The best truck bed surfboard rack depends on whether you want a padded tailgate mount or a raised cargo rack. The Ho Stevie! tailgate system is best for carrying up to two boards against a tailgate, while the Dakine pad suits multiple longboards or one SUP. The Onefeng pad offers specified dimensions and adjustable straps. For elevated cargo, the JY PERFORMANCE rack is a general-purpose option, while the Ho Stevie! car-roof rack is an alternative for vehicles without a truck-bed setup.
| Product | Best For | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Stevie! Tailgate Rack | Up to two surfboards | Padded tailgate mount |
| Dakine Tailgate Surf Pad | Multiple longboards or one SUP | Contoured tailgate pad |
| Onefeng Tailgate Surf Pad | Buyers who want listed pad dimensions | Strap-on tailgate pad |
| JY PERFORMANCE Ladder Rack | Elevated, long-cargo transport | Clamp-on truck bed rack |
| Ho Stevie! Car Roof Rack | Roof transport as an alternative | Soft vehicle-top rack |
Ho Stevie! Padded Tailgate Surfboard Rack
This padded tailgate rack is best for truck owners who want a simple bed-based way to carry up to two surfboards. The padding supports boards against the tailgate, and the product is described as fitting trucks with a tailgate. Its silicone buckle covers are intended to help prevent scratches.
Choose this if you want to transport boards with or without a board bag or sock. It was selected because it is specifically designed to secure surfboards at a truck tailgate rather than being a general cargo rack. The listing does not specify exact board dimensions or a load rating, so confirm that your boards and intended setup suit the rack before travel.
Dakine Tailgate Surf Pad
The Dakine Tailgate Surf Pad is best for buyers carrying multiple longboards or a single stand-up paddleboard. Its larger design and contoured raised foam are intended to protect surfboards or SUPs in pickup beds, while padded flaps help it fit a variety of tailgate shapes.
It is a good choice if board coverage and a contoured fit are priorities. Unlike a raised ladder rack, this pad places the cargo at the tailgate. The supplied product details do not state a board capacity, exact measurements, or a fastening method, so check the listing and your truck’s tailgate shape before choosing it.
Onefeng Waterproof Tailgate Surf Pad
This Onefeng pad is best for shoppers who want published dimensions and an adjustable strap attachment. The pad is listed as 19.6 inches long and 0.8 inches thick. Its polyester outer material is described as waterproof and easy to clean, and a soft flannelette inner layer is intended to protect truck paint.
Three adjustable straps with rubber-covered cam locks secure the pad to the tailgate. Choose it if those specifications match your truck and you want a pad marketed for surfboards, SUPs, and paddleboards. The listed length is a specific measurement, so avoid assuming it covers the same area as a larger tailgate pad.
JY PERFORMANCE Adjustable Truck Bed Ladder Rack
This is best for buyers who want an elevated, general-purpose rack for long cargo, including surfboards. It is an adjustable steel ladder rack with a listed width range of 49 to 73 inches and a tested load capacity of 800 pounds. The no-drill J-bolt mounting system is designed to clamp onto truck bed side rails and allow removal.
Choose this if you need a versatile rack rather than a dedicated padded surfboard tailgate mount. The product is listed as incompatible with trucks that have toolboxes, utility tracks, or tonneau covers. Its features do not describe surfboard-specific padding or board restraints, so buyers should assess how their boards will be protected and secured.
Ho Stevie! Soft Car Roof Surfboard Rack
This soft rack is best for buyers considering roof transport rather than a truck bed or tailgate mount. It is described as fitting two- or four-door vehicles without crossbars and holding up to three surfboards. Padded supports, an anti-slip base, straps, and buckles are listed features.
It was included as an alternative for shoppers comparing vehicle-top transport options. Choose it if roof loading better suits your setup; avoid it if you specifically need a rack installed in the truck bed. The supplied details do not make it a truck-bed rack, so it should not be treated as a substitute for a tailgate pad or bed-mounted cargo rack.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Truck Bed Surfboard Rack
Should you choose a tailgate pad or a raised rack?
A tailgate pad places boards against a padded surface at the rear of the truck bed. It is a direct option for buyers seeking surfboard-specific tailgate support. A raised ladder rack carries long cargo above the bed, but the listed JY PERFORMANCE features do not specify surfboard padding or board-specific restraints. Compare the rack style with your board protection and securing needs.
How many boards do you need to carry?
Check capacity claims rather than inferring capacity from a product’s size. The Ho Stevie! tailgate rack lists capacity for up to two surfboards, and its soft roof rack lists up to three. Dakine describes use with multiple longboards or a single SUP but does not provide a specific number in the supplied features.
What fit details matter?
For a tailgate pad, check the pad’s dimensions, straps, and stated fit information against your truck. The Ho Stevie! tailgate rack says it fits trucks with a tailgate, while the Onefeng pad lists a 19.6-inch length. For the JY PERFORMANCE rack, verify the 49-to-73-inch width range and note its stated exclusions for toolboxes, utility tracks, and tonneau covers.
How should boards be protected and secured?
Look for clear information about padding, contact surfaces, and fastening hardware. The tailgate options list padding or a soft inner layer, while the ladder rack is designed for broader cargo use. A product’s stated features do not replace checking that each board is adequately restrained for your setup and trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tailgate surf pad carry a SUP?
Some listed products describe SUP use. Dakine specifies a single SUP, and Onefeng lists surfboards, SUPs, and paddleboards. Check each product’s fit and attachment details for your board and truck.
Which option lists capacity for two surfboards?
The Ho Stevie! padded tailgate rack states that it holds up to two surfboards. It can be used with or without board bags or socks, according to its listed features.
Does the JY PERFORMANCE rack require drilling?
The product lists a no-drill J-bolt mounting system that clamps to truck bed side rails. Its stated exclusions include trucks with toolboxes, utility tracks, or tonneau covers.
Is the Ho Stevie! soft car rack a truck bed rack?
No. It is described as a soft rack for vehicle roofs. Consider it only if roof transport is an acceptable alternative to a truck-bed setup.