How tough is the tailgate 2024 Taco

Hi…new member here, who remains hopeful that a new 2024 Tacoma will be practical. How sturdy is the tailgate? I just sold my big 2500 Dodge Ram, and would like to use a Tacoma to haul a few three-string bales of hay (bales are about 100 pounds each). Four or five would not exceed the payload rating. But, would dragging big bales across the tailgate bend it, or damage the hinges? Still need a truck, not a car. Gate likely comes off, but I don’t want to run without a tailgate, for safety and a little additional rear weight. Anyone jump on their gate? Bounce a few butts on it when off-roading (I will only be hauling over pavement)? How tough does Toyota design the tailgate? Thanks…

 

I have a 2023, and 2024 should be at least as strong.

They make bed tents for short bed Tacomas ... the tailgate serves as part of the sleeping surface. And the opened tailgate is how people enter/exit the tent. Also look at the cables the help support the weight when open. I sit on the tailgate, at least for short periods.

Bouncing on it may not be wise, though.

 

Thanks for your comments. I even typed to Toyota USA for gate specs (as per weight loading) but they have not answered yet. People who use the Taco beds for sleeping in a “bed tent” are going to likely add more stress on a tailgate than I would. A couple people sitting on an open gate would be heavier than a bale of hay. Makes me optimistic about the weight-bearing capabilities of the tail gate. I will have a closer look at the cables, and their attachments. Appreciate your feedback.

 

Welcome aboard!

I don’t know the tailgate’s specific weight limit, but I see people load appliances and dirt bikes into Tacomas all the time. I’m pretty sure it can handle hay bales.

If Toyota USA doesn’t respond, a dealership can probably track down the weight limit.

 

Thanks sublimaze. Do people drop the gate though, when loading these things? (I haven’t asked a salesperson if you can unhook the cables to quickly lower the gate) like you would in a full-size truck. Some people may not care if they bend their gate? I care about the appearance of my rides. If you can push/pull a dirt bike or large appliance over the “normal down position” of the gate, without bending it,…sounds sturdy.

 

If you are concerned, bring a 50 lb weight to the dealership you intend to buy from. Ask if you can put it on the open tailgate of an in-stock unit. I suspect the salesperson will be proud to show off the tailgate ability.

 

Thanks…but a 50# weight would be half the weight of a single three-string bale of alfalfa. I don’t have to worry about throwing them onto the gate ‘cause all I can do is drag them anyway,….huff, puff. I DID think of asking a large sales rep to stand on a gate within their own in-stock inventory.

 

You can hire my big butt for the price of lunch ...

 

If you have a big butt, I don’t wanna have to pay for your lunch…might be pricey?

 

Just joking. Nor more than usual for someone who is 5'10".

Seriously, if people can sit on the tailgate (with those side cables helping) and people slide in/out while sleeping in the truck bed, the occasional set of hay bales will be fine.

BUT ...

IF you plan to use the truck bed as a truck bed, get some bed stiffeners which also add tie-down points ... I added TotalChaos bed stiffeners ...

 

Thanks RichochetRabbit, for your further comments, and suggestion of adding bed stiffeners. I didn’t even know such things existed. Those look like a great idea if you have something resting on the sidewalls of the bed, like a canopy (etc) and boat rack (possibly kayak?). I have been asking around for more information on the bed stiffeners (and different brands of “such stuff”). A few people are highly recommending them (all off-roaders) and a few say stiffeners are not necessary at all. Confusing.

 

Mine are probably not necessary ... yet. Putting a solid cap on ... yes, recommended. Much tail-wagging off-road ... helps. For $180, cheap insurance AND more tie-down points.

View it as more place to tie ropes that hold down hay bales.

TotalChaos is a good brand, RCI metalworks makes some. But any angled/attached brackets will be better than "just trust the bed".

 

As tough as the stock spare tire.

 

Me personally Ive had more than the recommended weight on the tailgate. (giant inflatable that was too heavy for me to lift). No issues. I doubt you would do any damage with hay bales. I wouldn't necessarily bounce it if you could avoid it but if you have part of it in the bed and some on the tailgate you should be fine. Just dont do 50mph offroad lol