Loading motorcycle... too much weight on tailgate?

Thinking about getting a Tacoma and had a general question about hauling motorcycles in the bed. Are there any issues with weight when placing a ramp against the the lowered tailgate, then riding a bike into the bed? Not a cruiser or anything, but a sportbike and rider? So 400lb bike and 200lb rider?

Is this too much weight to put on the outer edge of the tailgate (with the ramp), or is it not a problem?

 

There are a few after market tailgate reinforcement panels available. They replace OEM inner panel on tailgate.

 

Here's a picture of my 2019. These bikes are about 320lbs each, and I'm a little over 240. I loaded them using some cheapo ramps, then ratchet strapped them down using the D rings in the bed going over the back and down to the hitch receiver through the crack between the tailgate and the bed. Didn't get the ratchet straps that tight, just enough to keep the back wheels from migrating. Tailgate did fine even with me standing on it with both bikes loaded, and did fine on the drive from Dallas to Lake City Colorado and back again.

 

@Mobtown Offroad makes a tailgate reinforcement skin in steel or aluminum. The controlled fall of the tailgate is sped up since it is metal/heavier, but this is probably the most useful mod on my truck. Stops the gate from getting bent and spreads the pressure out. No issues hauling bikes long distances.

One other thing I’d suggest are some additional D-rings that mount to the frame bolts in the bed. The ones on the side of the bed are just mounted to the composite bed and can crack.

 

I haul my drz 400 in the back of my truck all the time. Never had a problem.

 

The center of the tailgate is gonna be the weakest point. There have been incidents. I used to haul 3 & 4 wheelers in the beds of my S-10s since the early 80s. Never a prob with the gates, & I ain't a small guy weight wise. I'd definitely get a reinforcement panel if I were to start hauling them in my Taco, tailgates ain't cheap, and the panels are reasonable. Piece of mind is priceless.....

 

I loaded up a 1200 GS. I don't have any tailgate reinforcement. If it can handle that beast, you'll be fine with your bike.

 

You should be just fine

 

Any pictures of the D-rings you are talking about that mount to the frame bolts in the bed?

 

Cool. Was mainly worried about breaking the hinges/retaining cables due to the weight when riding the bike up the ramp, but it doesn't look that that's a problem.

 

As others have said.. you're good to go. I've hauled an SV650 a couple thousand miles like this with no problems.

When I bought the truck I *thought* I'd be taking the bike with me frequently on weekend trips.. the reality is the shell stays on most of the time and the bike stays home. I haven't yet created a lift/removal system (for the shell) in the garage but hear that makes life simple.

Now that the truck is lifted getting the bike up in the bed with my ramps is sketchy AF.. at least from the beach where the ramps/tires always have some sand on them.

 

I have loaded/ hauled numerous bikes that way. The heaviest being my my triumph thruxton (over 500 lbs). I normally ride them up the ramp. Never had any issues (knock on wood).

 

Awesome possum.

 

Always made me nervous but I loaded my FZ1 motorcycle in the bed all the time. Tailgate did fine. I used two ramps, one for the bike which I throttled up the ramp and one to walk up. Got those make your own ramp kits at Homo Depot and made em out of 2x6's. Also carried my sled in the bed a whole bunch, but loaded with a snowbank so very little weight on the tailgate. I would however simply drop it off the back and the weight of the sled would bear on the tailgate, sled was probably 650 lbs wet.

 

Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to cover the bed and tailgate. It will spread the weight out.

 

You get a like just for owning a Thruxton...

 

No issues here. I drove up lobo overlook with this in the bed one time too.

 

As said above, plywood would be much cheaper solution if you are worried about it.

Random internet photo.

 

Old pic as I’ve since added more, but the two D-rings in the front of the bed are what I added and they are a SOLID tie down point. Part number

$37 PT278-35054 Toyota Tacoma Cargo Bed D-Ring Pair 2005 06 07 08 09 10 11

PT278-35054.



Here’s a helpful thread about it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/d-rings-in-front-of-bed.441101/