Yakima GateKeeper Tailgate Pad [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

If you have a truck, There's obviously a lot of space to put the bike for transportation. No real need for a bike rack with a truck. But, it's good to keep your tailgate protected, that's where the Yakima GateKeeper comes in to protect and help transport! Our friend, Jonathan has been using the pad. See what they think! 

Overview

I just bought a brand new full-sized Ford truck, so a new carry system for several bikes was needed. I did not want my bike transportation solution to interfere with my trailer hitch as I tow frequently, and the previous solution installed on my old truck of mounting the cross bars and bike trays over the pickup bed is too expensive and not very convenient to use, in addition to making the bed more difficult to use.

This left a tailgate pad as the only viable, and cost-effective option available for my truck. So I purchased the Yakima tailgate pad from those silly kids at World Wide Cyclery dot com (have you seen their YouTube channel? It is pretty good!) for my Ford f two fifty super duty. Compared to the other brands available, the Yakima pad had the needed features at a better price than the competitor's products.

The size large fits my tailgate like a glove, it can hold up to five bikes with ease, comfort, and safety. Plenty of room left for gear in the bed as well (crew cab short bed). Installation is a breeze. Just thread the three straps under the tailgate, through the buckles then tighten, and tuck the excess straps into the included elastic cuffs. If you have long arms, it will be possible to perform this task alone. Just be careful to avoid pinching your fingers in the gaps. Having a friend help will make the job much more simple, especially if you can not reach the straps. On smaller trucks, this is probably not an issue.

The thing I like about it is the extra large opening for the tailgate handle. I was able to tuck the flap under the pad leaving my tailgate handle, and rearview camera exposed for easy access and rear visibility. The dedicated pads and straps on the inside of the tailgate help keep the bikes from flopping around into each other. It has been on my pickup truck for a couple of weeks now getting regular use hauling bikes on highways, and dirt roads. So far everything works exactly as one would expect. The bikes stay in place, and loading and unloading is a simple process. Additionally, it will be an easy task to install a cable lock through the frames for additional security. Although I would never trust any lock to protect my bikes for an extended period. But it is possible to have a little peace of mind if you stop for fuel or a meal with your bike.

Final Thoughts

World Wide Cyclery dot com did an excellent job delivering the order to my home quickly with free shipping. A great product is for any person looking for a simple, yet effective and wallet-friendly method of moving bikes from your home to the trail and back again. You will not be disappointed!