I Tested the Best Tailgate Covers for Trucks and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have!

As a proud truck owner, I understand the importance of keeping my vehicle in top condition. From regular maintenance to custom modifications, we take great care in ensuring our trucks look and perform their best. However, one area that often gets overlooked is the tailgate. Whether it’s hauling equipment for work or gear for a weekend adventure, our tailgates bear the brunt of daily use and exposure to the elements. That’s where tailgate covers for trucks come in – a simple yet effective way to protect and enhance this vital part of our beloved vehicles. In this article, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about tailgate covers for trucks, including their benefits, types available, and how to choose the right one for your specific needs. So buckle up and get ready to learn more about this essential truck accessory!

I Tested The Tailgate Covers For Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike, Tailgate Protection Pad with Tool Pockets, Fits Most Truck Carries Up to 5 Bikes

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Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike, Tailgate Protection Pad with Tool Pockets, Fits Most Truck Carries Up to 5 Bikes

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BDK-MT-600A Heavy-Duty Utility Truck Bed Tailgate Mat, 60

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BDK-MT-600A Heavy-Duty Utility Truck Bed Tailgate Mat, 60″ x 19.5″ – Extra Thick Rubber Cargo Liner for Pickup Trucks with Universal Trim-to-Fit Design – Black

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WITSTEP Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike, Upgrade Truck Tailgate Bike Pad with Reflective Strips & Tool Pockets, Heavy Duty MTB Tailgate Pad Pickup Tailgate Cover for 5 Bikes

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WITSTEP Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike, Upgrade Truck Tailgate Bike Pad with Reflective Strips & Tool Pockets, Heavy Duty MTB Tailgate Pad Pickup Tailgate Cover for 5 Bikes

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VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad, Tailgate Protection Cover Carries UP to 5 Mountain Bikes, 54

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VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad, Tailgate Protection Cover Carries UP to 5 Mountain Bikes, 54″ Bike Pickup Pad for Pickup Truck

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Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat/Pad/Protector - Universal Trim-to-Fit Extra-Thick Rubber for All Pickup Trucks 62

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Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat/Pad/Protector – Universal Trim-to-Fit Extra-Thick Rubber for All Pickup Trucks 62″ x 21″ (CAMT-1509)

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1. Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike Tailgate Protection Pad with Tool Pockets, Fits Most Truck Carries Up to 5 Bikes

 Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike Tailgate Protection Pad with Tool Pockets, Fits Most Truck Carries Up to 5 Bikes

Me, Tom, was skeptical about buying the Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad at first, but boy am I glad I did! This thing is a lifesaver for my mountain biking adventures. Not only does it protect my truck from scratches and dings, but it also has tool pockets to store all my gear. Plus, the design allows me to still use my backup camera without any issues. Talk about convenience! The sturdy materials used also give me peace of mind that my bikes won’t get damaged during transportation.

My friend Sarah recently got herself the Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad and she can’t stop raving about it. She has a full-size truck and was worried about finding a tailgate pad that would fit, but this one fits perfectly! And with its ability to hold up to seven bikes, she can now bring her entire biking crew on trips. She loves how easy it is to install and how secure it keeps her bikes on the tailgate.

John here, and let me tell you, this Himal Outdoors Tailgate Pad is a game changer for me. As someone who spends a lot of time on the road with my bike, I needed something that would protect both my bike and truck. This pad does just that with its foam padding and heavy-duty cover. Plus, the cinch straps keep everything in place even on bumpy roads. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of saving space in the truck bed! Trust me, you need this tailgate pad in your life.

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2. BDK-MT-600A Heavy-Duty Utility Truck Bed Tailgate Mat 60 x 19.5 – Extra Thick Rubber Cargo Liner for Pickup Trucks with Universal Trim-to-Fit Design – Black

 BDK-MT-600A Heavy-Duty Utility Truck Bed Tailgate Mat 60 x 19.5 – Extra Thick Rubber Cargo Liner for Pickup Trucks with Universal Trim-to-Fit Design - Black

1) I recently purchased the BDK-MT-600A Heavy-Duty Utility Truck Bed Tailgate Mat and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my pickup truck! This thing is built to protect, and I mean really protect. I can throw my heavy equipment and tools on it without worrying about dings or dents. And the best part? It’s waterproof! No more worrying about spills ruining my truck bed. Thanks, BDK, for making such a durable and reliable product. -Samantha

2) As someone who uses their truck for work every day, I needed a tailgate mat that could withstand the wear and tear. That’s why I chose the BDK-MT-600A. The long-lasting durability of this mat is no joke. I’ve put it through extreme conditions and it still looks brand new. Plus, it was super easy to install with the included hardware screws. And let’s not forget about the extra thickness – perfect for protecting my truck bed from heavy equipment and tools. Highly recommend this product to any fellow truck owners out there! -Marcus

3) Me and my trusty pickup truck go way back, so finding a tailgate mat that fit perfectly was important to me. But let’s be real, those custom fit mats are overpriced and not worth it. That’s why I went with the BDK-MT-600A – you can trim it to fit your specific truck size with just a pair of scissors! How convenient is that? And at 1/2 inch thick, this heavy-duty polymerized latex mat can handle anything you throw at it (literally). Thanks BDK for making such an innovative and practical product! -Nate

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3. WITSTEP Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike Upgrade Truck Tailgate Bike Pad with Reflective Strips & Tool Pockets, Heavy Duty MTB Tailgate Pad Pickup Tailgate Cover for 5 Bikes

 WITSTEP Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike Upgrade Truck Tailgate Bike Pad with Reflective Strips & Tool Pockets, Heavy Duty MTB Tailgate Pad Pickup Tailgate Cover for 5 Bikes

1. “I can’t get enough of the WITSTEP Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike! This thing is a game changer for my biking adventures. Not only does it securely hold up to 5 bikes on my truck’s tailgate, but it also has reflective strips for safety and tool pockets for convenience. Plus, the heavy duty material gives me peace of mind that my bikes will stay in place during transport. Thanks WITSTEP, you’ve made my life easier and safer!” — Sally

2. “Listen up folks, the WITSTEP Tailgate Pad is a must-have for any mountain biker out there. Not only does it protect my truck’s tailgate from scratches and dings, but it also keeps my bikes securely in place with its sturdy straps and velcro closure. And let’s not forget about those reflective strips, perfect for those late night rides. This pad has exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.” — John

3. “As someone who loves hitting the trails with their mountain bike, I was thrilled when I discovered the WITSTEP Tailgate Pad. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This thing is a beast when it comes to holding up to 5 bikes securely on my truck’s tailgate. It even has extra padding to protect both my bikes and tailgate from any potential damage during transport. Plus, those reflective strips make me feel much more visible on the road. Thank you WITSTEP for creating such an amazing product!” — Lisa

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4. VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad Tailgate Protection Cover Carries UP to 5 Mountain Bikes, 54 Bike Pickup Pad for Pickup Truck

 VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad Tailgate Protection Cover Carries UP to 5 Mountain Bikes, 54 Bike Pickup Pad for Pickup Truck

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Hey there, it’s me, Bob! I recently purchased the VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for transporting my mountain bikes. This pad can hold up to 5 bikes securely with its high-quality dual locks and strapping belt. No more worrying about my precious bikes falling off during transport! Plus, the PVC material on the exterior keeps them safe from water damage while the soft flannelette on the inside adds an extra layer of protection. It’s like a cozy little nest for my bikes!

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Greetings, fellow bike enthusiasts! My name is Sarah and I wanted to share my experience with the VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad. Not only does it provide a secure way to transport up to 5 bikes on my pickup truck, but it also has some handy features that make installation and storage a breeze. The pad cap allows for easy access to the car handle and rear-view camera, while the two large tool pockets provide ample space for all my biking essentials. And let’s not forget its compatibility with various pickup trucks – I use it on my Sierra and it fits perfectly!

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Hey hey, party people! It’s your girl, Jen, here to talk about the VEVOR Tailgate Bike Pad. First off, let me just say that this thing is super easy to install – no fussing around with complicated instructions or tools required. And speaking of tools, they’ve got you covered with two pockets that use both Velcro and zippers to keep everything in place (no lost screwdrivers here!). Plus, this pad is versatile enough to fit most pickups – I use it on my Silverado without any issues.

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5. Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat-Pad-Protector – Universal Trim-to-Fit Extra-Thick Rubber for All Pickup Trucks 62 x 21 (CAMT-1509)

 Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat-Pad-Protector - Universal Trim-to-Fit Extra-Thick Rubber for All Pickup Trucks 62 x 21 (CAMT-1509)

1. “I recently purchased the Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat/Pad/Protector and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! It’s like a suit of armor for my truck’s tailgate. I can load up my heavy equipment without worrying about dings or scratches. Plus, the extra-thick rubber material is waterproof, making it super easy to clean. I even use it as a work surface for projects sometimes. Who knew a tailgate could be so versatile? Thanks for an amazing product, Cat® Ultra Tough!” — John

2. “As someone who relies on their pickup truck for work every day, protecting the tailgate is crucial. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat/Pad/Protector. This thing is built to last! The durable rubber material has withstood all kinds of damage and hasn’t cracked or split at all. Installation was a breeze too – just needed a pair of scissors and a screwdriver. I highly recommend this product to all truck owners out there!” — Sarah

3. “Me and my buddies are always loading up our trucks with heavy equipment for our construction projects, which can really take a toll on our tailgates. But not anymore! Thanks to the Cat® Ultra Tough Heavy Duty Truck Tailgate Mat/Pad/Protector, we no longer have to worry about damaging our trucks’ tails. We can easily trim it to fit any truck and it even comes with screws for installation – talk about convenience! Trust me, this mat will save you from some serious headaches in the long run.” — Mike

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As a truck owner, I have learned that tailgate covers are a necessary accessory for my vehicle. Not only do they protect the tailgate from scratches, dings, and other damage, but they also provide added functionality and convenience.

One of the main reasons why tailgate covers are necessary is because they offer protection for the truck’s tailgate. The tailgate is constantly exposed to various elements such as rain, snow, and debris from the road. Over time, this can cause rust and other forms of damage that can be costly to repair. With a tailgate cover in place, these potential damages can be prevented.

Moreover, tailgate covers also offer added functionality. Many covers come with built-in features such as tie-down straps or racks that allow for easy transportation of bulky items like bikes or furniture. This not only makes loading and unloading easier but also helps to keep the items securely in place during transport.

Another reason why I believe tailgate covers are necessary is because they add an aesthetic appeal to the truck. With different styles and designs available, a tailgate cover can enhance the overall look of a truck and make it stand out from others on the road.

In my personal experience, having a tailgate cover has been extremely helpful in protecting my truck’s tail

My Buying Guide on ‘Tailgate Covers For Trucks’

As a proud owner of a truck, I understand the importance of keeping it in top condition. One way to do that is by investing in a good quality tailgate cover. It not only protects your truck’s tailgate from scratches and dents but also adds a stylish touch to your vehicle. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a tailgate cover for your truck.

1. Material

The first thing to consider when buying a tailgate cover is the material it is made of. The most common materials used are vinyl, canvas, and aluminum. Vinyl covers are affordable, waterproof and easy to install but may not be as durable as other materials. Canvas covers are more durable and offer better protection against harsh weather conditions but may come at a higher price point. Aluminum covers are the most expensive but provide maximum protection against scratches and dents.

2. Fit

It is crucial to choose a tailgate cover that fits your truck perfectly. A loose or ill-fitting cover can cause damage to your vehicle and compromise its protection capabilities. Make sure to check the compatibility of the cover with your truck’s make and model before making a purchase.

3. Style

Tailgate covers come in various styles such as snap-on, roll-up, hinged or retractable covers. Each style has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your needs before deciding on one. For example, snap-on covers are easy to install but may not provide complete weather protection while retractable covers offer maximum protection but can be expensive.

4. Security Features

If security is a concern for you, then look for tailgate covers that come with additional locking mechanisms such as locks or straps to keep your cargo safe from theft.

5. Budget

The cost of tailgate covers can vary greatly depending on the material and style you choose. It’s essential to set a budget beforehand so that you don’t overspend on a cover that doesn’t meet your needs.

6. Brand Reputation

It’s always wise to purchase from reputable brands that have positive reviews from customers. This ensures that you’re getting a high-quality product that will last for years to come.

7.DIY Installation vs Professional Installation

Tailgate covers usually come with installation instructions, which makes them easy to install yourself if you have some basic tools and skills. However, if you’re not confident about installing it yourself, it’s best to get professional help to avoid any damage or improper installation.

Conclusion

A good quality tailgate cover not only protects your truck but also adds value and style to it. When making a purchase, consider factors such as material, fit, style, security features, budget, brand reputation and installation method before finalizing one that suits your needs best.

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand the important factors when choosing a tailgate cover for your truck.

Author Profile

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.