Tailgate Weight?

I have an '04 Tacoma and I need to transport my lawnmower to get it tuned/fixed... I want to buy some ramps to get it into the truck and I'm also looking for advice about the tailgate...

1) Should I take off the tailgate to get the lawn tractor in the back? Or will the tailgate hold the weight? Tractor probably weighs about 500 lbs give or take a few... and I weigh about 175 lbs. Will the tailgate hold that kind of weight? I've had 3 guys sitting on it and that's probably about 500 lbs or more, but I'd rather not push it.

2) I need to get some ramps. They can be pretty expensive, so I was thinking of buying a kit, the kind where you buy some 2 x 12's and the metal end pieces and assemble them yourself. Any recommendations from people who have already done this? Your experiences? Wood or just buy a factory made metal ramp? Suggestions on where to buy ramps?

Thanks for your opinions... I'd rather get it right the first time.

 

i've put my 800lb R6 in the bed with no problem. the rear tire even sits on the tail gate through out the trip. and even the dirt bikes sit on tail gate. i don't know the exact limits of the gate but i'm sure ur lawnmower will be no problem!

 

I've got a set of the wood ones and I bought the ends at home depot. I used 2x12's and they work great! I use a single one to load a 400+ lb motorcycle. Just make sure the ramps are long enough so whatever you're loading doesn't bottom out at the top of the ramp. Be weary of the wood ramps if they get wet, they can be very slippery. Something slow moving like a lawn tractor you might want to do something to enhance grip or get a set of metal ramps. I think you can pick up a decent set of aluminum ones for around $100 +/- and they fold nicely.

I don't see an issue with the tailgate holding the weight. Most of the weight will be at the outside of the tailgate where it's supported by the steel cable. If you back the truck up to a ditch or a small hill it makes loading much easier since the incline on the ramps isn't as steep.

 

Your yamaha R6 doesn't weigh 800 lbs... probably a lot closer to 400.

 

Whichever route you go, you may have problems with the mower deck hitting when you drive the mower onto the truck. I have never been able to load my mowers without an arch style ramp or some straight ramp jury rigging to decrease the angle of the ramp at the truck/trailer. You may want to borrow some straight ramps and try them out before committing to a purchase.

Disclosure: I don't own the ramps to which I linked. Linked for reference only.

 

I wouldn't put too much weight on the tailgate directly. It's kinda thin. Maybe if you supported it with a board or plank to share the weight with the bed. My friend really damaged his tailgate when his dirt bike slipped off the ramp and cased on the tailgate.

 

jaso's R6 weighs a bit over 500. my brother bad one! his new R1 does not even weigh 800!

 

i think it can take it. and if you can back up to something thats kind of level with your tailgate and load it that way so the deck doesnt hit.

 

Thats heavy! even wet it should be somewhere around 420lbs. How old is this thing...? Oh wait we need to get back on topic! haha

 

I think LostRebel brings up a very valid point about the mower deck. I'd check that out carefully.

TacoTaro caution on the weight on the tailgate is also valid...I've read on here somewhere that the internal structure in the tailgate is weak...not sure which years or if Toyota corrected it on later years.

FWIW...I've had my Yamaha Kodiak ATV (about 600 lbs) on mine twice without issue....but I used the some extra wood I had laying around to put together this little board to distribute the weight. The wooden dowel fits in the crack between the bed and tailgate to keep it from sliding.

 

HAHA I thought the same thing when I first read that! Even the old school harleys are barely that much!

 

Although I have a 2nd Gen, I load my 36" commercial walk behind mower into my truck bed all the time. I would estimate it weighs around 500lbs. I have some steel folding ramps I bought from home Depot (~$120).

Like someone said, you may have issues with the deck getting snagged. I have to pop a wheelie with the mower for the deck to clear.

You may have to find a small hill and back the truck into it and load it that way to keep the ramps more flat.

I wouldn't trust the 2X's with the weight of the mower, plus like other said, it can get slick if it's wet. The reason I bought the steel ramps is because the expanded steel gives the tires some traction, especially when I have been mowing wet grass and the tires are wet.

 

Thanks everyone for your help.

Yes, I will need to take off the mower from the tractor to get it in the back. I only need to get this in the truck once a year for a tuneup, etc... I'm not good at doing small engine repair and this tractor needs some work.

I'm still looking for a good ramp that I would trust. Thinking of going the "2 x 12 plank of wood" route and making it about 7'-8' long if possible. Been looking on craigslist for something affordable in metal though.

I will also probably put a piece of board on the tailgate so it doesn't go through. I do think the cables will hold the weight but the plastic cover might not. Wish I knew someone with a trailer...

 

you can always rent a small uhaul trailer for about $20

 

maan im happy i bought a gixxer i didnt realize how heavy them R6's are..

 

The R6 isn't that heavy... the wet weight is 417 lbs. Maybe the older ones are slightly heavier but 450 tops.