Hauling multiple bikes in your truck without them toppling over, scratching each other, or causing a tangled mess is a real struggle. Finding the perfect tailgate pad that fits your truck and can securely carry up to six bikes without damage seems almost unheard of.
Ever wonder what happens when you walk into a bike shop and grab any ol’ tailgate pad without doing any research? You might end up with a tailgate pad on a full-size truck that was probably made for a mid-size. Ask me how I know.
Picture a fat guy in a little coat (RIP Chris Farley).
Sure, he’s wearing a coat, but the sleeves are too short, and if he sneezes, some seams might split. Does it bother me? Yes, every day. Don’t be like me.
Determined not to make that mistake again, I was pumped to see the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad come across my desk for testing.
I was ready to make a comeback, so I took on the challenge of the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad to see if it lived up to the hype or fell short.
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Installation – A Breeze Or A Battle?
Right out of the box, the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad looked well-thought-out. The padding feels substantial, and the straps and G-hooks seem sturdy.
Installing it on my Ram 2500 was straightforward, taking about 15 minutes from start to finish. The instructions are clear, but I’ve never been one to read them. It leads to four-letter words flying around and general frustration—just ask my wife.
If you’ve never installed a bike tailgate pad on your truck, you’re likely not aware of how hard it is trying to fit fat fingers with a thin nylon strap through the tiny crack between the tailgate and the truck bed—the struggle is real.
So, I was thankful to see this pad include a handy tool to feed the straps through the tailgate crack, a feature that should be standard on all pads. The fit was great, and there were no issues during setup.
But the real test is loading it up.
Capacity Test – Can It Really Hold 6 Bikes Safely?
Marketing hype often oversells products, but I was determined to see if the Saris could support its full 6-bike claim. Impressively, all six bikes fit without pedals getting tangled in spokes or frames rubbing against each other.
However, a small issue arose: when loaded with six bikes, the outermost bike’s tire extended beyond the protected area of the pad, leaning against the truck’s paint.
While not ideal, it’s a minor issue, considering six bikes are more than most trucks can even carry in terms of passengers.
Fitment Considerations
If you want to fit 6 bikes safely, the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad requires 59 inches of clearance between the bed’s wheel wells. For reference, my Ram 2500’s bed is around 66 inches.
Common trucks like the F-150 are about 51 inches, and the Toyota Tacoma is even narrower, at 44 inches.
Why am I spouting off truck bed dimensions? Well, because it plays a big role in what this (or any) tailgate pad can truly fit.
Most trucks can’t accommodate six bikes without some interference, making the Saris a solid choice for larger trucks. However, it could certainly work for any truck, with the understanding that you won’t fit six (safely).
All that was a long-winded way of saying that this pad can only accommodate 6 bikes as advertised if you have the bed space dimensions to support it.
What I Liked (and Didn’t Like)
The installation was easy and straightforward, especially with the handy strap tool Saris included. The fitment was perfect for my truck, with no ugly ripples or folds. A welcomed change from my current tailgate pad.
The G-hooks are a nice touch. You can quickly secure or remove the bikes without needing to try to ‘un-loop’ another nylon fastener.
The two included storage compartments are a practical touch. I found them to be a nice place to put gloves, dirty socks (not judging), pumps, tools, etc.
While I do appreciate the foldable protective flap for the truck’s backup camera, when loaded with 6 bikes, you don’t see much, if anything at all. But with 3-4 or even 5 bikes, it’s a great way to still see where you’re going when backing up without losing bike protection.
Final Attack
Overall, the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad has proven it can carry more bikes than most trucks typically hold. It fits my ¾ ton truck, is easy to install, and secures my bikes effectively.
If you’re tired of wrestling with ill-fitting pads and want something reliable, the Saris 6-Bike Tailgate Pad is worth considering.
This time, I can confidently say I’ve made the right choice.
No more fat guy in a little coat for me—just a well-fitted, reliable tailgate pad up to the challenge of your choosing. Now, all that’s left is convincing my boss it should stay on my truck.
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