Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes

[Neurobit]

My concern would be dirt/dust getting between the paint and the cover as that would definitely scratch the paint.

so do you remove the cover each time and clean the inside?

seems like using a bike rack would be better?

Right. That's my concern. Even clean, the rubbing alone from just driving will mar the paint to a degree.

 

[jimothy]

I don't have Rambox, but I did try a Yakima tailgate pad before deciding it wasn't for me. It didn't fit quite right, and the rear view camera was blocked even though it had a flap for the tailgate release handle and camera. I have heard that the Dakine DLX pad works better (which was mentioned here), but I never tried it. I would suggest a smaller size.

Do you have the utility tracks with your Rambox? I wonder if something like my setup would work. I use a fork mount, which slides into a t-slot track on my bed cover. With the Rambox, you'd have less width to work with, but perhaps it would still work? My fork mounts are from Rocky Mounts, and they make ones for quick release and thru-axel, including Boost.

 

[heliinstructor]

Did you ever end up purchasing one, and if so which one (brand, size)?

I've been searching for weeks and can't decide on which to get. Narrowed it down to Dakine DLX curve, Thule, or the RaceFace.

Thanks in advance.

Yes. I’ve purchased the Dakine DLX Curve. Small size for Ramboxes. I did quite a bit of research and spoke to a Dakine rep. As the tail gate width is 52” inside between the Ramboxes and the small size pad is 55” they said it should squish in ok. It is also supposed to be the best fit for the style of tailgate as others can appear loose or bunched up. Will install and take pics when I can as I have yet to have my truck delivered to try it out!

Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve

The original pickup truck bike hauler pad for late-model, full-size Ford and Dodge trucks Trailhead commute or gravity shuttle duty, no bike rack compares to the convenience of a Pickup Pad™. The Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve™ is made fit to the curved shape and back-up camera location of...

ce.dakine.com

2021 Ram Rebel Diamond Black Crystal Night Edition

 

[heliinstructor]

What type of fabric is on the side that contacts the tailgate? Hopefully some sort of soft material to minimize scratching, otherwise it will scour that tailgate just rubbing against from driving, going over bumps, etc.

The Dakine pad is recycled polyester with UV/weather-resistant coating


2021 Ram Rebel Diamond Black Crystal Night Edition

 

[Neurobit]

The Dakine pad is recycled polyester with UV/weather-resistant coating


2021 Ram Rebel Diamond Black Crystal Night Edition

Thanks!

 

[heliinstructor]

My concern would be dirt/dust getting between the paint and the cover as that would definitely scratch the paint.

so do you remove the cover each time and clean the inside?

seems like using a bike rack would be better?

I thought the same but almost all the bikers I see with trucks when I ride have a pad. They’ve all said no issue with paint. Most of them remove pad when not in use but mainly so no one steals them!!


2021 Ram Rebel Diamond Black Crystal Night Edition

 

[ELiTE 1]

Yes. I’ve purchased the Dakine DLX Curve. Small size for Ramboxes. I did quite a bit of research and spoke to a Dakine rep. As the tail gate width is 52” inside between the Ramboxes and the small size pad is 55” they said it should squish in ok. It is also supposed to be the best fit for the style of tailgate as others can appear loose or bunched up. Will install and take pics when I can as I have yet to have my truck delivered to try it out!

Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve

The original pickup truck bike hauler pad for late-model, full-size Ford and Dodge trucks Trailhead commute or gravity shuttle duty, no bike rack compares to the convenience of a Pickup Pad™. The Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve™ is made fit to the curved shape and back-up camera location of...

ce.dakine.com

2021 Ram Rebel Diamond Black Crystal Night Edition

Thank you for the info! I look forward to seeing the pictures.

Enjoy your new truck!

 

[bobgnarley]

Just to follow up on this, I don't leave the pad on my truck if I'm not using it – I just throw the pad on the floor behind the back seats and it's always within reach whenever I need it. The Dakine has a nice, almost chamois-like material on the side that contacts the paint, so I never worry about it when it's on.

Also, I carelessly loaded a bike a few weeks ago and the fork lower put a dent in my tailgate. The price of having such a lightweight tailgate is that aluminum dents easily. Not a big deal, but you do need to load/unload with care.

 

[MtnSprite]

Got this one off Amazon, 52 inches, fits perfectly btwn ram boxes. Only $90.

Amazon.com : CyclingDeal Tailgate Bike Pads - 52" Wide - Bicycle Rack Cover for Pickup Truck - Truck Bed Car MTB Carrier - Great for Mountain Bikes - Size S (5 Bikes) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : CyclingDeal Tailgate Bike Pads - 52" Wide - Bicycle Rack Cover for Pickup Truck - Truck Bed Car MTB Carrier - Great for Mountain Bikes - Size S (5 Bikes) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[Yamie700]

I tried a tailgate pad, I think it was a Dakine curved one, but returned it. My opinion is our tailgates are just too wide, most all trucks are now. Seems any pad or moving blanket will mean the bike is resting on the suspension stanchions and will rub as you drive. No bueno for any kind of trip. I got a Latchit rack a little over a year ago and I love it. Costs more than the pads but I think its worth it. After you get it adjusted to your tailgate the first time it doesn't take any tools to mount and unmount it after that. On and off in about 60 seconds. As you lock your truck the Latchit is locked to your truck through the tailgate pins, and it has a cable that runs through it so you can lock your bikes to the rack. And you save space in your bed as the bikes sit further back, and nothing touching the paint on the tailgate so nothing to rub. I use mine all the time with 4 or 5 bikes and would highly recommend it.

Latchit Rack

Bike Rack, Truck Rack, Tailgate Pad, Truck Accessory, bike rack lock, 6 place bike rack, 4 place bike rack, 2 place bike rack, Latchit Rack, LR, tailgate rack, new bike rack, lightweight bike rack,

latchitrack.com

 

[George_RAM]

I have a thule and it works great

Can you please share the link of your product?

 

[heliinstructor]

So finally got my ram rebel! Here is the Dakine installed. It is a great fit with the ram boxes and MFT. I ordered the small size pad. Will take 4 bikes easily.

 

[andrewspoke]

I know I am late to the party, but I thought the pics might help someone else. I put a Raceface T2 pad on with a Truxeudo lopro tonneau cover and there was no problem at all.

 

[Neurobit]

I know I am late to the party, but I thought the pics might help someone else. I put a Raceface T2 pad on with a Truxeudo lopro tonneau cover and there was no problem at all.

Welcome to the forum! Pls put your truck details on your signature when you have a minute.

Cheers,

 

[SilverNight22]

I know this thread has been quiet for awhile but I'm trying to decide which pad will work best. Looks like most are happy with the Dakine curve pad. Since it's been a year since this was started, does anyone have a change in opinion on how their paint is holding up?


I have also found this newer product that seems decent but not a ton of reviews with newer rams

The Basecamp System 2.0 | Final Sale

Shop the worlds best multiuse mountain bike tailgate pad. The Basecamp tailgate pad is designed to securely rack bikes in the back of your truck bed. While the stadium seats and cooler attach to the tailgate pad for a comfortable apres experience tailgating after your adventure.

trustcache.com

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[mike146]

I know this thread has been quiet for awhile but I'm trying to decide which pad will work best. Looks like most are happy with the Dakine curve pad. Since it's been a year since this was started, does anyone have a change in opinion on how their paint is holding up?


I have also found this newer product that seems decent but not a ton of reviews with newer rams

The Basecamp System 2.0 | Final Sale

Shop the worlds best multiuse mountain bike tailgate pad. The Basecamp tailgate pad is designed to securely rack bikes in the back of your truck bed. While the stadium seats and cooler attach to the tailgate pad for a comfortable apres experience tailgating after your adventure.

trustcache.com

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Will this even fit current Rams? They show 2009 to present, but that doesn't account for body change in 2019. Otherwise, not bad looking. Would put that on my list when the time comes to research more.

 

[FLiPMaRC]

Wasn't planning on buying a tailgate pad, but Walmart had this for $35 two weeks ago. It finally arrived last weekend.

 

[Chris3058]

Just watch your paint underneath. Ask me how I know on my last truck. I now run a Thule hitch mount tray rack. Stupid money however no paint issues. Or get your tailgate covered in 3M

 

[Belvedere]

I almost bought a tailgate pad, but talked to another guy with an eMTB who recommended I stay with the hitch rack. Paint issue was one thing, but lifting a 50lb over the tailgate, especially after a hard ride was the other.

 

[FLiPMaRC]

LOL! I put it on Friday and picked up a couch, then took it off the next day.

I've been using this hitch mount rack for years. But I've been looking at the tray racks.