Looking for decent tailggate pad for MTN bikes

[richl025]

Does anyone have a good solution for a tailgate pad that fits well & doesn't block the backup camera?

I bought the Yakima "Gatekeeper" ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HC57HNR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 )

It's just a touch too wide (you have to scrunch up the material at either end to clear the tailgate latches) but more problematic, it almost completely blocks the backup camera... even though on Yakima's website it looks like they have it installed on a F150 (not a lightning though)

I only need to carry 4 bikes max - so I was thinking two of the "Half" sized units?

Any suggestions? Reading about a few on Amazon it seems like they scratch the paint (poorly made, from China)

Sponsored

 

[Webbo85]

So that's the exact pad I've used for the last year and a half. I haven't seen any that I like more. It is tight width wise, but with it cringled in at the edges the tailgate closes fine. Not sure what you mean by it blocks the camera, I've never had that issue. Where the camera is on my Lariat, it doesn't block mine at all. My only issue with all tailgate pads it seems is it can wear away at the where the down tube touches the pad. My son's Niner has clear plastic protecting the paint, but my Pivot doesn't. So I have roughly 4" x 4" x 1/4" thick silicone rubber I place at the contact point. And when I transport 4 bikes, I face two at opposite directions as to not block the camera. More bikes than that, not much you can do.

 

[jplaplante]

I purchased and use this one from Fox - got it on sale directly from their website:

LARGE TAILGATE COVER [BLK] OS Color/Size: Black | OS Item #: 15694-001-OS

I need to fold back the flap that would otherwise block the camera - I just tuck it in underneath. It's also a little too wide and getting the straps around the tailgate can be a pain but I am guessing all of these have the same strap problem.

It takes up a chunk of space in the frunk when I am not using it.

 

[richl025]

So that's the exact pad I've used for the last year and a half. I haven't seen any that I like more. It is tight width wise, but with it cringled in at the edges the tailgate closes fine. Not sure what you mean by it blocks the camera, I've never had that issue. Where the camera is on my Lariat, it doesn't block mine at all. My only issue with all tailgate pads it seems is it can wear away at the where the down tube touches the pad. My son's Niner has clear plastic protecting the paint, but my Pivot doesn't. So I have roughly 4" x 4" x 1/4" thick silicone rubber I place at the contact point. And when I transport 4 bikes, I face two at opposite directions as to not block the camera. More bikes than that, not much you can do.

Marc thanks for posting that pic!

Turns out I had the pad situated wrong - it seemed to naturally want to lie more "in the bed" when I set it up, which blocked the camera. After seeing your pic I re-adjusted and now it's sitting just like yours. Not to mention it's clearing the latch cutouts better. I'm a-gonna chalk this one up to user error

Sponsored