Tailgate Bike Pad - any 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.