tailgate pads for bikes?

[riplipper]

Searched the forum and saw quite a bit about these.....for those using them have you experienced any rubbing against your paint or tailgate.
Also, saw heavy duty moving blankets at Harbor Freight for a tenth the cost. Any reason the expensive ones work better than just a really thick blanket?
I read that "raceface" was highly rated but what makes it so great?
thanks

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[HighGround]

I’ve used my Evoc Duo about twice per week for the last 6 weeks or so with my MTB and trials bike. I remove it and store it behind the rear seat when I don’t have a bike loaded.

So far, there isn’t any evidence of paint wear. My pad has a sort of micro fiber fleece backing, but I wouldn’t mount it over dried mud or anything.

True tailgate pads have the advantage of loops built in to strap the bike down tight. Plus the pad stays put and doesn’t need readjusting when you load/unload the bike.

The photos show my trials bike but my MTB fits exactly the same. Both are very secure.

I run a heavy duty Kryponite lock through the frame and bed tie down if I need to walk away for a bit. I keep the lock behind the rear seat as well.

 

[riplipper]

Great to hear. Thank you ??
And thx for the pics

 

[TexasTJ]

In my old truck I use a HF moving blanket and a ratchet strap around the lower seat tube anchored to the cab side of the bed. I actually had someone pull out in front of me, and I t-boned them while carrying my bike like that. Bike didn’t budge. I’ve since upgraded bikes and to a 1UP rack, but never noticed any damage to the tailgate paint before.

 

[GrubbyBaja]

I use a Dakine pad and am very happy with it. You have to verify sizes of full length pads to make sure they fit the tailgate.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/gladiator-bike-rack.19603/page-3#post-530554

 

[riplipper]

I use a Dakine pad and am very happy with it. You have to verify sizes of full length pads to make sure they fit the tailgate.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/gladiator-bike-rack.19603/page-3#post-530554

Wow, somebody thought that out very well with the camera flap

 

[DamonSD]

I just bought a Evo’s home brand tailgate pad from evo.com. I have been really happy with their other evo products but the small pad seems to lack the coverage to wrap around the top of the tailgate pad which results in exposures to the bikes downtube without padding. Gonna send it back and buy a DaKine which I should have done originally.

 

[riplipper]

I just bought a Evo’s home brand tailgate pad from evo.com. I have been really happy with their other evo products but the small pad seems to lack the coverage to wrap around the top of the tailgate pad which results in exposures to the bikes downtube without padding. Gonna send it back and buy a DaKine which I should have done originally.

I think that’s what Im gonna do. Thx

 

[GrubbyBaja]

... but the small pad seems to lack the coverage to wrap around the top of the tailgate pad which results in exposures to the bikes downtube without padding...

My Dakine's padding stops right at the top/inside junction of the tailgate which puts my downtube right on the edge of the padding. I can adjust the entire pad up somewhat but then the bottom of my backup camera gets blocked. It hasn't caused an issue but I still always throw a 6" piece of split "pool noodle" on my downtube which also helps the strap attach tighter as well as putting extra padding between the downtube and tailgate.

 

[DamonSD]

In

My Dakine's padding stops right at the top/inside junction of the tailgate which puts my downtube right on the edge of the padding. I can adjust the entire pad up somewhat but then the bottom of my backup camera gets blocked. It hasn't caused an issue but I still always throw a 6" piece of split "pool noodle" on my downtube which also helps the strap attach tighter as well as putting extra padding between the downtube and tailgate.

Interesting, the raceface also seems like a good option but it is 57” wide and that seems like it would cause issues with opening and closing the tailgate.

 

[GrubbyBaja]

In

Interesting, the raceface also seems like a good option but it is 57” wide and that seems like it would cause issues with opening and closing the tailgate.

I'm pretty sure you would have issues with anything over 53". I have to be careful with the flaps I have circled in the picture when I close the tailgate. I don't see how any pad over 53" would even fit. BTW, the edge of the padding can be seen in this picture; it is located at the seam which runs along the top of the tailgate.

 

[DBoogieC]

I use the Dakine Half side. It does cover a little bit of the back up camera, but the fit is pretty spot on other then that.

 

[DamonSD]

I think I just figured out a really good option, the fox overland tailgate pad. It measures 53” and the gladiator is listed in the fitment guide. Just ordered, I will share pics when it comes. Had to go direct since LBS could not get it. https://shop.ridefox.com/collection...oBG4GnhHpbu_vBCWin7zMsh2omiwm3FIaAuJtEALw_wcB

 

[DamonSD]

I'm pretty sure you would have issues with anything over 53". I have to be careful with the flaps I have circled in the picture when I close the tailgate. I don't see how any pad over 53" would even fit. BTW, the edge of the padding can be seen in this picture; it is located at the seam which runs along the top of the tailgate.

Good point, thanks for sharing pics. Who would have thought that a good fitting tailgate pad would be so hard to find?

 

[kgc]

I have the Evoc Duo as well - works great and I keep it under the seat when I'm not using it. Two bikes is a little tight, but 90% of the time it's just my bike.

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