What Size Athletico Bike Tailgate Pad Fits Your Truck? A Complete Guide

Find the right Athletico tailgate bike pad size for your truck with our complete sizing guide covering Small, Medium, Large, and XL options.

Updated 5 Sep 2026 7 min read 8 sections

Choosing the right tailgate bike pad comes down to matching your truck bed size with the pad’s coverage, and the Athletico line offers four clear sizes so you can dial in a perfect fit without guesswork.

Athletico tailgate bike pad for securing bikes in a truck bed — Tailgate bike pad$129.99Image from the merchant

You want a pad that holds your bikes securely, protects your tailgate paint, and doesn’t flap around at highway speed. The Athletico tailgate bike pad comes in Small, Medium, Large, and XL sizes, and each one corresponds to a specific truck tailgate width range. Below we walk through the measurements, the bike capacity per size, and the real world scenarios where each size makes sense.

Which Size Athletico Tailgate Bike Pad Fits Your Truck

Small (44 48 inch tailgate width)

The Small works best on compact pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma (access cab models), and the Honda Ridgeline. It holds up to 4 bikes at a time, making it a solid choice for small families or couples who ride together.

If your tailgate measures between 44 and 48 inches across at the widest point, the Small is your match. The pad wraps around the top edge and drops down over the inside and outside of the tailgate, so it stays put even with the tailgate down. The integrated non-slip backing keeps it from shifting when you load or unload your bikes.

Medium (48 52 inch tailgate width)

The Medium is the most popular size in the Athletico lineup. It fits full size trucks with standard beds, including the Ford F-150 (2015 and newer), Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tundra. It carries up to 5 bikes.

Truck owners with a tailgate between 48 and 52 inches wide will find the Medium gives full coverage with a little extra slack for a snug fit. The padded interior protects the tailgate from scratches, and the adjustable straps underneath the tailgate cinch the pad tight.

Large (52 56 inch tailgate width)

The Large fits heavy duty trucks and trucks with wider beds, such as the Ford F-250 / F-350, Ram 2500 / 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / 3500HD. It holds up to 6 bikes.

If your tailgate width falls between 52 and 56 inches, the Large is your size. The extra width means you can space your bikes apart more, which reduces handlebar tangling when you haul multiple full suspension mountain bikes. The Large also works well for trucks with a factory spray in bedliner because the extra material helps the pad sit flush over the thicker tailgate edge.

XL (56+ inch tailgate width)

The XL is built for the largest trucks on the road, including dually pickups and some heavy duty models with wide tailgates. It holds up to 6 bikes and gives you the most coverage.

We recommend the XL only if your tailgate measures over 56 inches wide. This size is less common, but if you drive a Ram 3500 dually or a Ford F-450, the XL keeps the pad from stretching too thin over the corners. A properly fitted pad protects better against wind flutter and keeps the bike cradles aligned.

How to Measure Your Tailgate for a Bicycle Tailgate Pad

Measuring your tailgate correctly is the only way to guarantee a good fit. You need a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler.

Measure the width. Place the tape measure at the top left corner of the tailgate and run it straight across to the top right corner. Write down the number in inches.
Check the thickness. Some tailgates have a thicker top edge, especially on newer trucks with integrated spoilers or cameras. The Athletico bicycle tailgate pad uses adjustable straps that accommodate most thicknesses, but if your tailgate is unusually thick (over 1.5 inches), you might need to cinch the straps a bit tighter.
Account for bed liners. Drop in bed liners add about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of thickness. Spray in liners are usually fine with standard sizing. If you have a thick rubber bed mat that folds over the top of the tailgate, remove it before measuring.

Once you have the width, match it to the Small, Medium, Large, or XL range above.

Key Features of the Athletico Tailgate Pad

The Athletico tailgate bike pad is built around a few design choices that make it stand out compared to other options on the market.

Durable 600D polyester outer shell. This material resists tearing, UV damage, and abrasion from bike frames and fork mounts. It holds up well to regular use in all weather.

Thick foam padding. The foam layer sits between the outer shell and the soft inner lining. It absorbs vibration from the road and keeps the tailgate paint from getting scratched. The padding also helps the pad hold its shape after repeated folding and unfolding.

Integrated bike cradles. The cradles are stitched into the pad and spaced evenly across the width. Each cradle has a Velcro strap that wraps around the bike’s top tube or downtube. The straps are long enough to fit oversized carbon frames and kid’s bikes.

Non-slip backing. A rubberized backing on the inside of the pad prevents it from sliding around on the tailgate. This is especially important when you load a bike on one side and the pad wants to shift toward the heavier side.

Reflective accents. Small reflective strips on the outer edges improve visibility at night or in low light conditions. This is a nice safety touch if you ever drive with bikes on the pad in the dark.

How the Athletico Compares to Other Tailgate Pads

Here is a quick comparison.

Feature	Athletico Tailgate Pad	Fox Mission Tailgate Pad	EVOC Tailgate Pad
Sizes available	4 (S, M, L, XL)	3 (M, L, XL)	2 (M, L)
Bike capacity (max)	6 bikes	6 bikes	5 bikes
Outer material	600D polyester	600D polyester	840D nylon
Non-slip backing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Reflective accents	Yes	No	Yes
Price range	Check latest price	Higher	Higher

The Athletico gives you more size options than either competitor, which means you can get a tighter fit on smaller trucks. The Fox Mission tailgate pad is a close competitor in terms of construction, but the Athletico offers reflective accents and a lower price point. The EVOC pad uses a slightly tougher outer fabric, but it only comes in two sizes and costs more.

For most truck owners, the Athletico strikes the best balance between price, size availability, and included features. If you want to see how it fits your specific truck, grab the code for 10% off all orders and try it out.

Who Should Buy the Athletico Tailgate Pad

The Athletico tailgate pad suits a wide range of riders, from weekend warriors to daily commuters. It is a great pick if you want a reliable pad without paying premium prices.

Mountain bikers will appreciate the six bike capacity and the padded cradles that protect expensive suspension frames. The non-slip backing keeps the pad from shifting when you load a heavy e-bike on one side.

Families who haul multiple bikes will like the multiple size options. If you drive a smaller truck like a Tacoma, the Small size fits better than a one-size-fits-all pad from another brand.

Road cyclists with carbon frames can use the padded cradles without worrying about frame damage. The straps are soft enough to avoid scratching the paint.

Commuters who carry a bike or two daily will appreciate the easy on-and-off design. The pad installs in under two minutes and folds down small enough to store behind the seat.

Caring for Your Tailgate Pad

A little maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your tailgate pad.

Clean it after muddy rides. Use a garden hose to rinse off dirt and mud. Let it air dry completely before folding it up. Storing a wet pad can lead to mildew on the foam.

Check the straps regularly. The Velcro straps and the under-tailgate straps are the most likely parts to wear out. If a strap starts to fray, replace it before it fails on a trip.

Store it out of direct sun. Prolonged UV exposure can fade the outer fabric and eventually weaken the stitching. Store the pad in a garage or under the truck seat when not in use.

Use the pad for bikes only. The pad is designed for bicycle frames, not for heavy equipment. Loading a motorcycle or heavy gear on the pad can damage the cradles and the foam.

Other Athletico Gear Worth Considering

Athletico ski bag designed for transporting skis and gear — Ski bag$149.99Image from the merchant

If you are outfitting your vehicle for adventures, Athletico makes several other travel and storage bags that pair well with the tailgate pad. The ski bag is a great option for winter trips, and the ski and boot bag keeps your boots and gear separate. For golfers, the golf travel bag and golf shoe bag protect your clubs and shoes on road trips. The ski straps are handy for securing skis or snowboards to a roof rack. And if you need bags for team sports, the softball bag, soccer bag, baseball bat bag, and lacrosse bag all offer durable storage for gear.

Final Thoughts on the Athletico Tailgate Pad

The Athletico tailgate pad delivers a tailored fit for almost any truck, thanks to four distinct sizes. Measure your tailgate width, match it to the size chart above, and you will get a pad that holds your bikes securely and protects your truck. For the best deal, check the current coupon code before you order. If you want to read more about the best tailgate bike pads on the market, check out this guide from Two Wheeled Wanderer or the ranked list from Outdoor Gear Lab. For a deep dive on the latest burly pads, Pinkbike has a solid review of the Fox, Dakine, and Send It models.

Questions

How do I know which size Athletico tailgate bike pad to buy?

Measure your tailgate width from the top left corner to the top right corner. Match the measurement to the Small (44-48 inches), Medium (48-52 inches), Large (52-56 inches), or XL (56+ inches) size.

Can the Athletico tailgate pad fit a Ford F-150?

Yes. The Medium size fits most Ford F-150 models from 2015 and newer. Measure your tailgate width to confirm before ordering.

How many bikes does the Athletico tailgate pad hold?

The Small holds up to 4 bikes. The Medium holds up to 5 bikes. The Large and XL each hold up to 6 bikes.

Does the Athletico tailgate pad protect my tailgate from scratches?

Yes. The pad has a thick foam layer and a soft inner lining that protects the tailgate paint from scratches and vibration damage.

Is the Athletico tailgate pad easy to install?

Yes. It installs in under two minutes. You drape it over the tailgate, adjust the straps underneath, and cinch it tight.

How does the Athletico compare to the Fox Mission tailgate pad?

The Athletico comes in four sizes compared to the Fox Mission's three, and it includes reflective accents that the Fox Mission lacks. The Athletico also costs less.