Why We Like The GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad
Gobbling up rock gardens and lacing root-latticed lines are all in a day’s work for you — but punishing climbs always seem to bring down the stoke. Sure, you could commit to the grueling grind, or hike-a-bike back to the top, but with Thule’s GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad you just don’t have to. This beefy truck pad shields your truck and your bike for a quick shuttle back to the top, so you can enjoy endless laps, and not waste any energy on those pesky climbs.
The GateMate Pro is crafted with flexible padding that adjusts to fit a wide range of tailgates, and comes in two handy sizes to lock into place on compact and full-sized trucks alike. It features hook-and-loop straps that secure your bikes into place, and inside-facing mesh pockets to keep your hydration bag and gloves safe on the road. A heavy-duty vinyl pad protects your bike, and truck, from scrapes and bumps when the grind to the top gets a little hairy, and to keep things easy, the pad features a large handle opening so your back up cam can keep an eye on things when you’re making your way from trailhead to trailhead.
Details
- A pro-level pad for cushioning your pride and joy
- Flexible padding protects trucks and bikes
- Inside-facing mesh pockets secure gadgets and gear
- Two convenient sizes fit compact and full-sized trucks
- Hook-and-loop straps securely hold your bikes
- Large handle opening offers clear backup cam visibility
- Item #THU007J
- Material
- 600D PU polyester non-P PVC, [coating] EPE, [padding] EVA foam, PU leather on the blocks.
- Dimensions
- [compact] 52 x 15.5 x 2.75in, [full-size] 59 x 16 x 2.75in
- Compatibility
- compact trucks, full-size trucks
- Bike Capacity
- [compact] 7, [full-size] 8
- Part Number
- 823PRO, 824PRO
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- travel
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 24 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 26, 2023
Poor design!
My wife and I purchased the GateMate PRO a few months ago at the same time we purchased new bikes. We have had great experience with other Thule products in the past and this seemed like a great way for us to transport our new bikes. However I find it challenging to install the GateMate. The straps are positioned so that you need to thread them from the outside upward under your truck gate. It seems like it would be way simpler to use gravity and thread them from the other way. The plastic buckles are located at the bottom of the inside section and I find it challenging to keep the GateMate from slipping and getting the buckles broken while trying to close the talegate. At first I thought this was just me so I went back to the bike shop and they found this design extremely challenging. I have seen many other similar products on a recent trip out west. I am not sure they are any better but I would not purchase this particular product again.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
June 16, 2023
Good bike transporter
I bought this one mount ago and realy happy with it. If I take out pedal, I can install 6 ebike. For regular bike with narrow tube frame, the velcro are a litle difficulte to fit
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
June 11, 2023
Solid and Easy to Use
It took no time to set this product up. We took it on an RV trip, and it worked seamlessly. The bikes didn’t move or jostled at all being strapped in and it was easy to get them on the Thule. The product was very sturdy, and made with very good material. When not in use it folds away very easily. I only wish that the straps were able to have a little more Velcro to them.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
June 4, 2023
As Always, High Quality and Well Made!
Purchased for family use and works great for carrying bikes in a smaller box to protectboth the bikes and the finish of the truck....highly recommended!
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
May 31, 2023
Works!
Fits my GMC Sierra multi-pro tailgate and easy to install. Used a couple times so far and keeps bikes stable and protects my tailgate. Got the large size and fits perfect. Fits five bikes easily and could probably get two more in there. “I like it a lot”
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
May 29, 2023
Nice design and well constructed!
Very impressed with the design, fit, and function of the GateMate PRO. It took a little fiddling with it to get it to sit on the tailgate correctly (I only had one set of pad blocks over the top at first) but once I readjusted it fit my RAM 1500 perfectly. The straps took a bit of finesse to work through the gap between the bottom of the gate and the truck bed, but that is more a function of how the truck was designed. I plan to keep a small piece of bent coat hanger wire in one of the pockets to help me pull the straps through the gap when I install it again. The Cannondale mountain bikes we hauled sat neatly in the cradle of the foam pads and the straps secured them incredibly well to the truck. For all of the goofballs that complained about the length of the strap in the other reviews - All you have to do is wrap the strap around the frame tube one extra revolution THEN thread it through the plastic ring and cinch it tight. Makes me wonder how some people manage to find their way out of bed in the morning, but I digress. This method of one extra wrap around the frame tube provides a really nice grip on the frame. We drove a couple of hundred miles so far with the bikes strapped down and they don't wiggle or bounce at all. The mesh storage pockets are a nice touch, as is the cutout that provides access to the tailgate handle and backup camera. The material that sits against the vehicle paint is incredibly soft. Sure, there may be cheaper options out there but they certainly don't appear to be as well-made as this one. VERY pleased with the purchase!
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
February 25, 2023
Great way to transport bikes in my truck bed
I’ve installed this GateMate Pro in my F150 Lightning. The gate is a couple of inches too wide to cleanly fit inside the frame of my Retrax tonneau, but because the GateMate is flexible I’m able to squeeze it in enough to close the tailgate. I might trim a bit off the sides to fix this. The product materials are strong and seem like they’ll last a few years. I like the pouches where I can store small items like gloves or bike tools.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
October 17, 2022
Great product
I really like my new bike carrier. Keeps the bikes secure during travel to the trails.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
September 21, 2022
Simplicity at its BEST!
Was able to use instantly, we’ll within 5 minutes as installation was a breeze. And the ability to secure your bikes within minutes allows for more time to bike.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
September 6, 2022
Always Love Thule Products
I buy a lot of Thule products and love them all. I just bought a new GateMate and love it. Holds my bikes securely and without scratching them, unlike the other brands of pads my friends use.
Originally reviewed on manufacturer
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