4 wheeler in bed

Not bad, but previous Silverados short box was easier. Could also shut the tailgate on the Silverado. Yes, coulda went Taco long box....
Coulda went Tundra....
Wise choices, but this 'Ol '04 rancher is the only thing I haul. Once or twice a year, one hour each way. Weighs ~535 lbs.

Anywho, noticing some sag in rear susp. Ive read about some adding a leaf etc. Worth it for this occasional 4 wheeler haul? Also, some times more weight on 4 wheeler also (deer carcass, cooler, bow case), which makes me ponder the more stout suspension.

I have also read some about these Tacos tailgates not being uber strong. Some replace the plastic with metal to make it more rigid? Are there solid, hinged straps available to replace the cables? Stronger option to hold tailgate?
Yes, I should probably get a small trailer....

 

Total Chaos Bed Supports. And a piece of 5/8 plywood in the bed all the way to the tailgate. That should work.

 

Mobtown tailgate aluminum cover, I’m not certain it’s any stronger than OEM, but I like metal over anything else

 

With the weight being distributed between two contact points towards the outer edges of the tailgate I figure you’re probably less prone to bending the tailgate as compared to having a bunch of weight focused in the center. Go metal if you want some peace of mind or add plywood as stated above. As for the suspension I wouldn’t bother for 2-4 hrs of driving a year. Unless you’re looking for an excuse to upgrade? In that case by all means, you definitely need it! On a side note has there ever actually been any testing of these metal skins? Are they really any stronger?

 

I’m thinking they’re not any stronger than the OEM bed material.

But, I got it to replace the plastic on the top of the tailgate, had to get the whole aluminum piece.

The plastic shit piece had to go, mine was all messed up after just one use hauling some furniture.

 

thanks
these? :
http://www.chaosfab.com/2016-2017-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676

 

should I be concerned about making the trip tomorrow as is?

 

Yeah, I got one from relentless that I like but it’s pretty thin and has no ribs so it’s hard to say if it’s any stronger (ribbed plastic vs flat aluminum?). I guess with the rolled edge towards the top and that it’s all one piece probably adds rigidity especially towards the top where it’s most vulnerable I suppose. Tough to say. None the less I much prefer the metal over the plastic and the flat surface is much better for beer resting and grill cooking.

 

should I be concerned about making the trip tomorrow as is?

 

Those are it, a lot of members install them. It won’t make the tailgate any stronger, but you’ll have extra tie down points

 

You will be fine.

 

Those be them. Should have posted the link for you. Lay a piece of plywood in just for drill.

 

I wouldn’t worry too much but in all honesty I’m no expert. I’ve hauled probably somewhere between 1200 and 1700 pounds of giant logs out of a bumpy forest road completely stock with wood hanging probably 8in off the open tailgate on a few different occasions without incident.

 

That being said google image search Tacoma bent tailgate and you might start to worry.

 

trailer...

 

Ive only seen tailgates crack in freezing weather

 

I have hauled mine several times and my gate is slightly bent. I am going to get one of those plates to hopefully stop any further damage. One thing to really watch is if you load facing forward and you have a winch. My roller fairlead used to sit right at the top of the bed. One quick stop would have put it through the rear window. I now have a headache rack in place and the 4 wheeler rests against that.

 

Well the tailgate did fine. I like the tacoma but it does occasionally feel like a sxside compared to my previous trucks.

 

. The 3/4 plywood option makes sense.