Do tailgate pads for bikes interfere with towing?

[Philip Jones]

I am thinking of getting a tailgate pad to carry our bikes while we tow our Airstream. I drive an F-150 and have a 27 FC FB.

Has anyone got experience doing this - does it interfere at all with towing?

This is the product we are considering - http://ca.dakine.com/p/bike/accessor...up-pad-dlx-17s

Many thanks!

[Philip Jones]

I should add that we have a tonneau cover that folds and I am planning to leave the front end of the tonneau closed, have the back two-thirds open and hang the bikes over the back. I am specifically wondering if the forks/wheels of the bikes will impinge on the hitch. I would greatly appreciate any comments from those who may be familiar with this setup. Thanks!

[LazyGray2]

How did that work out?

[Philip Jones]

I ended up with the Dakine tailgate pad. Great product that is very securely fastened to the tailgate. A bit of a hassle to thread the straps under the tailgate and is really a two person job. We use it in conjunction with the tonneau cover (front third closed; back two-thirds open) and we have transported a lot. Happy with the setup.