Best Truck Bed Bike Racks and Tailgate Pads (2026)
Tailgate pads, fork mounts and upright bed racks compared, so you can haul bikes in your pickup without scratches or sliding.
How to Carry Bikes in a Pickup
A pickup is one of the easiest vehicles for hauling bikes, but bikes sliding around a bare bed get scratched and damaged. There are three main solutions: tailgate pads that drape over the tailgate so bikes hang over the edge, fork mounts that hold the bike by its front fork with the front wheel removed, and upright racks that hold the bike by its front wheel inside the bed. The right choice depends on how many bikes you carry and how much bed space you need. Here are eight options from Thule, Yakima, Fox, Dakine, Swagman and INNO.
Yakima GateKeeper
Best tailgate pad
- Carries several bikes over the tailgate
- Protects paint and frames
- Several sizes
Thule Insta-Gater Pro
Best upright bed rack
- Holds the bike by the front wheel
- No fork removal
- Fully adjustable
Yakima BedHead
Best fork mount
- Clamps to the bed rail
- No drilling
- Open design for disc brakes
Truck Bed Bike Racks Compared
| Product | Type | Wheel Removal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima GateKeeper | Tailgate pad | No | Several bikes, quick loading |
| Thule Insta-Gater Pro | Upright bed rack | No | Secure, single bike |
| Yakima BedHead | Fork mount | Front wheel off | Secure and compact |
| Fox Racing Tailgate Cover | Tailgate pad | No | Trucks with backup cameras |
| Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve | Tailgate pad | No | Curved Ford and Dodge tailgates |
| Thule Bed Rider Pro | Bed rack | Check listing | Full-size trucks |
| Swagman Pick Up | Fork mount bar | Front wheel off | Budget, no drilling |
| INNO RT201 | Upright bed rack | No | Keeping bed space free |
The Best Truck Bed Bike Racks
1. Yakima GateKeeper
The GateKeeper is a padded tailgate cover that lets bikes hang over the tailgate, secured with a tension lock system that's gentle on paint. It comes in several sizes for different numbers of bikes and truck widths.
Good to Know
- Fast loading for groups
- Protects truck and bikes
Watch Out For
- Less secure than racks; no built-in locks
2. Thule Insta-Gater Pro
The Insta-Gater Pro is a fully adjustable upright carrier that mounts inside the truck bed and holds the bike by the front wheel, so there's no need to remove the wheel.
Check Price on Amazon3. Yakima BedHead
The BedHead is a fork mount that clamps to the truck's bed rail without drilling. It fits bikes with 9 x 100mm front hubs, and its open design works with disc brakes. Check the listing for adapters if your bike uses a thru-axle.
Check Price on Amazon4. Fox Racing Tailgate Cover
Fox's padded tailgate cover has a folding flap that gives access to the rearview camera and tailgate handle, and attaches with five webbing straps.
Check Price on Amazon5. Dakine Pickup Pad DLX Curve
This Dakine pad is made from recycled 1000D polyester with a UV- and weather-resistant coating, shaped to fit the curved tailgates of late-model Ford and Dodge trucks.
Check Price on Amazon6. Thule Bed Rider Pro
The Bed Rider Pro is Thule's truck bed bike carrier. Check the listing for full-size or compact versions to match your truck.
Check Price on Amazon7. Swagman Pick Up Truck Bed Rack
Swagman's rack uses a telescoping bar that fits across many truck beds without drilling. Bikes attach to fork mount blocks with 9mm quick-release skewers.
Check Price on Amazon8. INNO RT201
The RT201 secures a bike inside the bed without removing the front wheel and installs into compatible bed panel openings without drilling, leaving more cargo space free.
Check Price on AmazonTailgate Pad vs Fork Mount vs Upright Rack
| Tailgate Pad | Fork Mount | Upright Rack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bikes carried | Several | Usually 1–3 | Usually 1–2 |
| Wheel removal | No | Front wheel off | No |
| Security | Lower | High | High |
| Bed space | Free | Some used | Some used |
| Speed to load | Fastest | Slower | Fast |
How to Choose
- Truck size: check tailgate width and bed length against the listing.
- Axle type: fork mounts must match your bike's front axle.
- Number of bikes: tailgate pads carry the most.
- Tonneau covers: some racks won't work with a cover.
- Security: consider locks if you'll leave bikes unattended.
Loading Tips
- Alternate bike directions on a tailgate pad so handlebars don't clash.
- Tighten every strap, and recheck after the first few miles.
- Don't let pedals or derailleurs rest on the bed.
No truck? See hitch bike racks, bike racks for SUVs and trunk bike racks. For storage at home, see garage bike racks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to carry bikes in a truck?
A tailgate pad is the quickest way to carry several bikes. Fork mounts and upright bed racks hold bikes more securely and keep them inside the bed.
Do tailgate pads damage bikes?
Not when used properly. The pad cushions the down tube, and straps keep the bikes from rubbing each other. Use all the straps provided.
How many bikes fit on a tailgate pad?
It depends on the pad size and truck width. Common sizes carry about two to six bikes. Check the listing for your truck.
Do fork mount racks fit all bikes?
No. Fork mounts must match your bike's front axle, such as quick release or a 15 x 110mm (Boost) thru-axle. Adapters are often available.
Will a tailgate pad block my backup camera?
Some pads, like Fox's tailgate cover, have a flap for the camera and tailgate handle. Check before buying.