Pickup Pad DLX vs Halfside: Which Tailgate Pad Fits Your Truck?

The real fork: full tailgate coverage or half?

The Pickup Pad DLX and Pickup Pad Halfside share the same load-and-go idea, but they solve different problems. The DLX is a full-width pad built for modern tailgates with rear-view cameras, while the Halfside covers just half the tailgate and fits any pickup. Your decision starts with how many bikes you carry and whether you need your tailgate handle and camera to stay clear.

What each pad is designed to do

• Pickup Pad DLX: The DLX pad fits modern tailgates with backup cameras. The large model works best on full-size tailgate designs and has tie-downs for up to seven bikes; the small fits midsize truck tailgates. If you have a full-size truck and regularly shuttle several riders, the DLX is the direct fit. Midsize owners should choose the small rather than forcing the large.

  

• Pickup Pad Halfside: The Pickup Pad Halfside covers just half the tailgate and fits any pickup. It offers space for two bikes with the same padding, tie-down features, and security grommet as the full-size pads, and leaves your tailgate handle and camera exposed. For one or two bikes, the Halfside keeps the other half of your tailgate usable and avoids blocking the handle or rear camera.

  

DLX vs Halfside at a glance

The DLX is the full-tailgate solution for high bike counts on late-model trucks. The Halfside is the minimal-coverage solution for two bikes on any pickup.

• Coverage: DLX: full tailgate width. Halfside: half the tailgate width.
• Bike capacity: DLX large: tie-downs for up to seven bikes. Halfside: space for two bikes.
• Truck fit: DLX: large for full-size tailgates, small for midsize. Halfside: fits any pickup.
• Rear-view camera and handle: DLX is designed for modern tailgates with backup cameras. Halfside leaves the tailgate handle and camera exposed by covering only half.
• Security: Both include a security grommet; the Halfside shares the same padding and tie-down features as the full-size pads.

When the Pickup Pad DLX is the better fit

• You have a full-size truck and carry a crew: The large DLX is made for full-size tailgate designs and has tie-downs for up to seven bikes, so it suits shuttle days and group rides.
• Your truck has a rear-view camera: The DLX is specifically designed to fit modern tailgates with backup cameras, so you do not have to work around the camera cutout.
• You want full-width padding: A full pad protects the entire tailgate contact area and gives you more room to space bikes.

When the Pickup Pad Halfside is the better fit

• You carry one or two bikes: The Halfside offers space for two bikes, which is enough for solo rides or a pair of riders without covering the whole tailgate.
• You want to keep the tailgate handle and camera clear: Because it covers just half the tailgate, the handle and camera stay exposed and usable.
• You drive any pickup and want a universal fit: The Halfside fits any pickup, so you do not need to match a large or small size to your truck.

Sizing caution for midsize trucks

The DLX comes in two sizes, and the catalog is explicit: the large model works best on full-size tailgate designs, while the small fits midsize truck tailgates. If you drive a midsize truck, start with the small DLX. The Halfside avoids this sizing question entirely because it fits any pickup, but it also gives up full-width coverage and high bike capacity.

Common questions

Will the Pickup Pad DLX fit my truck with a backup camera?

The DLX is designed for modern tailgates with rear-view cameras. Check whether your truck is full-size or midsize to pick the large or small model.

Can I carry more than two bikes with the Halfside?

No. The Halfside is a two-bike half pad. For up to seven bikes, choose the large DLX on a full-size truck.

Does the Halfside block my tailgate handle?

No. The Halfside covers just half the tailgate, leaving the tailgate handle and camera exposed.