Stock Tail Gate Weight Limitations

G'day all,

How much weight can the stock tailgate withstand? Want to put my 600 pound Honda ATV in the bed of the Tacoma via ramps, but have no interest in causing damage.

Thanks

 

there has been threads on this before, I could be wrong, I remember there not being a published number.
It is a hollow tailgate, and even the newer 1/2 ton tailgates can't handle a large load anymore. I would not load 600# on my tailgate without any other measures to displace the load. Now, you could easily, add some boards or other method to displace the load to the bed, to alleviate some of the pressure on the tailgate.

 

I’ve had me and 2 other guys sitting on the tailgate before. Likely 550 lbs or so between us and it didn’t even flinch. Long as your ramp engages as much of the tailgate as you can and not just the edge.

 

gate is hollow so... it is on you. also a thing to worry about, is the cable stops, holding the gate. if those fail, you will cause damage to the gate, bumper, and maybe the atv falls out. your results may vary. Ski

 

Thank you all; I was betting on just what you guys said. Other precautions are required to do it safely.
Cheers

 

Just another thought…does the ATV fit within the bed? Or at least do the tires stay in the bed when it’s loaded?

If so just take the tailgate off. It comes off easily…..just ask the tailgate thieves. Then you can ramp it on the bed and not have to worry about it.

 

Good point!
If it won’t fit w the tailgate up, why even risk it!

 

The Honda Rancher 400 ATV is a 2005 version at 600 pounds and is 42 inches across tire to tire. The truck is 42 inches across at the wheel wells. A tight squeeze, but should work. Will have a slight over hang as the bed is 5'1" an the ATV is 5"6" in length, but that's what tie downs are for.
Have not idea why I did not automatically consider removing the tail gate. Gonna blame old age for the forgetfulness ;-)
Cheers

 

When I had my '05 I loaded some 500+lb motorcycles and bowed the gate. Toyota replaced it with the (then) new strengthened version, and it was fine after that. That was a single ramp in the center, probably the most stress it could see.

 

Dang, I think you’ll need overinflated tires and cooking spray,,,, but my math skills are lacking. I’m more of a measure once, and keep cutting kind of guy.
This answer seems to royally piss folks off around here, but I’d consider a small utility trailer. They’re so low, and scratches don’t matter.

 

I just pull mine on a lawn trailer. I sleep in the bed and need the trailer for coolers full of deer meat and ice on the trip back home anyway.

 

It will hold 250ish for sure.....just makes alot of noise when walking on it

 

I had the back tire of my klr on mine. The bike was ratchet strapped down and I went offroading with it in the bed. I had no issues.

 

Distribute the weight if worried, use a flat sheet of plywood strapped down. Still not perfect science but it helps.

 

No grantees but I think you'd be fine as the weight will be distributed towards the edges at the wheels of the ATV as opposed to the center. Plus assuming you drive it in forwards most of the weight will be in the bed once past the tailgate. As others have said put some wood boards or plywood down if you're concerned.

Not sure how much strength these actually add if any but I bought one. It's cool, its metal, its flat, I like it.
https://www.relentlessfabrication.c.../products/2016-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement

 

That tailgate is stronger than you think. The cables are what I would be concerned with, or where they mount as well.

 

I googled it and the word is : 400 pounds.
I wonder if the manual advises.

 

Long bed or short bed?

 

Short

 

I load my 350 Honda rancher into the bed, via ramps and tailgate often. I also load the skidoo as well… (backcountry 146”). The atv just fits between the wheel wells. The skidoo does not. The tailgate always seemed fine. Now, one time the ramp fell off as I was loading the skidoo…. After that little episode I use a ratchet strap and not the wimpy chains the ramp had to hold it in place. I can also say the tailgate looks like it’s banana’d a bit. But it still latches…..