Forum Discussion

Mickeyfan0805's avatar
Jul 21, 2020

Tailgate Bike Pad - any experience?

Anyone have any experience with tailgate bike pads? I'm considering one for our F150, but I worry a bit about damage to the back of the tailgate from the bike tires. If anyone has used one, I'd be interested to know your experience.
  • fj12ryder wrote:
    Geo*Boy wrote:
    Just install a 2X6 in the front of the bed of the truck, attach a couple of skewer mounts to the 2x.
    That works great for road bikes, but you do have to store the wheels somewhere. But mountain bike tires are getting bigger, and removing the wheel isn't as straight forward as on a road bike. Something that allows you to carry without the hassle of front wheel removal is a real advantage.


    Exactly. These aren't high end bikes - these are family bikes being taken on camping trips or to local paths. Fork mount racks aren't a good option for these, and wheel mount racks inside the bed become a space (lengths) issue on a short bed truck. I don't want to spend $500+ on a rail system, so these mats look like a good alternative for the periodic use I have. I simply want to make sure they sufficiently protect the paint on the tailgate exterior.
  • Geo*Boy wrote:
    Just install a 2X6 in the front of the bed of the truck, attach a couple of skewer mounts to the 2x.
    That works great for road bikes, but you do have to store the wheels somewhere. But mountain bike tires are getting bigger, and removing the wheel isn't as straight forward as on a road bike. Something that allows you to carry without the hassle of front wheel removal is a real advantage.
  • Just install a 2X6 in the front of the bed of the truck, attach a couple of skewer mounts to the 2x.
  • Why not just mount them in the bed. I’ve seen those tailgate pads. Seems like a beginning to a problem! I mean now the bike starts out half way out of the bed!
  • I mountain bike as well, and have seen guys use them. It’s funny that u posted this because I’m starting my research on them to see what works best. Hopefully more will chime in.
  • I have several friend that use them.
    They love them and no damage at all to the vehicle.