad is to protect your bike or bikes. Additionally, the tailgate pads can prevent your bikes from sliding around in your truck bed, which lessens damage to your truck bed.
Tailgate pads are very easy to install and remove. They don’t take up a heap of space when you need to stow them away. Perfect for people who don’t have a lot of storage space.
They are versatile as they can be used with a lot of different bike types and a variety of truck models.
Types of Tailgate Pads:
Firstly full and compact. The full type covers the entire surface of the tailgate whereas compact ones only cover the area where the bikes rest. Full tailgate pads suit larger trucks and can handle more than one bike. Compact tailgate pads generally suit smaller trucks and are less heavy to handle.
Basic Tailgate pads are simple, no-fuss pads protecting your bike. They usually come with straps or fasteners to secure them to the tailgate and are made from thick and durable materials.
Some pads come with additional straps that provide extra security for your bike. They are ideal when transporting your bike over rough terrain or you just want to feel peace of mind that the bike is very secure.
Other types of pads come with pockets or storage compartments. You can tuck in tools or other small items. Great for easy accessibility.
So let’s have a look at what features you need to be aware of.
Size matters, so check that the pad fits your truck and your tailgate as well as accommodating the number of bikes you want to transport.
Check on the thickness of the pad. Thicker padding will better protect your vehicle and bikes however they can be more cumbersome to handle.
Check out whether the pads come with straps and tie-downs. If they don’t then consider whether the straps are compatible with your pad and are weather resistant.
Tail Gate Pads are cost-effective when compared to other options for transporting your bikes, such as roof racks, or hitch-mounted bike racks.
A huge benefit is that you don’t need to remove the wheels. This can save you time and frustration, especially if more than one bike is being transported.
Some of the top Tailgate pad manufacturers at the moment include
Thule GateMate Pro
RaceFace Tailgate Pad
and Dakina Pickup Pad.
Now, we get to the part where you have all your gear organised and ready to go. Just a couple of tips before you head off.
Tips for Tailgate Pad Use:
- Make sure your tailgate is clean and dry.
- Position the pad over the tailgate, ensuring it covers the area where your bikes are going to rest.
- Ensure the pad is securely in place using the straps or tie-downs.
- Place your bikes over the pad, then secure them in place using the tie-downs or straps.
A couple of things you may need to take into consideration with tailgate pads. Most tailgate pads can take up to six bikes, but if you are carrying larger bikes you may find that you can’t fit in all your bikes.
You may also find that you can’t access your tailgate easily, particularly if you are carrying other items in your truck bed.
Conclusion:
Tailgate Pads are a terrific option for transporting your bike in the back of a pick-up truck. They protect your bike during transport, are easy to install, and are easy to store. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other options for transporting your bike.
There’s a good choice of tailgate pads on the market so you should have no trouble finding one that is suitable.
Read our review of Tailgate Bike Pads