Best Option For Tailgate Pad Style Bike Holder For Full Size Trucks

Products Featured in This Question

Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad for Mid-Size Trucks - Up to 7 Bikes - 53" Wide

(68)

$199.95

Swagman Paramount Tailgate Pad for Full-Size Trucks - Up to 7 Bikes - 61" Wide

(5)

$150.00

Question:

Hi, I see this says it is for a mid-size truck. Will it still fit a full size one? I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 and this looks like it would work for me.

asked by: Jay F

Expert Reply:

Good question Jay.

I also have a 2016 Silverado 1500, but I will admit to not having used one of these yet. However, I did fairly recently get myself a bike and have been looking into them. The Thule GateMate Pro # TH823PRO will technically fit our full size trucks, but it will not cover the tailgate as well as the ones specifically designed for them, like the Swagman Paramount # S74FR (which is 62" wide). The GateMate Pro is 53" wide so there would be a bit of the tailgate exposed for tires to mar and possibly damage.

With that said, if you aren't too worried about that, it will fit and work. I think the larger ones designed for full size trucks are a better option though (and probably what I will be going with), so I have a link below that shows all the options for that.

If you let me know what kind of bike (or bikes) you are looking to carry down in the comments, I may be able to narrow down the search a bit for you. Hope to hear from you soon!

expert reply by: Lazer S