Tailgate Bending

I just purchased a 2011 Tacoma V6 SR5 and have heard issues with tailgates bending. I've used my 99 Tacoma and 03 Tundra to carry my Yamaha Grizzly ATVs without any issues. I put my 6 ft ramps on the tailgate and drive up and off all the time without any tailgate issues. In both cases, the tailgates could not be closed, so I traveled with the tailgates down. I've loaded the ATV in this 2011 (shortbed), and carried it around town to make sure it would work. How are the tailgates bending? Is it from loading/unloading or bouncing on the tailgate while being driven down the road? I hope I'm ok--please anyone help!

 

I think Toyota started reinforcing the weak tailgate a few years back. Shouldn't be an issue for you.

 

I have heard the same thing, I've hauled with my '07 for 3 years now without any issues. There was a TSB addressing the issue and it includes putting some extra steel in the tailgate, like a steel channel at the upper edge to reinforce it. From what I've heard the tailgate has bent from loading/unloading using the ramps and also from loads bouncing on the the gate going down the road. The motorcycle I have is long enough where the rear tire is on the tailgate, but in front of where the cables attach and I have not bent the gate yet. The bike weighs in at around 450 or so and I do load it using a single ramp in the center of the tailgate. Short answer, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

x2^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

My 09 doesn't seem to have much reinforcement at all when I took it apart and installed the pop & lock. That being said, it never bent yet from using my quad

 

Good ideas.​

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