The 5 Best pickup truck tailgate pads (2023 reviews)

It is important to have the well suited pickup truck tailgate pad. In the following post, we will help you to select the best pickup truck tailgate pads.

Our review process: Show/Hide

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Yakima tailgate Pad READ REVIEW

Best Runner up: Buy: Dakine pickup truck tailgate Pad READ REVIEW

Best For motorcycle: Buy: Raceface pickup truck tailgate Pad READ REVIEW

Best For traveling With One Bike: Buy: Dakine tailgate Pad READ REVIEW

Best premium: Buy: Yakima pickup truck tailgate Pad READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Yakima tailgate Pad

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The pad is a must have addition for your daily purpose. This is an inexpensive and easy way to transport your bike or bikes with your truck. It is an easy-to-use tailgate pad that lets you safely carry up to 5 or 6 bikes on your full-sized pickup bed. It has a soft back to protect your paint, and it will actually hold 6 bikes. It can be used in a completely different set of conditions. An integrated strap management system keeps the pad tight and secure on rough roads so you can adventure without worry.

The color Fades quickly in sunny environments. It is easy to feed the straps done between the tailgate. It is easy to install and fits most mid-size to full-size trucks.

• Resists abrasion and weather damage, going the distance season after season
• Big opening for tailgate handle and backup camera
• Easy to attach bike to pad but not completely stable
• Soft cloth material on the side that touches the truck

Best Runner up: Dakine pickup truck tailgate Pad

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The Dakine tailgate surf pad helps protect surfboards while you're driving to and from your spot. It has a design for multiple longboards or a single sup board. The pad features contoured raised foam with padded flaps designed to drape over the tailgate for added protection. Adjustable straps easily secure the pad to the tailgate and keep it in place, while the top cam strap keeps your board centered on the foam. It fits a wide variety of tailgate shapes.

• Durable uv resistant 600d polyester outer material
• Helps protect surfboards/ sup's when transported in pickup beds
• Larger design for multiple longboards or a single sup board

Best For motorcycle: Raceface pickup truck tailgate Pad

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The convertible/removable pads that allow for backup camera/tailgate handle access is a perfect solution to the problem. It fits perfectly, easy to install/uninstall, saves space vs. rack. This pad has a taper that falls within the 48 1/2 in length on the inside and fits perfectly. It allows use of the backup camera.

The adjustable handle access is perfect allowing just the right amount of space to protect the gate and keep the reverse camera clear. It is easy to install because of the swinging tailgate. The pad has no padding just towards the back of those straps so if installation is off by a couple of inches your bike frame won't be well protected from the tailgate. Like the fact that this is the only tailgate pad that fits any newer full size truck like Silverado, Ford and Dodge RAM.

• Have full access to tailgate release and backup camera
• Ability to adjust rack pads to access truck bed handle and backup camera
• Good investment for long term

Best For traveling With One Bike: Dakine tailgate Pad

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Not everyone likes to purchase pad for their daily usage, but the dakine tailgate pad would be an anomoly. It is great for 1-2 mountain bikes. It covers just half the tailgate and fits any pickup. The Bike is held very sturdily despite a lack of the foam "channels" on other models out there. It has the design that leaves your tailgate handle and backup cameras clear for use. It covers the side half of the tailgate. It is easy to use and has prevented a ton of damage. The Straps are very sturdy and well made. It is perfect for traveling with one bike.

• Good option to protect your tailgate
• Easy to put on and stays put while out on the road
• Very easy to install/uninstall and incredibly sturdy

Best premium: Yakima pickup truck tailgate Pad

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Yakima offers a variety of pad for personal choice and yet maintaining quality in all the variants. It fits mid-size and some older full size trucks. It is an easy-to-use, tension lock system that transports up to five bikes, and protects the tailgate. The durable exterior protects your bike from your truck's tailgate while the soft felt backing protects your truck's paint. The integrated strap management system keeps the pad tight and secure on the way to the trailhead. The bike holders keep the bikes secure and evenly spaced.

The Reinforced webbing ends make installation a breeze, simply place it under your tailgate and tighten the straps. There is a hole, so you can put a cable lock through.

• Sittight bike cradles stabilize and protect bikes from one another
• Soft inner protects the tailgate paint job
• Keep your back-up camera accessible while transporting your bikes with the hindsight tuckaway cover