Tailgate strength?

Can our tailgates handle loading a sled or quad with the standard ramps that hang on to the tailgate? They are very thin/flimsy compared to a fullsize... I have a 2012....................

 

They are not strong, there are several threads on here about reinforcing them. They're very flimsy compared to any fullsize truck's tailgate.

 

I run my Honda Foreman 500 up a standard set of ramps on to the tailgate without any issues. I have an 05 Tacoma. One thing you need to think about is your rear window. I put a headache rack on my truck to protect the window after the first time I had my 4 Wheeler in the bed. Not much distance between the bed and the window and my winch rollers were bumping the window.

 

I get that just by looking at it... But my question/concern was are people loading with ramps like you would a full size or is that a no no with this truck

 

I was with a buddy in his ram and the winch smashed the rear window out right out.. Not good...

 

I have loaded a number of 450 lb motorcycles, FWIW.

 

2x on checking the tailgate reinforcing. I got a 09 at work and the boys have destroyed the tailgate when loading tree stumps. First mod on my 13 was a relentless tailgate reinforcement.
http://www.relentlessfabrication.us/online-store.php#!/~/product/category=3368787&id=14437186

 

I want to throw my sled in a few times this yearand the plan is to get a quad next fall... Dont want to try loading the sled with ramps and bend it next week lol

 

The newer tailgates are stronger than the earlier years. I don't know the weight restriction though. I used to put ramps on and drive my Yamaha warrior up them quite a few times and never had any issues.

 

I don't even like standing on mine. My 12 is sagging, not sure if it's because of the cables or not though.

 

If you use the tailgate often, you can get a reinforcement plate from Relentless Fab

 

sliding my 400 sport quad out of the bed caused my gate to buckle in the center when the swing arm skid caught the gate. Brother-in-law has bent 2 gates by having a snowmobile in the bed with the gate down. Reinforce the gate or be ready for a bent tailgate eventually.

 

http://www.relentlessfabrication.us/online-store.php#!/~/product/category=3368787&id=14437186

 

Don't know about much else but a suzuki LTF500 goes on nicely.

 

You just answered your own question. The tailgate will fold with weight on the edge... beef it up to spread the weight evenly rather than concentrated in one spot.

 

I had a 70# bag of sand slide into my tailgate and bend it. Took it off and dropped a bale of hay on it. Flattened out, mostly Not the strongest design, the internal reinforcement is just crimped around the edges and glued elsewhere On the other hand I've stacked a couple hundred pounds on it with no problems... yet.

 

My next purchase since I put alot of tools in my bed on a regular basis.