dcsb hauling dirt bikes question.

Ok so lately Ive been having to haul my bikes since i no longer own a dual sport. Are the metal d rings twards the front of the bed good strength? Ive heard the movable rings are a no go. Any tips on securing them securely would be appreciated. My truck is a 2013 did they re enforce the tailgate at this year?

here she is with 3 bikes.

 

You have factory D rings at the front?

 

My 2010 didn't come with anything in the front so I installed some D rings and they were fairly strong. Here's what came stock on my 2014 up front... They are definitely strong, way better than those slider cleat things at the top sides of the bed.

 

The ones in the bed should be ok. There are places that make nice motorcycle mount for the bed a few guys here have them so maybe try a search. I wouldn't trust the plastic things on the bed rail. Also may wanna look into a tailgate cap from KB voodoo. To save your tailgate from bending.

 

I've been using the same hooks posted in the picture with the quad. Mine came stock with those. Just wasn't sure how strong they were. I wouldn't trust the slider cleats. I don't even have them on, does any one know if they ever re enforced the tail gates at a certain year?

 

I've never had a tailgate issue loading my quad with either trucks (10 & 14) but my tires weren't resting on the gate like they are with your bikes. I would probably add a reinforcement to the gate if I had weight on it like that while in transit.

 

what would be good reinforcement? something thats easily removable

 

MobTown Offroad sells a tailgate skin that would offer better protection, and could be easily removed if desired. A tailgate cap is also available from the same company.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/reinforced-steel-tailgate-skin-by-mobtown-offroad.362796

 

Here's a group buy going on for a corner tie down. I'm in the same boat using them for my bike.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-rail-corner-gusset-tie-down-brackets-gb-feeler.363734/

 

Just curious why do you want something removable? I hear great things about voodoo and can personally vouch for the relentless fab reinforcement. Both good options

 

Also I know at least the mobtown offering can have the original gate plastic skin put back over top of that reinforcement plate so that everything still looks stock (if that's a concern)

 

the mobtown skin is nice but doesn't add the strength that KBVoodoo's tailgate cap adds,no reason to remove either, they both look factory

 

only reason I said removable was because I figured the re enforcement would be in the way or bulky. Never saw one before this haha.

 

Check out relentless fab. Again, there are other good options as well but I love mine. Not in the way at all. If you get aluminum it's not too heavy and still plenty strong. If you put the factory plastic over it you barely notice it's there

 

The sliding cleats are not strong enough to tie the bikes down to but they make nice "bumpers" to keep your front wheel from turning after you secure the handlebars to the D rings via compression straps.

I hauled my bike (1 bike, long bed) many times with no tailgate issues but I went ahead and got a tailgate reinforcement anyway. With 3 bikes, tires resting on the gate, plus the weight of a man moving around on the gate during loading; I think you should get the reinforcement. Better safe than sorry.

 

Yeah those plastic cleats aren't strong at all. If you try ratchet strapping them you very quickly see them start to flex. Only time I use mine are for light loads and either put bungee cords on them or ratchet strap very lightly.

 

I use a 3/4" piece of plywood when loading heavy items on the tailgate, after I bent it from too much weight. It's cut to fit between the wheel wells and the same length as the bed with the tailgate down. If I go somewhere unloaded, I just sit it on the tailgate cap. All aerodynamic like. For light loads like my kayak, I don't even bother.

 

TE="Sugar Silva, post: 10364012, member: 125848"]Check out relentless fab. Again, there are other good options as well but I love mine. Not in the way at all. If you get aluminum it's not too heavy and still plenty strong. If you put the factory plastic over it you barely notice it's there

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Love my relentless fab tailgate plate. I put the stock oem cover over it without any issues.

 

Quads from my view seem to disperse the weight more across the tailgate. I need to start running a strap through the rear rims or swing arm. When I hit a bump on the highway the bikes jump and slam the tailgate and give me a slight heart attack.