Loading atv's. tailgate on or off?

I use my taco to transport a Yamaha timberwolf 250. I've been taking the gate off to load. But do I really need too? Atv weighs about 300. I weigh 140 how many of you leave it on?

 

Leave it on. The gate will hold more than you think. The compression of the rear suspension helps in the matter.

 

You should be fine leaving the tailgate on. It's not like you're leaving it on the tailgate as you drive.

 

Well, I suggest; that you take the tailgate inside,cover off, (it is only a few screws) and take a good look at what is under that cover.

You will see a very light metal framework, with huge gaps between the webs of metal.

Open the tailgate and just stand on the tailgate; you are being supported by the black, tailgate cover; and not much else.

The metal webs, I spoke of; you can distort them with your fingers. These webs have huge holes between them; and there is a good chance, that when you are standing on the tailgate, only a fraction of an inch of metal is under your shoe.

SO, for the nay-sayers. Take the cover off and look at it; before you make an assumption.

Personally, I beefed up my tailgate with a sheet of metal that goes full length and width. After I saw some others, bent beyond repair.

The first poster, who asked this question; asked about a 250 Timberwolf.
NMWill: You may be Ok, with that machine as it is on the lighter side, of ATV's. Beef-up your tailgate if you get a heavier machine. It will save you in the longrun.

I still chuckle at one poster here, when we were discussing rear springs; he thought his lawn mower was heavy load.