Tailgate pad for bikes on the ‘24 Ranger

[markal49]

Based on reviews I read elsewhere I went with a Race Face T2 and it fits quite well. I received it yesterday, installed it immediately, which was quite easy, and took my hardtail out for a group ride last night. Pad and bike didn't budge after 20 miles, including highway, but no off road driving.

Not bad for ~$100.

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[joordan]

Tried several, and they all do not work well for different reasons.
Now got the dakine universal pad, and finally got it right

universal pad does not work for me. it actually fits well but somehow in europe they ship it folded, and that bend in the middle remains even when you flat it our on the tailgate. result is that you have a slightly obscured cameras and a sort of a pimple in the middle of the pad..

 

[RB205]

It's also able to lock your bikes to your truck when you step away.

The other bad thing about the traditional pad, is that it puts a ton of stress on your bike frame. Modern tailgates are way too wide anymore.

So wrong on both. These dinky cable locks are so easily cut. They're a great patio lock if you can keep your eyes on the bikes but I wouldn't turn my back on them.

Also bike frames can deal with so much more stress than their own weight. Like they're designed to be ridden by a rider that weighs 10x the bike weight. Saying this as a guy that's worked in the mountain bike industry for over a decade, seen destructive testing up close, helped design products you might use.

Personally I'm gonna use a 4 bike North Shore when my Ranger shows up. Might get a tailgate pad for bigger groups, shuttling, camping but it'll never be my primary transportation method.

 

[rwolfcastle]

So wrong on both. These dinky cable locks are so easily cut. They're a great patio lock if you can keep your eyes on the bikes but I wouldn't turn my back on them.

Also bike frames can deal with so much more stress than their own weight. Like they're designed to be ridden by a rider that weighs 10x the bike weight. Saying this as a guy that's worked in the mountain bike industry for over a decade, seen destructive testing up close, helped design products you might use.

Personally I'm gonna use a 4 bike North Shore when my Ranger shows up. Might get a tailgate pad for bigger groups, shuttling, camping but it'll never be my primary transportation method.

For someone that claims to have been in the bike industry, you don't know what you're talking about. Cable locks can be cut, yes, but to act like it's not a deterrent, especially compared to a simple bike pad, is being dishonest.

You're correct in that bikes are tested with heavy riders in mind, but they are not tested with constant rubbing and pulling apart on the downtube. I've personally seen multiple people ruin bikes because of the way wide tailgates push against the downtube, especially carbon fiber frames.

Finally, the type of bike rack you plan on getting I've also used, and I don't think they're that great for a truck. They are nice for an SUV or minivan, but I've used them on a truck and they act as a giant sail. My 5G Ranger went from 23mpg under normal use down to 15mpg while carrying a VelociRax.

 

[MulchBags2]

I have a DaKine DLX large pad for my F150, it fits the Ranger perfectly and the flap is in the perfect spot for the camera.

do you just chuck the pad over the tailgate and than put the bikes on? I see others running the straps under and through the tailgate. I used to have a simple dakine with my ford sport trac

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