Choosing the right tailgate pad for Ram 1500 ain’t about looks or price tags. It’s about making sure your bike or cargo don’t wreck your truck’s tailgate – and that it actually fits right. Check the width, strap quality, material, and weather resistance. Spend a little more once, and you’ll save yourself dents, scratches, or worse – a busted bike falling off on the highway.
Best 5 Tailgate Pads For Ram 1500
01. LASFIT Tailgate Mat for Ram 1500
The LASFIT Tailgate Mat for Ram 1500 is built for truck owners who want solid tailgate protection without all the hassle. Designed to fit 2019–2024 Ram 1500 models (excluding Classic), it’s laser-measured for accuracy and uses durable TPE rubber that stands up to heavy gear, tools, or muddy boots. It’s especially helpful if you haul stuff often or care about keeping your tailgate scratch-free. The textured surface also gives better grip when stepping in or out of the truck bed.
✅ Pros:
- Custom fit for Ram 1500 (2019–2024, non-Classic models)
- Heavy-duty TPE material resists cracking, warping, and fading
- Textured surface improves traction and adds grip
❌ Cons:
- Doesn’t fit Ram 1500 Classic or earlier models
- May require a short time to flatten out after unpacking
02. Powoq Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500
The Powoq Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500 is designed to protect your tailgate from scratches, dents, and daily wear – especially when hauling tools, lumber, or outdoor gear. It fits 2019–2025 Ram 1500 models (excluding Classic versions) and is made from durable, waterproof TPE rubber. The raised edges and anti-slip texture help keep things in place and make clean-up easier after messy loads. It’s a smart add-on if you’re always using your truck bed and want to keep it looking decent.
✅ Pros:
- Fits 2019–2025 Dodge Ram 1500 (non-Classic)
- Thick TPE construction resists oil, mud, and weather damage
- Anti-slip surface helps prevent gear from sliding around
❌ Cons:
- Won’t fit Ram 1500 Classic or earlier generations
- May arrive rolled and need time to lay flat properly
03. Thinzyou Store Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500
The Thinzyou Store Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500 is built to give extra protection to your truck’s tailgate, especially if you’re loading tools, gear, or anything that might scuff or dent the surface. Designed to fit 2019–2025 Ram 1500 models (except the Classic), this mat is molded from tough TPE rubber that’s waterproof, crack-resistant, and easy to clean. It helps reduce sliding when hauling stuff, and the raised edges keep grime and spills from running off the edge.
✅ Pros:
- Precise fit for 2019–2025 Dodge Ram 1500 (non-Classic)
- Durable TPE rubber handles heavy loads and harsh weather
- Easy to hose off and wipe clean after messy jobs
❌ Cons:
- Not made for Ram 1500 Classic or older models
- May have some initial curl from shipping that takes time to flatten
04. Xipoo Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500
The Xipoo Tailgate Mat for Dodge Ram 1500 is made for truck owners who use their tailgate like a workbench. Built to fit 2019–2025 Ram 1500 models (excluding Classic), it’s molded from high-quality TPE material that’s waterproof, anti-slip, and resistant to mud, oil, and heavy tools. Whether you’re working out of your truck or loading up camping gear, this mat adds a layer of defense that helps keep your tailgate looking clean and dent-free.
✅ Pros:
- Custom-fit for Dodge Ram 1500 (2019–2025, non-Classic)
- Waterproof and oil-resistant—ideal for work and off-road use
- Textured surface helps prevent sliding
❌ Cons:
- Not compatible with Ram 1500 Classic models
- May require some time to flatten after unpacking
05. Bedrug Tailgate Mat for Ram 1500
The Bedrug Tailgate Mat for Ram 1500 offers a unique combo of comfort and toughness. Made with durable polypropylene fibers, it feels like carpet but holds up against water, dirt, chemicals, and UV damage. This mat is made to fit 2019–2024 Ram 1500 models (excluding Classic), and it pairs perfectly with BedRug’s full bed liners or can be used on its own. It cushions your knees while working and also helps protect the tailgate from scratches and dents caused by heavy gear or tools.
✅ Pros:
- Carpet-like top surface is gentle on knees but tough on wear
- Resistant to water, chemicals, stains, and UV rays
- Designed to match factory specs for a snug fit
❌ Cons:
- Doesn’t fit Ram 1500 Classic or earlier models
- Not ideal for folks who want a rubber or hard-textured surface
How to Choose the Best Tailgate Pads For Ram 1500
You get the wrong tailgate pad for Ram 1500, you’ll know quick. Bikes won’t stay straight, straps start loosening, and your tailgate’s paint gonna get scratched to hell. Folks often buy what looks cool, but then it don’t fit right or starts fading after two months. Picking the right one ain’t that simple. Especially for a full-size truck like the Ram 1500.
First Thing – Size Gotta Be Right
The Ram 1500 got a big tailgate, wider than some mid-size trucks like Tacoma or Ranger. So those generic tailgate pads made for “most trucks” sometimes don’t even cover the full edge. You wanna get a tailgate pad for full-size trucks, not the small ones. Most full-size pads are 62″ wide or more. Anything under 60″ probably won’t cover edge to edge.
Some pads also got curve cutouts for backup cams or emblem bump-outs. If your Ram 1500 has the rearview camera in the handle, make sure the pad’s got that camera window cut, or it’ll block your view backing up.
Material Quality
Cheaper tailgate bike pads usually got thin foam and rough stitching. That stuff’s gonna rip or flatten out fast. You want dense foam padding, minimum half-inch thick. Good brands use 600D polyester with PVC coating for weather resistance. Keeps water out and holds up better against sun damage. Sun fades the pad fast if it don’t got a UV layer.
Also, check the underside. Is it soft fleece? That’s better for paint. If it’s just rubbery or plastic-feeling, it might scratch over time. Some folks wrap their tailgate in a blanket first, but that’s just work you don’t need.
Strap and Buckle Setup
Some tailgate bike pads for Ram 1500 come with weak plastic buckles that snap if you pull too hard. You want wide straps—like 1.5 inch or thicker—with metal cam buckles or high-grade plastic that don’t break in winter. And make sure it got enough anchor straps for your bikes.
If you carry more than 2 bikes, look for pads with 5 or 6 strap slots. Some are only designed for 2 bikes, which is fine if that’s all you do. But trying to shove 4 bikes on a 2-slot pad? That ain’t gonna work.
Multi-Purpose or Bike
Do you only haul bikes? Or you use the bed for lumber, gear, ladders too? Some tailgate pads are designed just for bikes—with individual downtube straps and anti-slip fabric. Others more plain, just basic padding without slots. For general use, go with the simple kind.
But if you’re serious about MTB trips or downhill riding, go for a mountain bike tailgate pad made specifically for that. Brands like RaceFace and Dakine build pads with extra stability and better bike spacing. Worth the extra bucks if you ride often.
Consider Weather and Where You Park
Live in rainy places like Oregon or snow-heavy areas like Colorado? You need water-resistant fabric, sealed stitching, and mildew-resistant backing. Cheap foam will soak water, start smelling, and even freeze in the cold.
In hot places like Texas or Arizona, you want UV-resistant tailgate pads. Sunlight will crack PVC in 6 months if it ain’t treated right. Some premium models have reinforced edges too that stop fraying, especially if you load gear across it a lot.
Does It Work With Your Tonneau Cover?
Big one here. If your Ram 1500 got a tonneau cover, it might block the pad from strapping on right. Some roll-up covers leave space for the straps, but folding tonneaus or hard shell ones can block the top edge. You need a low-profile tailgate pad or one with thin strap areas to make it work with your cover. Check user reviews for compatibility. Some brands call it out directly.
Also, remember some multi-function tailgates on Ram 1500 (like the split tailgate) might need special pad shapes. Normal pads won’t always sit flat on those.
Extra Pockets and Features That Actually Help
Some pads come with stash pockets—good for gloves, tools, or small gear. If you ride trails, having a zip pocket with drainage hole is helpful. But don’t overload it or it’ll sag.
Reflective logos or safety tabs? Not necessary, but cool if you load bikes in the dark. Rubber logos look better over time. The stitched ones tend to peel after a season of UV.
Velcro straps work but they lose grip after mud and rain. Go with hook straps and buckles if you’re always on rough terrain.
