Source: http://theloamwolf.com
If you get the best tailgate pads for surfboard and bikes, then you will be able to protect your investment, that is, the bike, surfboard and your truck. Whether for regular transport or shuttle runs, the tailgate pads are affordable models to safely carry your bikes and surfboard when you hang them over your truck’s tailgate bed, protecting them not just from each other but also from doing harm to your truck’s paint job.
In this below reviews, I have chosen 8 of what I consider to be quality models that are available on the market which offers performance, best features, and design to carry your bikes and surfboard. You will learn about the pros and cons of each one of them to enable you to pick the best that will suit your specific needs.
Comparison Of Tailgate Pads For Surfboard and Bikes
Product | Image | |
|---|---|---|
1. Protective Tailgate Cover Fox Racing |
| |
2. Tailgate Pad – Demon for Mountain Bikes |
| |
3. Tailgate Pad for Truck- Dakin |
| |
4. Tailgate Pad by Evoc |
| |
5. Surfboard Tailgate Pad - Thule |
| |
6. Thule Gate Mate Tailgate Pad |
| |
7. RaceFace Pad for Tailgate |
| |
8. Tailgate Pad, Surf to Summit |
|
Product Reviews
1. Protective Tailgate Cover Fox Racing
If you are shopping around for a tailgate pad that will be able to protect your bike as well as your truck, this particular one might just work for you. I have been using it for over 3 months now and I have found it to perfectly work for me.
It has plush padding for both the truck and the pad, preventing scratches and dents from occurring while you transport. It has multiple webbed straps which allow you to easily attach it on your truck.
The flaps are convenient, providing access to the handle of the tailgate. You will get it in two sizes: large and small. It is a tailgate pad which can hold between 5 to 6 bikes, ensuring that your trip with your buddies is easier.
The large one measures 34 inches in length,19 inches in height and 62 inches in width. The small one measures 33.5 inches in length, 16 inches in height, and 54 inches in width.
Pros
- Available in both small and large sizes
- Takes care of your truck as well as the bike and surfboard
- It is a good fit for both large and mid-size trucks
- You can use it while going for mountain biking or traveling
- Can use on a variety of vehicles
Cons
- Downtube strap is weak
- Mounting loops tare after a few months of use.
2. Tailgate Pad – Demon for Mountain Bikes
This might be the easiest way to get your bikes to and from the trail. For full-size pickups, you can for the large size which is at 62 inches wide while for the small trucks, you can get the 54 inches wide.
It is a foam pad that measures ¾ inches with a vinyl cover which is a heavy duty on the outside that ensures that your truck and bike are both protected when you are shuttling on your favorite trail.
You can easily access your tailgate while the pad is on as it comes with a tailgate handle flap. The pad is secured in place by the use of web cinch straps which has a reflective logo of Demon United to give it a cool appearance. To keep the bikes well spaced, rub-free and secure, there are Velcro frame anchor straps.
Pros
- Looks attractive with the reflective logo of Demon United on the web cinch straps
- Has Velcro frame anchor straps to keep the bikes rub free, well spaced and secure
- You can easily access the tailgate due to the presence of the tailgate handle access flap.
- It has a vinyl cover which is heavy duty to protect the bike and the truck
- Available in both small and large sizes
Cons
- Doesn’t fit on all types of trucks
- Not worth the price
3. Tailgate Pad for Truck- Dakin
You don’t have to let your bike beat your truck across the tailgate as this particular can help in preventing that from happening. It easily attaches to your truck’s tailgate. It is made from nylon material which is heavy duty, measuring 2cm of plush padding to make sure that, your truck is protected from scratches.
The availability of the access flap will ensure that you can easily access your tailgate without necessarily removing the pad. It comes with 3 web cinch straps which prevent the pad from moving while your truck is in motion.
There are five hooks and loop straps which ensures that the bike stays in place across the top of the pad. For safety and style, the Dakine logo is displayed on the pad. It is available in two sizes; large one which has 7 loops and measures 62 inches and a small one which comes with 5 loops and measures 54 inches.
Pros
- It has individual frame anchor straps
- It offers padded tailgate protection
- It has a reflective logo for style and safety
- It is available in both small and large sizes
- It has individual bike anchor straps
Cons
- At times the bike scratches the tailgate under the pad
- The strap secure system is ungainly
4. Tailgate Pad by Evoc
If you are looking for a tailgate pad that combines tailboard damage protection and secure bike fixation in one pad, then this could be the best one for you. It is made from durable 600 Denier weight, with a coating of polyethylene to ensure that it is weather resistant so that you don’t encounter any corrosion when exposed to harsh weather while on the trail.
It is equipped with molded foam straps and separation blocks to ensure that, your bikes are not touching each other. It will be easy for you to access your tailgate while the pad is in place since it has a tailgate release handle.
For the rear camera, it has a fold-away flap. It is made from high-quality P600/D PU coated tarpaulin, weighs 2300 grams for the large size and 1850g for the small size. You will get it in black/white, black/olive, and olive/black colors.
Pros
- It is ideal for shuttling bikes
- It is a quality padded truck tailgate protection
- The release handle makes quick access to the tailgate
- Available in 2 colors
- Has a unique bike attaching system
Cons
- The logo is huge
- The bike strap d-rings are small
5. Surfboard Tailgate Pad - Thule
If you like going out surfing with friends and family, then you can make carrying your surfboard easy by considering to buy this particular tailgate pad from Thule. It is a tailgate surf rack pad which quickly installs to your truck bed for convenient and safe transport of your surfboards and also stand-up paddle boards.
It is constructed from no-fade UV resistant fabrics that ensure you enjoy durability for a very long time. The strap system is sewn in to secure the pad to the tailgate, providing convenient transportation of the board. While in the box, it weighs 1.45 lbs, has a height of 3.7 inches, the width of 6.5 inches, and lengths of 23 inches. Its dimensions outside the box are 20 inches x 5 inches x 3 inches. The strap length is 1 x inch. If you are interested in tie-down straps for your board, then you can get them as they are sold separately.
Pros
- It is easy to install
- Long-term durability due to no-fade UV resistant fabric
- Good rack pad to transport SUPs and surfboards
- Built-in straps make it easy to use
- Holds board firmly
Cons
- If you have two boards, you will need longer straps
- Not good for SUPs which are wider
6. Thule Gate Mate Tailgate Pad
It is one of the less expensive models on the market, performing the simple task of separating your tailgate from the bike. And if that is the main reason why you want a tailgate pad, then there is no need of spending more money while this particular one is cheap.
The outside of the pad is coated with heavy-duty vinyl for protection from elements and durability. The inside of the pad is lined with fleece to prevent abrasion to your tailgate’s paint.
The manufacturer of this pad has also integrated knock blocks, which are molded blocks to each of the pad ends to prevent the bike from sliding into the side of the truck and getting damaged in the process.
It lacks straps to secure the bike in place as the long strap which is sewn across the pad will not be able to prevent the side to side movements. If you are driving on the smooth and straight road and in a conservative manner, then the lack of the straps might not be an issue to you.
This tailgate pad uses long webbing ladder lock buckles and straps to attach the tailgate and the pad which seems to work just fine. But when it comes to removing and attaching the pad, more work is required.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Will be able to separate your bikes
- For durability, the outside is coated with heavy duty vinyl
- Inside lined with fleece to prevent abrasion from happening on the tailgate paint
- Molded foam blocks prevent your bike from sliding on the truck side and getting damaged
Cons
- Poor design
- Doesn’t have straps to secure the bikes in place
7. RaceFace Pad for Tailgate
It is available in two sizes which means, chances of getting one to accommodate your vehicle is higher. The small size is meant for small to medium-sized trucks while the larger choice which measures up to 62 inches, is intended for big trucks.
Although it might not be the cheapest option to buy, especially if you are working on a tight budget, it has an inner lining which protects the tailgate perfectly. It comes with raised square pads which ensures that you get a more secure design while at the same time, will prevent your bike from getting damaged, as the forks of the bike are held in place.
But it is important to note that, it is not a quality product when it comes to tailgates that are thick. But it fits your tailgate well, then it is likely going to secure your bike up to wherever destination you are headed to without a scratch to your truck or the bike itself.
Pros
- It is available in two sizes for small, medium and large trucks
- Has an inner lining to protect the tailgate
- Raised square pads along the outer tailgate to provide extra security as it holds the bike’s forks in place
- Secure frames with Velcro backed webbing strap and loop system
- Out pad constructed using durable 600D and PVC material with water repellent due to DWR treatment
Cons
- It is expensive
- Not the best choice for thick tailgates
8. Tailgate Pad, Surf to Summit
It could be the ultimate protection for your truck when you are carrying several bikes or even surfboards. It is constructed from industrial grade webbing and heavy duty 600 denier fabric making it be strong.
If you decide on this particular tailgate pad, it might protect your bike, surfboard, and truck from scratches and dents. Opening your tailgate is made easy due to the presence of the EZ access flaps.
On the sides, it has two large storage zipper pockets which you can use to store accessories and tools. The small size measures 55 inches while the large size measures 60 inches.
Pros
- Available in both small and large sizes
- Secure down tie points for the bikes and surfboards due to the availability of strap anchors
- Convenient access to the tailgate due to the easy access flap.
- To keep the pad securely attached to the tailgate, there is heavy duty webbing
- On the underside of the tailgate pad, there is Soft Felt.
Cons
- It is expensive
- Not compatible with all trucks
Why Do You Need The Tailgate Pad For Your Truck?
Transporting your bicycle in your truck is a great way to expand your cycling adventures as it makes it easy to find memorable trails, traffic-free roads, to take your bike and surfboard on vacation or for a fun ride with your friend just across the next town.
While for most vehicles it is possible just to haul your surfboard and bike in the back seat or trunk, you might be required to remove the wheel. And even if you have an SUV that is roomy, which allows for bike toting without having to disassemble, you will still encounter the risk of grease or chain lube staining your interior. Plus, when you carry your surfboard and bike at the back, there will be less room to carry your other gear and your riding buddies.
That is the reason why, if you are a regular surfer or bike rider, the modern rack technology has made it easy for you to carry your bike and surfboard without compromising anything. You combine the rack with the tailgate pads and you are good to go.
What to Consider Before Buying a Tailgate Pad
1. Shape and size
Getting the right size should be top of mind when you are looking for a tailgate pad for your truck. This is because, the product needs to fit your vehicle in a manner that is perfect to make sure that, you will be able to set it correctly and perfectly.
The shape also is very important so that you don’t end up buying something wrong which will make it impossible to carry your bike or surfboard in the pad. You will have to know what the pad will be used for before deciding on which product to settle to avoid making a rash decision.
The good thing is that the manufacturer will specify the brand that they are manufacturing and thus, you will have an opportunity to measure the item which you want to use the pad for and then try to match the size to your choice.
2. Durability
There are various fabrics and materials which manufacturers use to manufacture pads for the tailgate and it might be hard to determine which one is the best among the many. Polyester and nylon could be among the resilient choices that are available in the market. Check out the seams if you are in a position to check out the product visually. This is because, the seams are the ones which break down easily, ruining the entire product.
3. Usability and comfort
The tailgate pad needs to be one that is comfortable and easy to use. It should be easy to install and not take a lot of your time whenever you want to use it. You can get to know if this is true about your product by going through the Amazon reviews and then make your decision.
Conclusion
Although they might seem to be similar, there are a lot of subtle differences which set the 8 tailgates that I have reviewed apart from one another. Choose the one you think is going to be suitable for your truck and your needs. The most important features you will need to consider are the durability and compatibility of the pad so that it will be able to serve you for a long time and be a good value for your money.
Another Truck Bed Tailgate Accessories:
1. 10 Best Truck Bed Bike Racks Money Would Buy
2. 9 Best Truck Led Tailgate Light Bar To Consider Buying
3. The Best Truck Tailgate Locks To Purchase
