MTB Bike pad - Which one do you use?

[PNW_Ranger87]

For those of you that have a tonneau cover and are also using a tailgate pad - are you able to close and lock the tonneau cover on top of the tailgate pad or are you removing it and reinstalling it frequently?

I was pulling my tonneau cover off to use my tailgate pad because the bike doesn't fit in the bed with the cover folded up all the way.

I have recently installed a hitch on my Ranger and will start using a platform rack soon so I can leave my tonneau cover installed full time.

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[PNW_Ranger87]

Is the Latchit Rack essentially just a bed extender? Can you fold it back into the bed or do you have to take it on and off each time you use it?

I'm more interested in that MultitaskR system. https://exodux.com/

You have to remove it all together when you're not using it. I was highly considering the Latchit but I really want to be able to use my whole bed and have it covered/locked when I need it to be. I have a hitch now and I'm getting a platform rack soon.

That Exodux looks interesting for sure. I don't like that the tailgate surface is totally unprotected from the bike tires though.

 

[Tulumben]

I was pulling my tonneau cover off to use my tailgate pad because the bike doesn't fit in the bed with the cover folded up all the way.

I have recently installed a hitch on my Ranger and will start using a platform rack soon so I can leave my tonneau cover installed full time.

So even if you fold the tonneau all the way back (so that it's blocking the rear window) you still can't fit the bike in with the tailgate pad? Or do you have a style of tonneau that still takes up a decent amount of bed space when fully folded up?

I have a hitch rack on my current SUV but one of the reasons I want a truck is so that I don't have to bother with the rack.

 

[Tulumben]

That Exodux looks interesting for sure. I don't like that the tailgate surface is totally unprotected from the bike tires though.

I think the idea is that the mechanism that holds the fork/bike is actually 100% secure/rigid and the bike doesn't move around at all like it would with a tailgate pad. So as long as you put the bike on there and secure it with the tire away from the wheel I don't think you should have an issue with the tire rubbing the tailgate.

 

[PNW_Ranger87]

So even if you fold the tonneau all the way back (so that it's blocking the rear window) you still can't fit the bike in with the tailgate pad? Or do you have a style of tonneau that still takes up a decent amount of bed space when fully folded up?

Oh yeah, my tonneau doesn't fold up all the way. I'm going to get one that does eventually but for now I have a cheap one and my bike doesn't fit with it folded 2/3rds of the way. I want the rack because I want to be able to actually lock up my bed for overnight storage while traveling without having to removed the tailgate pad.

 

[BetaBreezy]

Ditched my 1UP for the RaceFace T2 this week. For reference, a large Ripmo AF will just clear Yakima’s OutPost HD. Also, what’s the consensus? Do more people remove their tailgate pads when not in use, or just leave them on and keep the tailgate clean to prevent wear?

 

[JetEngr19]

For those of you that have a tonneau cover and are also using a tailgate pad - are you able to close and lock the tonneau cover on top of the tailgate pad or are you removing it and reinstalling it frequently?

Also, anyone know if they plan on having a crew cab + long bed option in future years? Don't yet own a truck but looking to get a mid-size in the near future and the Ranger is high up on the list but the fact that you can only get the short box with the crew cab is annoying.

I have the Retrax cover and it will close almost to the tailgate with the pad on. No need to remove the Retrax cover .... that is one of the reasons I chose it.

 

[mtbikernate]

I think the idea is that the mechanism that holds the fork/bike is actually 100% secure/rigid and the bike doesn't move around at all like it would with a tailgate pad. So as long as you put the bike on there and secure it with the tire away from the wheel I don't think you should have an issue with the tire rubbing the tailgate.

Yeah, the wheels don't move, so there's no risk to the tailgate. The rack holds the steerer tubes of the bikes. There's simply no way for them to flop around. It's one of the things I like about that rack, and why I'm buying one.

The rack mfr is making mounting plates for me (to use existing holes on the Ranger's bed, for no-drill installation), and they're headed to the anodizer later this month. So hopefully I'll have one in hand before too long.

 

[Tulumben]

For those of you using a tailgate pad with a modern long travel all-mountain/enduro style bike (mine is 29er size L) - how much space do you have between the back tire and then end of the bed? Trying to figure out if I could fit a rolling tonneau cover that would allow the bike(s) to fit on a tailgate pad if it is fully rolled up. Guessing it is going to be tight but hopefully it works.

 

[BetaBreezy]

Took my pad off today for the first time in a month or so and noticed this... this is where the bike usually rides. Using RaceFace T2 tailgate pad. Is there a way to avoid this? Maybe some pipe insulation under the pad?

 

[mtbikernate]

Took my pad off today for the first time in a month or so and noticed this... this is where the bike usually rides. Using RaceFace T2 tailgate pad. Is there a way to avoid this? Maybe some pipe insulation under the pad?

That's what tailgate pads do, and why I won't use one.

 

[Ajbaxter]

I went with the Thule tailgate pad. Offers substantial protection for the truck and bikes strap down to the pad. Set-up for carrying 7 bikes.

 

[RangerJ]

Took my pad off today for the first time in a month or so and noticed this... this is where the bike usually rides. Using RaceFace T2 tailgate pad. Is there a way to avoid this? Maybe some pipe insulation under the pad?

Can you explain what’s going on in the pic? Is it dented? I was thinking about getting a pad, but now I’m concerned.

 

[mtbikernate]

Can you explain what’s going on in the pic? Is it dented? I was thinking about getting a pad, but now I’m concerned.

Swirly scuffing/scratching of the paint. If dust (abrasive) gets between the tailgate pad and the truck, this happens. A great number of trailheads I use are either dirt parking lots off of paved roads, or dirt parking lots off of miles of dirt roads. This would be an absolute certainty in short order for me, and I'm not doing it on my brand new truck.

If my truck was an old beater, sure, no problem.

 

[canigetadollar?]

I use an EVOC Duo pad. Not recommended. Get the full width pad!

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