EVOC Tailgate Pad Review: Enhanced Bike Transport with Improved Storage
Transporting multiple mountain bikes in a pickup truck has long been simplified by tailgate pads, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution. While DIY alternatives exist, purpose-built pads like the EVOC Tailgate Pad provide superior features, durability, and performance, safeguarding both your bikes and vehicle during transit. EVOC has been a prominent player in this market, and their latest iteration of the Tailgate Pad introduces several enhancements that elevate its functionality and convenience.
Key Features and Enhancements
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Material and Construction: The updated EVOC Tailgate Pad boasts a tarpaulin exterior shell, renowned for its cut-resistant, water-resistant, and UV-stable properties. This robust material ensures longevity and resilience against the elements. Internally, a soft, anti-scratch lining protects your vehicle’s paintwork, preventing potential damage during loading and unloading.
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Design and Compatibility: Designed to accommodate up to six bikes, the pad features eight molded blocks across the top interior, creating six slots that provide stability and support for bikes in transit. The inclusion of TPU ski straps replaces the traditional Velcro straps, offering a more secure and durable method to fasten bikes. Additionally, foam pads on the exterior protect the fork lowers, and a large tailgate handle flap folds up and out of the way, ensuring unobstructed use of backup cameras.
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Sizes and Fitment: The EVOC Tailgate Pad is available in two sizes to fit mid-size and full-size trucks:
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M/L for Mid-Size Trucks: Fits tailgates 132 cm (52″) wide (inside) and 50 cm (19.7″) tall (outside). Compatible with models like Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, Frontier, and Ridgeline.
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XL for Full-Size Trucks: Fits tailgates 156 cm (61.4″) wide (inside) and 58 cm (22.8″) tall (outside). Suitable for F-series pickup trucks, Silverado 1500+, Ram 1500+, Tundra, and Sierra 1500+.
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User Experience and Storage
The EVOC Tailgate Pad is notably lightweight and compact when folded, making it easy to store when not in use. Installation is straightforward, thanks to the slim aluminum hook-cam buckles that facilitate quick attachment and removal. The pad’s pliable design allows it to be folded into a compact bundle, ideal for storage in a garage or shed.
Performance and Protection
During testing, the pad demonstrated excellent stability, keeping bikes secure even on rough terrains. The foam separation blocks effectively supported both sides of the downtube, enhancing bike stability during transit. The TPU ski straps, while slightly more time-consuming to attach compared to Velcro, provided a secure and high-quality fastening system. The handle flap was well-positioned, allowing easy access to the tailgate handle and backup camera, and could be folded back when not in use.
Conclusion
The EVOC Tailgate Pad offers a refined solution for transporting multiple bikes, combining user-friendly installation, enhanced protection, and improved storage capabilities. Its durable construction and thoughtful design make it a valuable accessory for cyclists seeking a reliable and efficient method to transport their bikes. Priced competitively, it stands as a strong contender in the tailgate pad market, appealing to both casual riders and serious enthusiasts.
For more information or to purchase the EVOC Tailgate Pad, visit EVOC’s official website. (evocsports.us)