How much weight can a 2020 Tacoma tailgate hold?

So, a bit of GoogleFu found these definitive links:

Some maths: http://www.ridertailgate.com/loading-truck-bed-using-ramps-s1/

An old TW thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-cable-strength-and-reinforcement-possibilities.97121/

Finally, the correct answer (another win for TW): https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-strap-upgrade-from-cables.338693/

: - )

 

Was going to suggest the same thing, you beat me to it. Pet peeve of mine, there isn't 1" plywood unless you get some expensive cabinet grade stuff. Its 1 1/8" thick, which is the common thickness.

 

Many people have bent the tailgate on the 2nd gen and not broken the tailgate straps. The 3rd gen is a stronger tailgate, but you'd still assume the straps are NOT the weakest point.

 

Yeah the straps won’t break. The tailgate bends down the center. If you take the plastic cover off, the tailgate itself is pretty flimsy sheet metal.

 

OP- this is all you need. A local guy here makes them for $800 CAD ($600 or so USD)

Aluminum frame will distribute the weight nicely.

Fast forward video to 2:30

 

Do you set up a ramp to unload it every time? I would be most worried about it fucking up the tailgate when you goose it in reverse off the truck bed. like ^ above, i put a sheet of plywood down over the tailgate and into the bed, with a piece of wood that fits into the gap for the tailgate. That keeps it in place so it doesn't move around.

I think over a few years if you dont have something really thick and solid for the sled to rest on, you'll eventually bend and fuck up the tailgate

a trailer is usually more hassle than its worth unless you're hauling 3+ sleds. Some mountain passes/roads dont allow trailers in the winter. loading is about as easy as a dirtbike...unloading, just put it in reverse and pin'er (or back into a snow bank.

 

Or, just buy a trailer to haul the thing and spare your truck bed/tailgate. I would much rather comfortably drive a 4-wheeler, motorcycle, lawnmower, etc, onto a trailer rather than on my truck. Trailers aren’t that expensive and they’re made for this task.

 

Don't think that'll work on our trucks. Won't fit between the wheel wells.

 

ummppffff....

All the weight of the frame, snow machine and rider are concentrated on the edge of the tailgate.

Only advantage is the loads are near the ends of the tailgate and not in the center.

Trailer is the option. You can get a 4x8 trailer from a farm store, Northern Tools, Harbor Freight...... Then deck it with the material you want. All cost in you'd spend less than replacing/repairing a tailgate.

 

Haha I didn’t realize this thread was still going. My guess for point of failure would have been a point load to the middle of the tailgate just like you’re showing in your photo here. Nice pic.

I wonder if you could install a t-section underneath the plastic panel to act as a compression flange to prevent this type of buckling failure. I also wonder if the tailgate is the limiting factor in the payload rating?

 

I’m sure different widths are made. My local guy will make a custom one to the specs of the 5’ box for same cost.

Most mountain sleds with skis set to “narrow” will fit between the wheel wells. (Skidoo summits will at least)

@Knute Most of the weight is at the front, under the engine. The back of the rack has less than 200lbs on it, which is very evenly distributed but the aluminum frame. The issue isn’t the total weight on the tailgate, it’s the PSI, especially if it’s all in the middle of the tailgate. Additionally, the concern you brought up about losing if fairly negligible IMO being that it is distributed to the edge of the tailgate.

 

@CdnSldr....

When the sled is loaded onto the inclined ramp, the ramp only has contact at the edge of the tailgate. Before the rider climbs off the sled ALL the weight is concentrated at the 2 contact points from the ramp on the edge of the tailgate.

Yes, when lifted to horizontal and pushed into the bed, all should be within reason. The loading is the concern.

Until the ramp is horizontal and the rollers make contact with the bed, the weight is on the tailgate.

 

True. I trail ride so my ski width isn't even close. Barely fit between on my f150.

 

I think you should trade in that Polaris for a Yamaha. other than that, no opinion...

 

Listed weight limit is 400 pounds.

 

Works for me on a 2nd gen.

 

Yep. Most people in the thread are talking about static loading (weight while the truck isn't moving.) Dynamic loading is your bigger concern.. like hitting a large speed bump and having the rear of the sled come down on your tailgate. A couple hundred lbs could turn into a thousand lbs of force.