Tailgate Pad Recommendation

[ZSLC]

Anyone have an MTB Tailgate Pad they like? I grabbed the EVOC which is great but I was a doofus and did not check the measurements first. It covers the backup camera.

So, any recommendations? Spring is here and I am excited to dump my hitch rack.

Thanks!

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[Lightninorian]

The padded cover from backcountry works great on my lightning. Very happy with it. It's their brand which has the mountain goat on it. If you sign up for the newsletter they may even send you a code for 15% off and free shipping. It's the only padded cover that the opening for the tailgate handle opens all the way to the top which allows the camera to be uncovered. It also has padding where the bike frame sits on the edge of the tailgate. My buddies that paid twice as much for the raceface and fox are jealous of it. I have 0 complaints about it.

Edit: It can be a little hard to put on when you feed the straps under the tailgate but the rest of the pads are the same way.

 

[ZSLC]

Much appreciated, thx

 

[Pdxguy]

I did some research (looking at videos like this one) and ended up with the Raceface T2. Weather hasn’t been good for MTB, so I can’t give much feedback yet. I will say that keeping road bikes upright on it hasn’t worked well, though the MTBs stayed on for my trip to the LBS.

 

[ZSLC]

Thanks, I ended up grabbing the Backcountry. Easy enough to install and the flap seems to accommodate the tailgate camera well. MTB weather seems delayed indefinitely where I am so no real world testing yet.

 

[Wsl346]

Long term, wouldn’t the tailgate pad scratch the paint? I understand the material that touchs the truck is soft but I’d imagine dirt would collect in it overtime and start scratching the clear coat.

I’ve been throwing my bikes in the bed but I know that isn’t ideal for everyone.

 

[Pdxguy]

Long term, wouldn’t the tailgate pad scratch the paint? I understand the material that touchs the truck is soft but I’d imagine dirt would collect in it overtime and start scratching the clear coat.

I’ve been throwing my bikes in the bed but I know that isn’t ideal for everyone.

I’ve been using a Dakine pad with my Tacoma for years and haven’t noticed any scratching. The pad keeps the bikes from hitting hard surfaces and potentially (on my nice one) damaging the carbon frame when I’m driving on bumpy dirt roads. Also, I can put 5-6 bikes on a pad which turns the truck into an awesome adventure vehicle at low cost (cue the frunk to store helmets and camelbaks and the outlets to recharge an e-bike)

 

[GrokTime]

Thanks, I ended up grabbing the Backcountry. Easy enough to install and the flap seems to accommodate the tailgate camera well. MTB weather seems delayed indefinitely where I am so no real world testing yet.

What size did you get?

 

[Webbo85]

I’m using the Yakima for the past few months, has worked well. Fits 4 easy but has space for 6 bikes. The large is edge to edge on the tailgate.

 

[ZSLC]

What size did you get?

I grabbed the L. It fits well, although I wish the opening for the Camera were a little wider as it can attract the attention of the Lightning backup nanny.

Also, the first one I bought ripped a seam while tightening it down but BackCountry customer support was awesome about getting me a replacement.

 

[MattXD]

I’m using the Yakima for the past few months, has worked well. Fits 4 easy but has space for 6 bikes. The large is edge to edge on the tailgate.

Looking to grab Yakima as well since we're getting at least 3 bikes. Recently got the bed cover from 4Wheelonline and good thing there's still enough space for the bikes.

 

[3rdgenfan]

I grabbed the L. It fits well, although I wish the opening for the Camera were a little wider as it can attract the attention of the Lightning backup nanny.

Also, the first one I bought ripped a seam while tightening it down but BackCountry customer support was awesome about getting me a replacement.

BackCountry support is fantastic. Bought a pair of hiking boots that wound up being way too narrow and needed them exchanged for wides (damn you Solomon) and they gave me 20% off in addition to free Next Day shipping.

 

[Froman]

I have a rockymounts track system from my 2015 lariat that fits perfect on my lightning. Also an older fox pad that doesnt block the camera.

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