Bike Rack or Tailgate Pad?

[Ranger Mel]

What's a good rack for transporting a bunch of bikes? I'd potentially be up to 5 bikes, all analog, fairly standard cruiser or MTB type bikes.

There's this type. https://gearlanders.com/products/big-days-chase-rack-truck-bed-bike-rack?variant=42752227803181
I've seen some others but can't seem to find them.

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[Desert ride]

For 5 bikes, a tailgate pad is the best as far as my experience goes. easy on, easy off, packs away anywhere. I just fold it and toss it in the bed.
Every rack or pad will have downsides, you just need to decide which one are you willing to adapt to.

My 2 pennies on the rest in case it worth it to someone.

I mostly use the one up, unless it is occupying the other car. I get lazy to move the incredibly easy to install rack.
The tailgate pad comes out on the scenario above or when we shuttle.

Tailgate pad pros
- no issues opening the bed on daily use.
- easy on and off
- bikes are safer from distracted drivers (subjective I know)
- Does not interfere with back up sensors

Tailgate pad cons
- dirty pads may scratch the paint (some lessons are unforgettable)
- Tunneau cover may not close all the way (this year they came out with compatible ones)
- Not E-bike weight friendly. Don't have one, but I already dislike lifting any of my bikes onto it, can't imagine an e-bike
- have to use heli tape on the down tube, or some form of protection
- not friendly for non-mtb bikes. My gravel bike doesn't sit in it correctly causing it to move all over the place.
- No security unless you lock it to the bed.
- back up camera gets covered by the pad. For this one I likely just need to buy a different one that fits the Ranger better.


One up pros
- Super well built
- very easy to use
- Easy to lift a bike onto
- Bike is safe from rubbing on any part
- Locking system works well

One up cons
- back up sensors go crazy all the time, really hate it as I forget to turn them off every time. That beep is loud.
- Negotiating the bed. I have a curt hitch and the single bike rack sits low enough that I can open the tailgate without hitting it. Add a second and it needs to be tilted down. I would imagine the factory hitch would cause the need to tilt it down even with the single rack.
If bed access was an issue I would buy a side swing adaptor for it, the rack would then move to the side and the bed would have full access. Seen it work very nicely on other people's vehicles.

With all of that being said, the one up has lived through different vehicles for almost 10 years and it has required 0 maintenance. Fantastic piece of equipment, expensive and worth every penny.

 

[Ranger Mel]

For 5 bikes, a tailgate pad is the best as far as my experience goes. easy on, easy off, packs away anywhere. I just fold it and toss it in the bed.
Every rack or pad will have downsides, you just need to decide which one are you willing to adapt to.

My 2 pennies on the rest in case it worth it to someone.

I mostly use the one up, unless it is occupying the other car. I get lazy to move the incredibly easy to install rack.
The tailgate pad comes out on the scenario above or when we shuttle.

Tailgate pad pros
- no issues opening the bed on daily use.
- easy on and off
- bikes are safer from distracted drivers (subjective I know)
- Does not interfere with back up sensors

Tailgate pad cons
- dirty pads may scratch the paint (some lessons are unforgettable)
- Tunneau cover may not close all the way (this year they came out with compatible ones)
- Not E-bike weight friendly. Don't have one, but I already dislike lifting any of my bikes onto it, can't imagine an e-bike
- have to use heli tape on the down tube, or some form of protection
- not friendly for non-mtb bikes. My gravel bike doesn't sit in it correctly causing it to move all over the place.
- No security unless you lock it to the bed.
- back up camera gets covered by the pad. For this one I likely just need to buy a different one that fits the Ranger better.


One up pros
- Super well built
- very easy to use
- Easy to lift a bike onto
- Bike is safe from rubbing on any part
- Locking system works well

One up cons
- back up sensors go crazy all the time, really hate it as I forget to turn them off every time. That beep is loud.
- Negotiating the bed. I have a curt hitch and the single bike rack sits low enough that I can open the tailgate without hitting it. Add a second and it needs to be tilted down. I would imagine the factory hitch would cause the need to tilt it down even with the single rack.
If bed access was an issue I would buy a side swing adaptor for it, the rack would then move to the side and the bed would have full access. Seen it work very nicely on other people's vehicles.

With all of that being said, the one up has lived through different vehicles for almost 10 years and it has required 0 maintenance. Fantastic piece of equipment, expensive and worth every penny.

Well put. I have a tailgate pad. Built an in-bed rack out of wood for my Super Duty. Eight foot bed was nice for that. That is one thing I miss with the 5' bed on the Ranger but I'm used to it now.

 

[PowerTools]

For 5 bikes, a tailgate pad is the best as far as my experience goes. easy on, easy off, packs away anywhere. I just fold it and toss it in the bed.
Every rack or pad will have downsides, you just need to decide which one are you willing to adapt to.

My 2 pennies on the rest in case it worth it to someone.

I mostly use the one up, unless it is occupying the other car. I get lazy to move the incredibly easy to install rack.
The tailgate pad comes out on the scenario above or when we shuttle.

Tailgate pad pros
- no issues opening the bed on daily use.
- easy on and off
- bikes are safer from distracted drivers (subjective I know)
- Does not interfere with back up sensors

Tailgate pad cons
- dirty pads may scratch the paint (some lessons are unforgettable)
- Tunneau cover may not close all the way (this year they came out with compatible ones)
- Not E-bike weight friendly. Don't have one, but I already dislike lifting any of my bikes onto it, can't imagine an e-bike
- have to use heli tape on the down tube, or some form of protection
- not friendly for non-mtb bikes. My gravel bike doesn't sit in it correctly causing it to move all over the place.
- No security unless you lock it to the bed.
- back up camera gets covered by the pad. For this one I likely just need to buy a different one that fits the Ranger better.


One up pros
- Super well built
- very easy to use
- Easy to lift a bike onto
- Bike is safe from rubbing on any part
- Locking system works well

One up cons
- back up sensors go crazy all the time, really hate it as I forget to turn them off every time. That beep is loud.
- Negotiating the bed. I have a curt hitch and the single bike rack sits low enough that I can open the tailgate without hitting it. Add a second and it needs to be tilted down. I would imagine the factory hitch would cause the need to tilt it down even with the single rack.
If bed access was an issue I would buy a side swing adaptor for it, the rack would then move to the side and the bed would have full access. Seen it work very nicely on other people's vehicles.

With all of that being said, the one up has lived through different vehicles for almost 10 years and it has required 0 maintenance. Fantastic piece of equipment, expensive and worth every penny.

I put a light kit on my 1UP so the truck detects a trailer and turns off the park assist beeping for the rear. It also extends the lane change warning light on the mirrors to accomodate a trailer. I adjusted the settings to the shortest trailer option.

You're right that for the factory hitch, you still need to angle down the rack for the tailgate to clear but at least you can. For every other brand I've ever seen, it's impossible to drop the tailgate without hitting the rack, usually in the pivot point.

Another pro for the 1UP is that I can move my bikes side to side to avoid them contacting each other.

I don't use a tailgate pad myself since I regularly have road bikes or gravel bikes and they don't work on a tailgate pad like a mountain bike (as you mentioned). Also, I have a bed cover and usually camping gear in the bed so I'm all about the hitch mount. I do agree with the tailgate pad being the darn simplest thing available. Just be sure to at least run a cable lock to a fixed point in the bed. Far too many stories I've heard where a bike was snagged while someone was at a traffic light.

I think this is a really good comparison video of some of the popular vertical hitch brands:


Regardless, let's all meet up with our Rangers and ride some bikes!

 

[LaBalbe]

Thanks, @DukeCanBuildit, @Ranger Mel, @Desert ride and @PowerTools for the feedback.

While I agree that the pad is an inexpensive and practical solution, I'm hesitant about it due to 1) not being able to transport anything else in the bed when taking trips, and 2) the compatibility with non-mtbs and tonneau covers when not transporting bikes.

Duke brings up a valid point. Maybe it would be cheaper and easier to just rent bikes when traveling, and then just use the pad for local day trips.

You guys have given me some options to consider.

 

[Ranger Mel]

Thanks, @DukeCanBuildit, @Ranger Mel, @Desert ride and @PowerTools for the feedback.

While I agree that the pad is an inexpensive and practical solution, I'm hesitant about it due to 1) not being able to transport anything else in the bed when taking trips, and 2) the compatibility with non-mtbs and tonneau covers when not transporting bikes.

Duke brings up a valid point. Maybe it would be cheaper and easier to just rent bikes when traveling, and then just use the pad for local day trips.

You guys have given me some options to consider.

Thanks, @DukeCanBuildit, @Ranger Mel, @Desert ride and @PowerTools for the feedback.

While I agree that the pad is an inexpensive and practical solution, I'm hesitant about it due to 1) not being able to transport anything else in the bed when taking trips, and 2) the compatibility with non-mtbs and tonneau covers when not transporting bikes.

Duke brings up a valid point. Maybe it would be cheaper and easier to just rent bikes when traveling, and then just use the pad for local day trips.

You guys have given me some options to consider.

For tonneaus and caps the Race Face T3 full or half tailgate pad has the padded area for the bottom tube of the bike foldable so covers and caps will still function on the tailgate. It has Velcro to hold it in place when bikes are loaded then fold it down to the inside and close whichever cover you have. Mine works just fine with the tonneau. I load two bikes and a bunch of gear when we go camping. I was concerned about towing the travel trailer with the bikes on the pad but zero issues on left turns. Sure didn't need to smash my Rock Shox forks into the front of the trailer!!

https://www.raceface.com/products/t...5mWjZBportQVH9AtK9RBZZ&variant=40720988995666

 

[Trustable]

I’ll add to the rack opinion. I’d recommend a 1 up rack, good build quality, aluminum, lightweight compared to other options, and plus you can throw it on anything with a hitch. My parents have one and have no issues with it. I would like to get one but don’t travel far so it’s hard to justify - I’ll usually ride to the trail or path. Or if I do have to drive there it’s infrequent enough I’ll take the front wheel off.

 

[Desert ride]

I put a light kit on my 1UP so the truck detects a trailer and turns off the park assist beeping for the rear. It also extends the lane change warning light on the mirrors to accomodate a trailer. I adjusted the settings to the shortest trailer option.

What an easy solution and helps call attention too.

One thing I did forget to mention is that a folded up one up covers the license plate during daily driving, if you keep it there all the time. It also doesn't allow for the tail gate to fold down, so I keep mine flat when I have it on there (the lights will definitely help here).
A friend put a second plate on the rack since he does't remove it.

For tonneaus and caps the Race Face T3 full or half tailgate pad has the padded area for the bottom tube of the bike foldable so covers and caps will still function on the tailgate. It has Velcro to hold it in place when bikes are loaded then fold it down to the inside and close whichever cover you have. Mine works just fine with the tonneau. I load two bikes and a bunch of gear when we go camping. I was concerned about towing the travel trailer with the bikes on the pad but zero issues on left turns. Sure didn't need to smash my Rock Shox forks into the front of the trailer!!

https://www.raceface.com/products/t...5mWjZBportQVH9AtK9RBZZ&variant=40720988995666

I may have to try that Race Race T3. Does it play nice with the camera, or would I have to get the half tailgate?

 

[Ranger Mel]

I may have to try that Race Race T3. Does it play nice with the camera, or would I have to get the half tailgate?

Works fine with the camera. With a bike on the back it does set off my parking sensors. I just turn them off when they go off backing up. No big deal. I do have the half pad. The full pad across the tailgate could set off back up sensors.

I watched the video again and the opening for the camera is adjustable so it likely will work just fine in reverse. But you will have bikes on there so they will get in the way but we already knew that.

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