Looking Beyond the Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Latest update: October 14, 2026

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The Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad protects your truck bed and bikes during transport. If you are looking for thule gatemate pro tailgate pad alternatives, you might need a different size or mounting style. This pad holds up to 8 bikes and measures 53 by 17 inches. It uses heavy-duty vinyl and integrated straps to keep gear secure. The design also allows for backup camera visibility through a large handle opening.

You might choose another product if you do not carry multiple bikes or prefer a different vehicle type. The alternatives listed here share overlapping specifications with the original pad. Some options offer rigid storage for overlanding gear, while others provide hitch-mounted capacity for heavy loads. Others focus on roof-mounted soft bags for vehicles without racks. Each alternative addresses specific needs that the GateMate Pro may not cover, such as compact bed storage or weatherproof hard cases. These 6 picks provide practical solutions based on published specs rather than brand loyalty.

How these alternatives differ from Thule

Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box 48-Inch

The Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box targets compact truck owners rather than those carrying bikes. It measures 47.4 inches long and 20.5 inches wide, fitting a 48-inch bed opening. This rigid box offers organized, accessible cargo space with secure attachment to existing tie-down points. Unlike the Thule GateMate Pro, which is a flexible pad for bike transport, this item is a static storage container. It gives up bike-carrying capability but provides better protection for general gear. You should pick this if you need accessible storage in a compact bed rather than a tailgate-mounted bike carrier.

Naturnest 12.7 Cu Ft Soft Roof Bag

The Bayati 12.7 Cu Ft Soft Roof Bag is designed for vehicles without roof racks, offering a low-profile storage solution. It measures 47.2 inches long and 27.6 inches wide. This soft bag provides waterproof protection and flexible storage, contrasting with the Thule GateMate Pro’s hard vinyl padding and tailgate mounting. It gives up the ability to carry bikes on a truck bed but offers versatile volume for SUVs, trucks, and vans. You should choose this if you lack roof racks and need compact, weather-resistant storage rather than a dedicated tailgate pad for bike transport.

HubPax Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier Basket

The HubPax Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier is built for heavy hauling via a 2-inch hitch receiver. It offers 16 cubic feet of volume with a foldable design. This carrier differs from the Thule GateMate Pro by mounting to the hitch rather than the tailgate. It provides high capacity and weight support but lacks the integrated bike separation and strap anchors of the Thule pad. You should pick this if you prioritize volume and weight capacity over rigid protection and have a compatible hitch. It is ideal for users who need to haul heavy loads rather than secure bikes to a truck bed.

Eylar SRX-175 Overlanding Cargo Case

The Eylar SRX-175 Overlanding Cargo Case is a rotomolded case offering 175 liters of weatherproof volume for truck bed overlanding. It measures 47.2 inches long and 18.4 inches wide. This hard case provides secure, dry storage, unlike the flexible Thule GateMate Pro pad. It is lockable and designed for full-size truck beds, prioritizing secure storage over bike transport. You should choose this if you need substantial, weatherproof volume for overlanding gear. It gives up the ability to carry bikes but offers superior protection for camping equipment in a truck bed.

Thule Chasm 80L Gear Hauler

The Thule Chasm 80L Gear Hauler is a soft-sided carrier designed for wet or messy gear. It measures 24 inches long and 17 inches wide, holding 80 liters. Unlike the Thule GateMate Pro, which mounts to a tailgate for bike transport, this item is a portable gear hauler. It offers easy loading and cleaning but lacks the rigid protection and bike-specific straps of the GateMate Pro. You should pick this if you prioritize easy maintenance and temporary storage over permanent tailgate mounting. It suits adventurers who need to separate dirty gear from their vehicle interior.

CROSSHIP 49x36 Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Bag

The CROSSHIP 49x36 Roof Rack Cargo Basket includes a waterproof bag and net for versatile loading. It measures 49 inches long and 35.9 inches wide. This steel basket provides weather protection and flexible loading, contrasting with the Thule GateMate Pro’s tailgate-mounted bike carrier design. It offers a two-part system for drivers who prioritize waterproofing and net security. You should choose this if you need a roof-mounted solution with weather protection rather than a truck bed pad. It gives up bike-carrying capability but provides secure, weather-resistant cargo space on the roof.

Quick picks

#	Product	Best for	Price
1	Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad Best overall	Full-size trucks carrying multiple bikes	Check price of Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad on Amazon
2	Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box 48-Inch Also great	Compact truck owners needing accessible cargo storage	Check price of Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box 48-Inch on Amazon
3	Naturnest 12.7 Cu Ft Soft Roof Bag Best budget	vehicles without roof racks	Check price of Naturnest 12.7 Cu Ft Soft Roof Bag on Amazon
4	HubPax Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier Basket Best premium	Heavy hauling with a 2-inch hitch	Check price of HubPax Hitch Mount Folding Cargo Carrier Basket on Amazon
5	Eylar SRX-175 Overlanding Cargo Case Best camping	truck bed overlanding storage	Check price of Eylar SRX-175 Overlanding Cargo Case on Amazon
6	Thule Chasm 80L Gear Hauler Also great	transporting wet or messy gear	Check price of Thule Chasm 80L Gear Hauler on Amazon
7	CROSSHIP 49x36 Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Bag Best with net	carriers needing waterproof bag and net	Check price of CROSSHIP 49x36 Roof Rack Cargo Basket with Bag on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad

Best for: Full-size trucks carrying multiple bikes

Load Capacity: Holds up to 8 bikes
Dimensions: 53 x 17 x 5 in
Vehicle Type: Truck
Weight: 6 pounds

View on Amazon: Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad

This is a flexible tailgate pad designed to protect your truck bed while carrying bikes. It measures 53 by 17 by 5 inches and weighs 6 pounds. The pad holds up to 8 bikes depending on your truck bed size. It features heavy-duty vinyl padding and mesh pockets for gear storage. You should use this if you need to transport multiple bicycles safely without scratching your vehicle.

Pros

Holds up to 8 bikes
Integrated bike separation straps
Backup camera visibility opening
Inside mesh storage pockets

Cons

Full size may not fit compact trucks
No app or remote control
Requires manual strap adjustment

Good fit if

You own a full-size pickup truck
You need to carry multiple bikes
You want to protect your tailgate

Skip if

You drive a compact truck
You prefer a hard shell carrier
You only carry one bike

Verdict: Thule GateMate Pro Full Size Tailgate Pad is a sturdy solution for transporting up to 8 bikes on full-size trucks. It keeps your tailgate safe and your bikes secure with integrated straps.

Also great

Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box 48-Inch

Best for: Compact truck owners needing accessible cargo storage

Capacity: 48-Inch Bed Opening
Installation: Quick Removable Installation
Dimensions: 47.4 x 20.5 x 12.4 inches
Vehicle Type: Truck
Weight: 8 pounds

View on Amazon: Rough Country Truck Bed Cargo Storage Box 48-Inch

This Rough Country box organizes cargo in trucks with 48-inch bed openings. It measures 47.4 x 20.5 x 12.4 inches and weighs 8 pounds. The design slides toward the tailgate for easy access without climbing into the bed. It attaches to existing tie-down points using carabiner hooks and straps. The low-profile fit works under most compatible truck bed covers. You get a 3-year limited warranty with this unit.

Pros

Slides toward the tailgate for easy gear access
Fits trucks with 48-inch wide bed openings
Attaches to existing tie-down points with straps
Low-profile design fits under most bed covers

Cons

Limited to trucks with 48-inch bed openings
No mention of integrated locking mechanisms
Only available in black color

Good fit if

You drive a truck with a 48-inch bed opening
You want to keep gear from rolling around
You need quick removal for extra bed space

Skip if

You have a full-size truck with a wider bed
You need a waterproof sealed container
You require a built-in lock system

Verdict: Rough Country 48-Inch Truck Bed Storage Box is a practical solution for compact truck owners who need organized, accessible cargo space. It suits those prioritizing easy tailgate access and secure attachment to existing tie-down points.

Best budget